The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-08-13
SvTLZER.

The downfall OF Governor William Sulzer is of
far greater import than the disgrace of one
man, 1t is of greater import than the disgrace
of governor of a great Commonwealth. 1t Is a
tragedy almost nationwide in its scope.
Were 1t merely a matter for pity Of the man
or disgrace to the State OF New York the rest
Of the country could view the matter with
some equanimity, Borrowing that man who
promised so well should be found to be of clay
and that a State should find itself In the posi-
ton of having endorsed one unworthy OF honor,
but with no time for greater higher feeling
in the midst Of its own troubles and problems
awaiting solution. But II is not Sulzer only
who has been injured, nor the State of New York
only which suffers with him, but the cause of
reformation of political conditions everywhere.
sulzer promised on taking the oath of of
ice somewhat famboyanty Il is true, but
ertheess In a manner which made for confidence,
to follow the street called straight. He prom
ised to fight Tammany and all its forces OF
fraud and corruption. And he kept his prom
Use, So far shown he has followed the street
called straight To the fact that he has fought
present pitiabe condition, Fairminded people,
in passing judgment. will remember that fact
to his credit But Sulzer had not followed the
street called straight all his life. He had not al
ways fought Tammany. but rather had trained
with It. Now the stick with which he was tarred
in earlier life is the club which has brought
about his downfall He is discredited and with
~ n
civic righteousness with which he had allied
himself. It is for this reason that his ease
excites nationwide interest and 1t is for this
reason that his disgrace is felt by all those
who believe in the elimination OF corrupt prac-
tices from politics.
However, people should watch themselves
carefully and not let the fact that one reformer
has been found guilty OF the practices he as
sailed prejudice them against all others who
lead the same The New York news
papers which upheld sulzer and which now ars
compelled TO demand his Impeachment should
not let their natural feelings of resentment
against their fallen idol blind them to the fact
that Suffers enemies and Suffers accusers are
worse than he. The people OF New York must
be guard lest they in their anger at Sulzer
turn the State over to his accusers They should
not forget that Tammany Is fighting Sulzer be
cause he opposed its efforts to loot the State
and not because he specialized upon the stoct
exchange, They should not be unmindful of the
fact that the righteous Indignation OF the Fraw
ley investigating committee is the veriest hypoc
risy. It's case against Sulzer seems to be proven
but 1t has not and can not prove that Tammany
should be allowed retention of power for tina
reason. Impeach and remove Suzer the peopl,
to Charles Murphy would make the last estat,
worse than the first. Tammany does not seel
the removal OF Sulzer because OF the doubtful
and even dishonest practices before taking of
fice but because Of his straightforward and hon
est actions since taking office. II Is not because
Sulzer false to the people before takins
the oath, but because he has been true to the
people since taking oath that Tammany wishes
him removed. Tammany's wishes should be
gratihed. but care should be taken that Sulzer
is replaced by one who thinks as he thinks and
twi1l night as he has fought. with the provision
that this new head of the Democratic party In
New York and governor shall be above sus-
picion.
Bombastic and demagogic was SuIzer with a
past which has not borne public scrutiny. hul
he fought Tammany and aroused the State agains,
its power, Give Tammany Its revenge. not be
cause It should have 1t, but because II is best
for the state now that what Tammany wants
ShoDld he done but that accommodates head tbx
voice of Tammany no longer
To replace Sulzer with Charles Murphy would
be worse than foolish. OF the two William
Sulzer Is infinitely preferable.
THE BANKERS CONFERENCE.