TAMMANY IN THE SADDLE AGAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 43, 12 August 1911, Page 9 (Supplement)

TAMMANY IN THE SADDLE AGAIN.

Tammany's grip on the governmental affairs of the State of New York seems to be growing tighter. That Governor Dix owed his nomination and election to Tammany assistance was openly charged during the campaign last November, and appointments recently made by the Governor look suspiciously like liquidation of election debts (writes an American correspondent of a New Zealand paper). The placing of J. Sergeant Cram on the Public Service Commission —a powerful organ of the Government, having control of (railroads, gas and water companies, lighting companies, and all other public service corporations—has been generally assailed. Cram is a politician high in the councils of Tammany Hall. His appointment shows' that Charles' M, Murphy, the Tammany Boss, is the power behind the throne in New York State affairs. A New York newspaper that supported Dix in the election refers to the appointment as "probably the most absurd ever made by a Governor of New York State." Another remarks that Governor Dix appears to regard Tammany training "as a fit preparation not only for the Bench but for the control of the rich and powerful corporations." Another similarly unfit appontment made by Governor Dix was that of a lawyer named Cohalon, also * ileading Tammany Hall politician, to be Judge of the Supreme Court of New, York. Senator O'Gorman, who succeeded Senator Chaucey Depew, is a past grand sachem of Tammany Hall. The election of O'Gorman was at the hands of the Legislature of New York State, and was the result of a sudden compromise following a visit of "Boss" Murphy to Albany, the State capital. It should also be remembered that Mayor Gaynor, of New York City, was elected in consequenco of Tammany support. The Mayor is not, however, susceptible of the charge that his official acts have shown him to be subservient to the powerful and corrupt political machine, as has Governor Dix. Notorious as is the evil reputation of the Tammanv organisation, it is disturbing to find it to be still so powerful that it can name a Governor, a Mayor, a United States Senator, and a Supreme Court Judge.