New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-20
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Merely as a political event, the vindictive
combat now going on between Tammany Hall
and the Brooklyn organization, which IL an
nexed Just before the last municipal election. is
full Of interest and may be watched With con
siderable admiration. Each side is possessed Of
strategic advantages and large resources, the
cornbatanrs are already exchanging heavy blows
and the reverberations fall pleasantly on the
earg OF warriors 10 whom the canker Of long
peace would be oppressive. Nor is it indecorous
10 say that the spectacle is made even more ex-
hilarating than it would otherwise be by the
spprehensive gyratiODs OF virtuOus Democrats
whose dreams of a reunited party strong in the
faith once delivered to the saints passing
into nightmare We might add that a particu-
larry pungent flavor is impaired TO the proceed
;ngs by the contributions Of Controller GrOut,
who fancied that it was going 10 be the most
delightful and honorable feature of his career
10 cooperate with Tammany in raising the
standard Of municipal government
There is point OF view, however from which
citizens who are partial neither to Murphy nor
McCarren cannot survey the hOstilities with
entire complaeency. They observe that while
Tammany sOlicts approval for its zeal in
crushing rebels. and the Brooklyn contingent
profess TO be striking FOR their affairs and their
fires, nobody is able 10 show, or even cares to
pretend, that the welfare of the city occupies
n place I'm the thoughts of the contestants. Muir
ply wants 20 extend and confirm his power be
yond the East River McCarren has no taste
for the role OF q nonentity. Each leader has his
followers compactly lined up behind him, and
The public service supplies the ammunition with
which the war is being waged. DiSmissals and
appointments are ordered without the remotest
regard 10 the advantage Of the community. The
efficient transaction of governmental business
is matter of no concern. The offices belong
10 the political chiefs, 10 be employed by them
rs they see fl IL a rancorous and utterly selfish
struggle for personal ascendancy.
These are the men who were Yociferating six
months ago that the administration Of Mayor
low deserved nothing but TO be turned out
icnOEiniously. and who succeeded in convincing
a majority OF the people that II would be Just
and wise and pleasant to re-establish Tammany
ia power. Reform. they said meant inconpe-
fence mixed with hypocrisy. There was no in
selligent care for the public interests. com
pact and responsible organization hound to the
service OF great party was the only guarantee
ei good government. 4 modest firm. farseelnc
leader Ike Murphy would make 10 mistakes
especially IN a Presidential year pure
hearted young Mayor OF lofty ambition would
use the admirable machinery OF Tammany Hall
10 turn out the finest article % municipaI ad
fninistHtion that the city had ever seen. Con
froiler Srout was 50 sure OF all these things and
50 anxious 20 be factor in bringing them ID
pass that he actually felt solemn JOY !n ac
ceptins The odium which attaches 10 a deserter
Accarren was so profoundly impressed with |: