New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-30
Election Murders
Almost Obsolete
TINE intense bitterness OF feeling
which characterized elections in
saw. the Rutherford B. Have,

which characterized elections in.
say, the mid Rutherford B. Hayes
period is no longer apparent, as rule,
around the ballot boxes to-day. Indeed, 50
Tar as national elections especially are con.
oerned, party spirit is so comparatively
lukewarm that it is often with difficulty
one can tell, for example, to what political
faith the average newspaper belongs. Ira
dl.ion is perhaps the only guide in many
instances. But, according to the accounts,
the recent election in Philadelphia was
staged with all the old-fashioned accom-
panirnents Of gunner, assault, conspiracy,
battle, murder and sudden death. Yet,
il is notable that philadelphia itself had
no more interest in the contest than has
the fair maiden Of fiction in a battle be-
tween two brigands to determine which
shall possess her." as "The Nebraska State
Journal observes.
con the day of the primaries" The
Wilkes Barre Record" tells its readers, "a
number of gunner and thugs were hired
to pad the vote and 20 go to any extreme
to intimidate the opposition. The result
is ore policeman shot dead, another person
blackjacked to the point Of death and other
less serious casualties
But official completely IS also seen, and,
the account further reads: "Mayor Smith
g under arrest on the charge Of completely
in the conspiracy. Contrary to the law,
the police of the city, under the Smith ad
ministration, have not only taken part in
politics but have aided and abetted thug
gerry. It was with the assurance of police
aid and protection that a reign Of terror
was inaugurated."
And. reviving that era when men wore
Congress CATERS" and shirts that but
toned in the back, "The Nebraska State
Journal" previously quoted, relates:
"The importation Of voters is no new
thing. Negroes from Jamaica have been i'm
ported to vote in Philadelphia no less than
gunner from New Jersey Philadelphia is
accustomed to that. Philadelphia doesn;
ask for any such iridescent dream as hon
est elections. Il makes so little difference
to Philadelphia which ring of contractors
exploits it that the results OF local cleo
Ill rfa 70
But Philadelphia submits only It's pocket,
not its life, TO its contractor rulers. They
may buy votes, but they must not shoot
policemen.
"Some day Philadelphia will tire Of being
a Belgium for its all-conquering public con
tractors to trample over. Perhaps By the
time the world is made safe for democracy
Philadelphia will be making itself safe Tor
democracy policemen
The press reports contain the informa-
ton that warrants have been sworn out
against Mayor Smith and Police Lieuten-
ant David Bennett, charging conspiracy
in connection with the killing and assault
ty alleged New York City gunner.
"The Brooklyn Eagle" sees resem
blance to the Becker case, in the employ
ment of hired gunner and the relations Of
the police to them, while "The Buffalo
Enquirer" makes comparisons between
New York and Philadelphia, much to the
of the latter. The latter
journal writes as follows:
New York City corruption has outransed
Philadelphia corruption in notoriety only.
an every form of political rascslity and
brutality and in immunity Tor rascals Phlls-
delpha has surpassed the metropolis. New
York often brings her rascals TO account;
Philadelphia very seldom
But the New York papers generally with
hold invidous comparisons.