New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-17
EGO7TSu AND OTTER THINGS.

Mr.. Jerome's extraordinary performance as a
letter writer is in itself sufficient comment on
his assertion that Mr.. Low is egOtist and has
nc sense Of humor. There is no use I'm discuss
ing egotism or humor with a man who can
parade his personal feelings as public consdera-
tons with supreme self-cOnhdence and solem-
nifty which would arouse the envy Of the tragic
muse. In its last analysis Mr.. Jerome's letter
declares that. while Mr.. Low has been an ex-
cellent Mayor and deserves reelection on all
public grounds. he should he set aside because
bis personality is not agreeable 10 Mr. Jerome
Undoubtedly tastes differ. Some people like an
cratic. hothesded man who cannot resist The
temptation 10 say sensational things and who
makes a vast deal OF noise over doing n sim
pic piece OF work. Others like a quiet clear
thinking. steady going person who does his
work well the year around without stopping to
be spectacular. Mr.. Jerome is entitled to his
natural preference. but We are inclined to be-
ieve that The majority OF the voters Of New
York prefer the quiet self-contained worker TO
m nmusingly erratic personality in the Mayors
chair
II is unnecessary 20 consider OF public con-
sequence what Mr.. Jerome thinks il good taste
70 say about Mr.. Lows election 10 the pres-
dency Of Columbia University. or bis ''disn-
penuousness" in the campaign OF 1897. We are
at present concerned with perpetuating the good
government which Mr.. Jerome saws Mr. Low
hes given us Neither is Il necessary 10 take
UP seriously the proposition that the indepen-
dent Democratic objection TO Mayor Low is not
really has Repuhllcanism, but indignation at his
ussociatsng himself with the President thereby
hurting a man loved by many who are opposed
TO him politically. and I'm a State where I'm his
"own time OF trial he win desperately need
f~ianSfv supuarcn Ia oap
Jerome's concern for President Roosevelt's vel
fare is touching. but hardly pertinent to the
discussion. In fact the only two pertinent
things IN his letter are the assertions that Re
publican support OF Mr. Low is not sincere and
that the Mayor is personally unpopular not be-
cause Of his adherence to reform principles. but
owing % IFS alleged vanity. timidity and per
sonal unlovsbleness.
With regard 10 the FIRST assertion. II nav be
IN order 10 remind Mr. Jerome that in one OF
his former wildcat" fights two years ago he
charged the Republicans with the same insin-
cerity toward himself which he now charges
that they feel toward Mr.. Low. little later
ne was glad 20 apologize for HIS imputation and
secure the Office which be now holds through
the hearty support Of the Republican organiza-
zion. which. without the slightest proof he de-
nounced FOR treacbery. Mr. Jerome's Judgment
the question OF Republicen sincerity is
scarcely Trustworthy. He "sees red" too easily
As for the Mayors popularity. 81 Is 10 be said
that whatever may be bis personal tempera-
ment he had Il in 1881 and in 1888 and in 1897
and In 1901 -Four times he has been before the
people Three times be has won. and the other
;ime he was defeated only through divided
counsel The people knew Seth Low two wears
ago IS vel as they know him now. His per