The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1903-11-10

OF the 1sthumus, seeing tnelr own rights so ont
rageously disregarded, and their own future nro,
poets so blighted, by the greedy adventures of
Colombia, resolved to shake off the shacklos 90
that government. This they have done, and i
looks now as if they have already achieved their
independence. We trust that this means the
early building of the long-discussed Isthmian
Canal.
Tammany's Return to Power.
OF the elections last week, that in New York
City interested the largest number of people. And
here Tammany won a sweeping victory. Two
years ago, it will be remembered, this organiza-
ton, so long in the ascendency, became so noto-
riously corrupt and was so clearly in league with
vice and crime, that a combination of RepubG-
cans and Independent Democrats, styled the Citi.
zens' Union, triumphantly elected a fusion re-
form ticket Seth Low, a Republican, formerly
President of Columbia University, was chosen
mayor, while among the Independent Democrats
elected were Edward M. Circuit, candidate for
Comptroller, and Charles w. Fornes, candidate
for President of the Board of Aldermen. It can
not be doubted that this fusion administration
has made an excellent record, that it has given the
city better government than Tammany has ever
given it. But nevertheless Tammany now returns
to power. Defeated two years ago by $4,000 ma
jority, it won last week by $4,000.
And for this result three noteworthy influences
are responsible. First, the personality of Mayor
Low. A good man at heart undoubtedly, MI. Low
lacks tact, political skill, the quality of leader
ship; he is cold and unlovable. This caused a
strenuous effort to prevent his denomination, and
dampened the ardor of his supporters after he
was named.
In the second place, party feeling was invoked
in Tammany's behalf. The Democrats believed
that the success of their State and National tick
cts next year would be menaced by the re-elec-
ton of the Republican Low. AS Mr.. ". b. Rus
sell, speaking for that large number of ~Independ-
ent Democrats who returned to Tammany, de-
clared: eve are opposing Mr.. Low, not because
we do not believe that he has given the people Of
the city an administration which is fully entitled
to their Endorsement from the standpoint of ell
cheney, uprightness, and economy, but because as
Democrats we are anxious to bring to an end the
power of Roosevelt and Odell,- and see ahead a
frst-class opportunity of accomplishing that de-
sired result. tits our firm conviction that MI
Roosevelt can not carry this State in 1904 unless
a Republican mayor is elected in New York city
this year"
The third influence which made for the lam
many victory was it's nomination of Circuit ana
Fornes to succeed themselves. Both had appa'
rently proved themselves capable and trust
worthy, and there was such confidence IN tneR
integrity that many voters who would not nave
supported ordinary Tammany candidates were
won by this fine stroke of policy in taking over
Grout and Fornes.
But a corrupt tree does not bring forth gooo
fruit. For a time Tammany will undoubtedly
conduct itself more decently than it did two years
ago, but if the people relapse into their uSual
apathy, it will rapidly drift back to its former
n-ractices This time Il had the united support