New-York tribune., 1909-09-02
4 MISE DECISION.

There can be no doubt Of the wisdom of the
declaration Of the Republican City ana County
committees in favor Of fusion against Tammany
II Is true that The Republican party has been
steadily gaining strength in this city. The
Marty organization Is much more efficient than
il used 10 he. and enjoys n far better repuie-
Eqpublican policies in the State and in the ma
iion have made many new Republican voters
improvements i'm the registration and election
laws have greatly reduced the fraudulent
Tamtuarv vote. Last fall Mr.. Taft carried the
city The oldtimc Democratic majority in Kings
County has been wiped out and Tammanys
hold on New York County is becoming precari-
ous. There is reasonable prospect Of Eepub-
licau supremacy I'm the city before the end OF
auotbor decade Taking all these facts into
consideration il might have been argued that
from a partisan point Of view the Republican
organization would he warranted i'm making its
own fight this wear against 4 Democratic local
ticket Were conditions i'm local government
more tolcrahlc such course might have been
held 10 he iustifabe and in the partys inter
eet. But I'm view of the shocking dem"nstra-
lions of Tammany misrule which now confront
the public and the hardshipS imposed 10y
munirfpal waste. negligence and corruption, the
partv'S duty WAS clearly to cooperate unSelilSh-
lv in any sincere popular movement T." torm-
cance. II is right therefore. in aiming first Of
all AT defeating and crippling the forces OF mis-
government and in seeking all possible aid from
oiher political groups and organizations agree
ipg with il that the welfare and progress 81 the
city can best he assured by the compulsory dis
solution Of that formidable association for profit
and plunder in politics which has 80 long held
ifs councils in East 14th street.
We think that The Republican party will serve
the city best and its own advantage best hE
guaranteeing a full measure of loyal co-ope"a-
tion with oil other honest foes of Tammany in
the task Of eleciug an anii-Tammany Mayor.
We hope the right man viii be found i'm he
Republican ranks. but whether the fusion NOM
inee shall be a Republican. Democrat or an
independent in state or national politics mat
ters less than that he shall be a determined ID
Toueut Of the present system of government 70.
private gain and bp pledged To upset the pros
cnt alliance between the politicians who stand
behind the municipal administration and tie
criminal elements which depend on them for
protection. General Bingham has estimated
that as many as fifty thousand fraudulent votes
have been marshalled and cast by the leaders
Of the army of vice and crime in This city. They
lave been cast naturally 30 perpctuate the
power of Tammany Hall They have turned
thc scale in more than one election and made it
administration under which crime is fostered
ana protected. costly privileges are given to
corporations without proper compensation 10
the public and the resources of the city are
used 10 enrich favor.te uiddlcmen and TO sup
port an army of political workers.
To free New York from the grip of corrup-
ficGiStS and parasites. 10 reduce the cost Of al
Hus'ratiou. 90 get fun value for expenditures
.uthorized, 10 improve transportation facilities
and 10 make the city cleaner. healthier and
cheaper one % live IN is the task now before
The voters n Is task which appeals 10 ever,
citizen. Of whatever party. who does not see n
greater profit in msrulc or is not blinded by
thc hypocriiical pretence 81 Tammany Han
that il Is the friend If tie poor and tile needy
TJmmauy takes q larger tax out of the pockets
of the poor than Il does ont OF the pockets ~
tbe rich What is collected al the top must be
paid ga Ht the bottom. and the poorer The voter
the larger in proportion is the share Of the cost
~ municipal extravagance and corruption
which he must settle IN the way Of increased
rent and increased cost Of living All elements
III The CITY except the criminal elements sbould