Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 March 1884 — Sad Plight of the “Grand Old Party” in New York. [ARTICLE]

Sad Plight of the “Grand Old Party” in New York.

The reorganization of the Republican party in New York which began with such promise by the re-enrollment of the Republican voters last fall appears to have ended apparently in the triumph of the old machine. The reenrollment was the work of a committee of eighteen, a temporary body created for that -special work. The ruling power of the party is the County Committee. That body met last Tuesday, and it was evident at once that the machine was in full control. One of the prominent reformers, Mr. Edward Mitchell, who had been relied upon to uphold the standard of those who sought to rescue the party from its old bosses, sank out of the conflict for some inexplicable reason, and refused to stand as candidate for temporary Chair>man. Thereupon “Jimmy” O’Brien was elected. As the temporary Chairman names the Committee on Contested Seats, and as that committee settles in all contested cases whether “reform” or “regular” delegates shall be admitted to the committee, it will be seen at once that the reformers surrendered the organization of the party. “Mike” Cregan, “Barney” Biglin, and “Jimmy” O'Brien were at the helm, and had things all their own way. “The state of the party,” the Tines mournfully declares, “is worse than it was before.” Stronger language could not be used. — Chicago Tribune, Rep.