Tammany Hall, in offering two candidates for the position of sheriff lately held by Thomas A. Farley seems more anxious than usual to get control of an office and less confident of doing so. The last incumbent, who was asked to resign as a result of the Seabury investigation, was a son of the Tiger and by the appearance of his bank account, no idle son. Whom Roosevelt will choose to succeed him is, therefore, a matter of grave concern.

The affair is more important than is at first apparent. It is understood that if the Governor chooses anyone outside Tammany, it would be a direct affront and an indication of his distrust of all that had to do with the organization. The result would probably be a breach between them. And since Roosevelt needs all the support his political parent can offer in the coming election, such a "snub" might prove disastrous.

Yet if he should appoint a reformer to the office that person would be able to help Seabury considerably in his further investigations. Cleveland insured his election to the White House by bucking Tammany, and Charles Evans Hughes made his reputation when he opposed the New York insurance ring. A definite stand against Tammany Hall might corroborate rather than weaken his position.