New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-04
A TAHHANY DEVICE.

The revival Just at this time, by direction CO
the Tammany leaders, Of the painful hi~'Hry OF
the collapse of the Ulster County Savings In
stitution nearly thirteen years ago can hardly
fail to be accepted as a disclosure of their real
feelings toward Judge Parker, who was one of
its trustees. Indeed, appearing in 1.-THE Tam
many Times" il must be regarded as an
thent1c though not specifically avOwed, decla-
ration of hostility on the part of the organiza-
ton. Heretofore Tammany spokesman have
protested that their Gction, in Directing to the
instruction Of the New+Yorl delegates for Judge
Parker by the State convention did not indicate
opposition to his candidacy, and they have even
appeared willing 10 have It supposed that the
attitude Of the organization reflected n sincere
belief that Judge Parkers fortunes would be
impaired rather than promoted by instructions.
There has been some difficulty from the first
in taking these protestations of solicitude for
his interests at their face value, and the pub
LEGATION in The Tammany Times seems to
prove them invalid beyond doubt
Those who would like to find an explanation
Of this occurrence consistent with the theory
that Tammany is favorably disposed toward
Judge Parker and regards his candidacy with
satisfaction may say that it was well TO re-
count at this time the facts connected with the
Iooting of the savings bank and the distress
and wrath Of its depositors, inasmuch as the
and there is now ample opportunity for every
body TO ascertain that he was not guilty, or
even suspected. of any moral fault. But no
body who has read the story of that melancholy
affair as It appears in the Tammany organ can
possibly imagine that 1t was dictated by friend
ship for Judge Parker 1t would put a hard
strain on the patience of those who in
charge Of his canvass If it merely told in a cold
and impartial manner how the bank was robbed
hnS
been TO fraudulent operations which had been
going on for many years, how positive
their assurances that the defalcation was small
and the bank sound, how their sanguine repre-
sentatiOns only n few days before the State
authorities took possession and a receiver was
appointed, dispelied the fears OF depositors and
lured them back, and how conspicuously Judge
Parker had figured as a trustee In the process
OF restoring mistaken confidence
If the narrative which has just been pub
Ished at the instance of Tammany were merely
such a dispassionate rehearsal Of the facts it
would still be hard to escape the conclusion that
the organization was eager 10 convey sugges-
tons of Judge Parkers lack Of training in prac-
teal matters OF his confiding nature and his
essential unitness TO discharge some Of the
most important obligations imposed upon the
President OF the United States But THE
Tammany Times" compilation is far from being
cOlOrleSS. Inc temper OF II IS Enthusiastically
malicious, II not malignant. 1t is chiefly made
I'D of extracts from newspaper reports made at
the time and care has been taken to select those
that reflect most strongly the bitter feelings
which such an occurrence always arouses. The
purpose OF anticipating a hostile Republican
sensation" is asserted. but the relish with
which the task was undertaken is strikingly
apparent.
In other parts OF the country Tammany's
ways are regarded as past finding out. In this
city, at least they are well understood, and no
body here would be surprised If the Democratic
IN case this sinister attack fails
to accomplish its object, should disavow respon-
sibility for II, and, under stress OF circum-
stances embrace the New-York candidate with
every appearance Of fervor. But the present |
intention is obvious. At the moment when the
confidence of Judge Parker's supporters is wav-
ering. if not beginning to decline, Tammany
takes reckless liberty with his name by recit-
ing record from which 1t hopes that tmid
Democrats will draw conclusions prejudicial TO
his reputation. 1t is a cruel trick but danger
GUS, and in both respects characteristic Of those
10y whom it is played.