New-York tribune., 1904-08-06
TAGGART'S FRANK TALK.
SHOCKS TARIFF TINKERS.
Says Constructive Legislation Is IN
likely Euen If Parker Wins.

Thomas TaEgart, chairman of the Denocrat''
National Committee. in a talk last night at 'ii7
Hoffman House to the reporters greeting MIN OH
his arrival from Indiana, said that even II Juus7
Parker were elected there was little proDaoili'y
that the Democrats would be able to put through
any constructive legislation. This aanlssloil
from the head Of the Democratic National Com
nlittee VIII be more or less Of a shock to the
New-York tariff reform shouters, and Mt Tag
CART is likely TO revise il after his free trade
campaign contributors interview him. IN Ihe
course OF a free and easy chat with the news
paper men this query was propounded;
Mr.. Taggart. IS there any likelihood IN case
the Democrats win, that they VIII be apIe 10 put
through any constructive Iegislation?"
Well" said Mr. Taggart. with the senate
Republican. it is plain there is little proDaOilI'y
of any constructive legislation
Mt Taggart arrived at the Hoffman House. on
his return from Indianapolis, shortly after
o'clock last evening. He was accompanied py
Joseph T. Tanning. chairman of the with or
indianapolis Congress District who is also a
member and vIce-chairman of the Democratic
State Committee of Indiana, and a close poIitl-
cal associate and adviser.
Seen soon after his arr!Sal, Chairman Taegart
was asked if he would in his official capacity un-
dertake to harmonlze the differences between
the Murphy and NicCarren factions of the New
York Democracy.
That" he replied lis matter that cannot
discuss at this time. I don't know what their
troubles are and certainly could not act upon
them without full information If I were so dis
posed. But I really cannot discuss that matter
now"
Concerning the selection of headquarters for
the committee. Mr.. Taggart said; The matter
will be taken up tomorrow and decided on
Monday. It is possible q decision might be
reached Tomorrow"
rs it true. as reported. that you contemplate
the appointment of additional committee to
supplement the executive committee in the man
agement Of the campaign in certain Western
territory" asked.
Il have expressed no such intention 20 was the
reply. Il have appointed an executive commit
tee to manage the campaign and shall appoint
no other committee except in conjunction with,
by or through the executive committee. OF
course If the executive committee should decide
that any additional committee is necessary it
will be appointed, but I have not authorized any
statement that such committee will be named
How about a finance committee. the au-
tlority to appoint which given You at your
option. in addition TO the executive committee?"
That is embodied in the committee already
appointed" was the answer. "Of course, II the
executive committee deems it necessary it can
appoint a special committee TO deal with the
finances. The executive committee which meets
on Monday. may take such questions under con-
sideration"
That The propriety of adding to the executive
force in charge OF the campaign viii be called 10
the attention Of the executive committee at its
first meeting is not 10 be doubted The cen
tralization of the authority in a militant corps.
that recognizes as important only small
on the map and ignores entirely the great West.
continued yesterday TO inspire resentfuI COM
rnent on the part OF prominent Democrats identi-
fed with the national organization. Even the
South has been recognized in manner not en-
tirely satisfactory. The selection of n man for
a place on the executive committee from Vir-
ginfa said one prominent Democrat Yesterday
only touched the edge of the South-merely
over the line-and the choice Of a man from
Wisconsin did not touch the heart of the great
Western territory And If It was necessary 10 go
outside Of the committee to get Southern man
as executive committeeman, and TO go into the
Senate for him. It would have been possible to
pick man who had occupied potential place
IN national politics. Such a claim could not he
made for Senator Martin. He has not been
lively Identified with the national activities of
the party within the last eight years-in fact. he
never has been. Never before has there been
such a localization Of the executive authority Of
q rational committee. Besides. there seems 10
be a disposition TO put aside the men who have
followed the flag of the party in prosperity and
adyersity. The question that would seem to de-
mand an answer is. Why all this cagerness 10
recognize the bolters and ignore the faithful
The phrase in which this critic Of the close
corporation idea voiced his view of the situation
expressed the discomfort of an important ele-
ment in the party that may be met I'm the
Hoffman House lobby. Nor will T. avail any
thing to whistle down the criticsul. The only
thing so say those who make UP the complain
ing element. that viii mollify them is the APP
pointment OF additional committee, or pos
sibly two Of them. TO deal with the central and
far West And the appointment of such a com
mlttee or committees by Chairman Taggart, CO.
ordinate with the executive committee already
named, seems impossible. In fact. his declara-
tiOn last evening makes l. clear that any adil-
tional committee viii be only subsidiary and
subordinate to the committee Of which William
T. Sheehan is the head.
Having before him the possibility that tho
HiII-Sheehan-B Belmont -NicOll- Peabody syndicate
a veteran Democratic politician from a South
ern State said yesterday: THE horizon Of these
NewYork Democrats Is very narrow: It only
embraces the circumference OF Manhattan ISL
and and its immediate envirOns"
Homer 5. Cummings. national commit tt eeman
from Connecticut, came down from Stamford
yesterday.
Colonel John 7. Martin. sergeant alarms of
the national committee, returned yesterday
from St. Louis
Senator Arthur Pue German remained IN the
city yesterday. and more exclusive In his
rooms at the Fifth Avenue than the Dowager
Empress OF China