New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-09-08
CRITICISES GAYNoR STATEMENT.
Andrew Colvin Says Justice Is Playing Into
Tammany's Hands

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir AS expression Of what I believe to be
the feeling OF the average citizen after a careful
reading OF Justice Gaynor's statement, published
this morning. will you give space to this letter?
For more years than the eldest citizen can re-
member New York City has been cursed by one
Of the boldest. most corrupt and most perfect po-
litical machines in the wcrld-an organization
which has no political convictions or principles.
but which persons in high authority in its counses
have repeatedly admitted and stated was in politics
for what there in ii. and which the citizens
of this city know stops at moral barrier, stoops
all depths OF political corruption 20 accomplish
it's end-the control of the government of the city
of New York.
While not political organization. and although
tmes-when Il has suited it's purposes-this or
ganizaton has not hestated TO unite the defeat
of the Democratic party in the state and city. II.
because OF it's aims and purposes. naturally affi-
liates with the majority party which in this city
happens to be the Democratic party. II not only
afhates with that party. but by virtue OF the
power Of its splendid organization and the indif-
party and dictates what candidates it shall name.
In his statement Justice Gaynor frequently men
tions 1.-The Democratic City Convention" but in con-
nection with nominations carefully avoids the
words 'Tammany Hail. I have always been an
admirer OF Justice Gaynor and it would give me
the greatest pleasure to vote for him for Mayor.
believe that his personal integrity is above ques-
ton and that he would make a strong and upright
only office 10 be filled at the coming election
IL Justice Gaynor thinks that the average voter
Democrat. Republican or Independent, cannot fore
see the result of electing n city ticket even with
good he at it's head. under the
ditions outlined in his statement, he is deficient
in that ability for discernment with which he has
for so many years been credited. / would regret
10 be obliged TO express a belief that Justice Gay
nOr's position is wholly selfish and without regard
10 the welfare OF the city. but cannot help noting
Hin
a fusion nomination. while his election Mayor
and the election of the whole anti-Tammany ticket
would thereby have been assured. he would by
that act have practically allied himself with the
Republican party against Democratic nominees and
have ceased 10 be regular" He would not then
be in line for the Democratic nomination for Gov
ernor or President Justice Gaynor has always
stood for the individual distinguished from the
party in municipal affairs Can IL be that, in spite
OF this expressed position, he holds dearer than
better city government his own party utilization
and personal political ambition?
Those who not moved by wishes for political
preferment cannot look al the developing stua-
ton kindly. Those who have I'm mind a primary
consideration the best interest of the city cannot
much they may personally have admired Justice
Gaynor observe with approval his present course.
The office of Mayor alone will help the city very
little toward better government II Tammany Hall
can elect a majority of the Board of Aldermen and
a majority of the Board OF Estimate and AppOr-
holds. along with its usual dominating majority in
the delegation to the Assembly at Albany, Tam
many Hall may snap its graft polluted fingers at
an honest Mayor and go its usual contract grab
bling, office controlling way.
To think for instant that Justice GaynOr does
not know this would be TO stamp him a man
not fit IN brain intellect TO hold any Office of
trust or power. To believe that the average voter
mechanic. clerk, labOrer, office and factory en-
ploye-cannot appreciate this condition is under
| estimate the intelligence of New York's voting
| citizens.
The nomination OF Justice Gaynor by Tammany
Hall Cby courtesy the Democratic City Convention
his acceptance OF that nomination would result
| only in Justice GaynOr's popularity assisting to
strengthen the ticket and the hands of Tammany
/ IL would help 10 elect Tammany candidates for
minor offices In close districts. IL might by divid-
4 ing the independent vote bring about a cOntnu-
| ance OF Tammany control Of municipal affairs.
This situation merits the close attention of every
voter The municipal campaign this fall calls fOr
| the exercise of sound common on the part
/ OF the individual voter IL the coming four years
| 10 show Improvement the last -four
| years In municipal government
| New York. Sept 7, 1903. ANDREW COLVIN