New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-09-27
THE DISTRICT ATToRNEYSHIP.

While if is not the function Of the Republican
members Of the fusion conference, representing
as they do the party of the whole cry, 10 maine
q candidate for District Attorney Of the coun-
~ of New-York nevertheless they should be
enabled to give such assurances OF the parry $
sentiments on that subject to the other mem
bers OF the conference as to promote fusion ana
harmonious efforts TO defeat Tammany. Inc
candidacy of Mr. Jerome is one which appeals
to honest and high minded citizens Of both par
ties and the leaders of the Republican organi-
cation might wisely let it be known without
further delay that they will favor his indorse-
ment by the coming county convention. If the
Citizens Union considers such q stand a con
cession to its Wishes we'll and good. Quite
apart from that however, it is good public and
party policy.
Some question has been raised about the
propriety of the Republicans nominating MI
Jerome If Tammany Hall is going to do the
same Objections on that score are, we think
not well founded The Republican party has
frequently Endorsed good judges for re-elec-
ton who were nominated on the Tammany
ticket The case of Mr.. Jerome is not parallel
with that of Mr.. Grout two years ago. Mr.
Grout, having been nominated by the fusionists
along with Mayor Low. and being pledged to do
all in his power for Mayor Lows reelection,
allowed himself to be detached from active par
ticipation in the anti-Tammany movement by
accepting the Tammany nomination. 1t was
case of desertion of Mayor Low and treason
to the fusion movement. Mr.. Jerome has no
such obligation, and his appearance upon the
Tammany ticket could not be considered I'M
friendly to the antf-Tammany candidate for
Mayor Mr. Jerome has announced himself as
an independent candidate for District Attorney,
ready to accept the support of all who believe
that his administration has been a good one
and wish it continued. If Tammany wants to
support him. it is free to do so, and it cannot
be said that he gives any aid to its municipal
ticket in accepting that support. The only
credit that Tammany could get from any such
course would be negative If the Republicans
nominated him. it might hope to avoid some
odium by thus conceding to Mr.. Jerome a unan-
imous election
Mr. Jerome stands for local government in
dependent of national party ties. That is the
Republican policy, and Republicans may well
give him their aid. In giving it they would he
performing an important public service. 1t is
extremely doubtful if he can be elected without
a Republican nomination. while with one he VIII
probably he elected without opposition. If the
Republicans refuse to support him. the chances
are that Tammany will feel it safe to turn him
down In such a case he could depend only upon
the aid of citizens voting a split ticket. If. on
the other hand the Republicans nominate him.
Tammany will probably be forced TO follow their
lead and so the office Of District Attorney will be
entirely removed from the contest. The fusion
lists might elect Mayor without carrying New
York County, which is much more strongly
Democratic than the whole city Consequently
If Tammany is encouraged to put up one Of its
favOrites. there is a strong probability that the
District Attorneys office may be under Muir
phys control for the next four years. Certainly.
the Republicans do not wish that.