New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-09-29
DEMOCRATIC LOGIC.

The Democratic campaign in this State is
worthy of profound study as a specimen or
logic The Hill convention nominated for Gov
ernor a man who as Justice of the Supreme
Court continued for several years TO he the ac-
five boss of one of the most corrupt political
machines in the country The fattering recon-
mendation by his chief newspaper supporters
of Justice Herrck's promotion consists of dec
larations that in the high Office he now holds
his career has been an improperly and
scandal: that while on the bench he was the
master Of a political organization which knew
no law but the law of success" and achieved
success by vote buying. ballot box stufing and
every crime known TO venal politics" and that
he was "a disgrace TO the judiciary" and must
expect condemnation unless the press had be-
come as foul as Justice Herrck's court. These
are all opinions Of supporters Of the judge-boss
"A term not invented this year for a campaign
cry, but current in the Albany newspapers ten
years ago as the Characterization Of Justice
Herrick
Having nominated the man who thus de-
graded the judiciary and dragged the ermine in
the mire Of corrupt politics, the Democrats pro
fess deep concern for official dignity and pro-
priety and are shocked at the spectacle of a
Governor taking an interest in politics and not
being hypocrite enough 10 do it in secret. They
demand the election of their unjudiclal judge on
the strength of slashing charges Of corruption
brought against the present Governor in their
platform, charges which their own newspaper
supporters declare 10 be extravagant and I'M
founded. The New-York Times" has never
heard Of any act that would bring the Gov
ernor's personal integrity under suspicion"
The Brooklyn Eagle begs Democratic spell
binders 10 ignore a charge which, missing the
man against whom it is aimed. is Internally
likely to kick over any spellbinder or any news
paper that tries TO fire it off The New
York World" says that mo evidence has ever
been produced TO impeach the Governors in
''tegrity or TO show that the public revenues
are largely diverted to private profit" as
charged
The Republicans have nominated for Governor
a man described by Democratic editors who
are opposing him as "a good type of the up
state business man and a gentleman in poll
tics" "a good, clean cut citizen whose record
will not be made an issue Of the campaign by
Democrats; as "a reformer in State admins
tTation," an independent courageous man who
in the legislature followed his conscience and
could be brought by no party pressure to vote
for what he thought was wrong; as lone OF the
most noted and respected Republicans in the
public life of New-YOrk State" one than whom
there is no worthier candidate in his partys
circle" These are not our tributes TO Mr..
Higgins. or our criticisms Of Justice Herrick, or
our refutations Of the reckless charges of the
Democratic platform. They are the opinions
set forth by newspapers which are opposing Mr..
Higgins and asking the people TO make Justice
Herrick Governor.
Thus the argument of the Democrats amounts
10 this: The people are asked to reward man
with the GOvernorshIp for having as they say.
scandalously filed judgeship, so as 10 defeat
a man whom they proclaim honest and indie
pendent, for the sake of furnishing another man,
who is not a candidate. for crimes Of which they
declare he is not guilty. That Is the logic of
the Hill campaign.