New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-08
ME-. NFKoN's TESTIMONY.

The logic % Lewis Nixon'S statement on the
local political situation is support OF the fusion
ticket though doubtless Mr.. Nixon. who has
striyen hard TO reform Tammany from the in
side. had no such thing in mind when il was
issued. Nevertheless. IL is not at all impossi-
bic that when Murphy enters the campaign, as
he doubtless Will refusing 10 give the people
what Mr. Nixon says they have a right 10 de-
mand and have for ten years been demanding.
Mr. Nixon may at last see light and take place
on what be himself considers the right side Of the
issue OF good government especially since be
declares that an independent vote this year
argues no disloyalty TO the Democratic party OF
the nation.
Mr.. Nixon's declaration is one OF the most i'm
pressive indictments Of Tammany that have been
seen for n long time. He is an honest man who
s loyal 10 Tammany and tries TO believe in II.
He has sincerely tried 10 make Of it a decent
organization which honorable men could sup
port He WIS member Of the committee Gre
atcd by Croker 10 investigate vice and fool peo-
pie into thinking that Tammany wanted reform.
He went at the work IN good faith, and made
report which Tammany dared not publish. Then
he was made iitJlsr bead 81 the Tammany or
eanzation. but soon Withdrew in disgust. letting
IL be known that under the conditions existing
Il was place no sef-respecting man could hold.
SIN. be is loyal 20 the organization. wants 10
see Il worthy o. public confidence, and when be
pictures lis shortcomings and the demands OF
the people be does il from the point Of view OF
q friend. Yet no devoted fusOnist coulu give
better reasons 10 Democrats for casting their
votes against Tammany.
In the FIRST place. he disposes utterly OF the at
tempt 10 dSht this campaign on national issues.
"A men he, d former header and loyal member OF
TsUmauy Hall tells Democrats that vote
for fusion this year does not Deneer them in
eligible 10 vote Tor Democratic Presidential
electors next wear" reminds them how easily
They turned Mr. Shepard's minority on local
issues into large Coler majority on State
issues. and says that he is sure a large body OF
the Democratic voters have local issues In mind
and win act on them whether the leaders do or
not. ne leaves no reason for scrIIple against
fusion vote 81 the mind Of any honest Demo
orrt lie is right IN reminding politicians that
the old Character Of Tammany has not been
forgotten IN two wears What he calls certain
ro!ice and commercial reforms" otherwise free
dom from police grating" and blackmaillng
the infamous cadet system" which be invest
gated the Tammany habit OF working for its
Own pocket al the tsme-are just i pertinent
matters Ct concern now as they were two years
ago. The Tammany which Mr.. Nixon cries out
against il the Tammany which the majority Of
tbe people have been voting against as be says
for ten years. ard IL is the Tamnany which
M1rphy end bis district leaders stand Cor.
As afr shepard pointed out in 1897 the Tam
nlnny which was running Van Wick was the
sarne old burning and disgraceful blot which
the city knew under Gilroy. only IL had been