New-York tribune., 1910-02-26
NOT AFTER CONNERS
SCORN.S ALL 4LLIES.
Democratic League Is Gong 10
Go It's Oscn Ssceet WGy.

The executive committee of the Demo
cratic League met the Kings County com
mitteenen of that body as the gues's VI
Edward N. Shepard at dinner jill She
Hotel Bossert in Brooklyn, last night anu
afr. Shepard and ex-Mayor Themas M' Us
borne OF Auburn explained TO all the ie
sons for the leagues existence
Prominent Democrats not connected WIN
the league such as William J. Conners anu
Charles T.. Murphy, got passing men'ioii'
but it was explained that the league, III
spite of the many allegations to the con-
trary. and in spite of Connerss declaration
made last Sunday. was not WORKING ioi 'iie
downfall of Mr Conners, nor to dispiace
any one in the regular organization
That sort of business, said Mr. shepard
was for the consideration of others
In the last few days the state chairman
has been insistent in declaring that Thomas
NJ osborne as head of the new league, was
allied with Murphy in the fight against
him, but he may enjoy his interrupted Flor
ida vacation now. safe in the announced
policy of the league, made last night by
both Mr.. Shepard and Mr.. Osborne that
they proposed to make no alliance with any
organization.
The head OF the league made a few re
marks however, which his hearers as
signed 10 either Corners or Murphy. as
their incinations influenced them
THE workings of Democracy are such
said Mr. Osborne that when a careless
or Indifferent community lifts a stupid or
a bad man into prominence he has to be
accepted and treated for what he is-the
representative for the time being of that
particular community
The league denounced the Buffalo and
the Carnegie Hall conventions he con-
tinued. not because of the men they lifted
into prominence, but because OF the deniais
of Democratic precept and practice that
occurred. because of the duly elected dele
gates who were unseated. because OF the
committeeman who were foisted upon the
party without election. because the result
OF those and other outrages was to debase
the party organization and destroy party
success.
Mr.. Osborne did not point with pride
10 the Democratic party in the state; in
fact as he put il, bad as were the con-
ditions in the Republican organization, In
the Democratic they seemed even worse,
but these things, he said were of the past
For the future the future of the next
campaign, he thought the indications We're
strongly in Democratic favor. with big
if" The .-if'' was that success could not
he won if Democrats put up what he
termed ''yaller dog ticket"
1T is a year he said, Ito search for
our very best material, not time to com
promise, te dicker and to deal, and II we
do these things we shall find our anticipa-
tions of Democratic victory again de-
feated.'
The policy Of principle, Of political right
.n1Isness Nj Osborne said. had SHOWN its
Bow -o;er HI
this apparent reference to the result of the
THURSDAY battle of the MurphyConners
factions brought response from his audi
ence His hearers took ii with rather puz-
zled looks as If seeking the connection be-
tween the policy of political righteousness
and the two leaders of the Albany COM
u1ittee meeting.
For a. platform for the state, IL he had
the framing OF 1t, Mr.. Osborne cited half A
dozen planks. such primary reform, bal
lot reform, reduction in the number OF
elective offices. reform in the system of
state finance. including rigid economy of
public expenditures, and the placing of
telephone and telegraph companies under
the Public Service commissions law, which
have already been put forth by Governor
Hughes as his policies.
Mr. Shepard, in introducing Mr.. Osborne.
reviewed the story OF the origin of the
league The result sought was, he said. TO
bring to the organization what for years it
had not had. a support as nearly unani
NOUS as the imperfections of human nature
permit from the Democrats OF the state.
The league was not formed, and has not
intended" said Mr.. Shepard, Ito make any
attack on any man 1t has not sought. and
will not seek. to displace Mt Corners from
the state craftsmanship.
Af1rmativeIv the league would beg all
who have practical and official Tesponsi-
bilitv. he continued, not TO make state poll
ties an incident of any local or municipal
situation. and not to elect or displace any
one for purposes OF local politics or for ary
factional advantage.
Mr. Shepard professed TO SEE trouble
ahead for the Republican organization be-
cause of the opinion of Governor Hughes in
regard TO the income tax law proposed by
the President The Republican pledge or
tariff revision downward, he contended.
had been broken, and the prosecution OF
,,,onopoly. he saiG was insincere because
the Steel Trust was still immune.
He concluded with a eulogy of Mayor
Gaynor and his administration. in which
he linked Messrs. Mitche'. McAnerY'
Steers Miller and Gresser with the Mayor,
the administration: or at leasl the
Democratic majority OF it, but added that
he had nothing against the Republican,
minority. Controller Prendergast and Bor-
ough President Cromwell who, he be-
lieved. were cordially supporting the Dem
ocratic ma jority."
Ex-Judge Alton b. Parker spoke briefly,
excusing himself on the ground Of sort
throat, and Mr.. Shepard ended the festivi-
ties with toast to John II. McCooey, the
Democratic leader of Kings County, who,
he said, was doing good work in Brooklyn.
Are you disposed TO accept the Demo
cratic candidacy for the governorship next
fall?' Mr. Osborne was asked after he had
spoken
Il am not in the habit of crossing bridges
,intn | come 10 them,' replied the leader
OF the Democratic League. When the
time comes / will be prepared 10 answer
that question II il is put TO me.