An election for Mayor of New York City was held on November 8, 1892. Incumbent mayor Hugh J. Grant was not a candidate for a third consecutive term in office.[1] He was succeeded by Thomas Francis Gilroy, who defeated Republican Edwin Einstein in a landslide. Gilroy's margin of victory "exceed[ed] by nearly 20,000 the greatest majority obtained by a New York mayoralty candidate in twenty-four years."[2]
General election
The Tammany Hall political machine controlled much of New York politics during the period. Thomas Francis Gilroy, a leading figure in Tammany Hall and the commissioner of public works, accepted the Democratic nomination in October 1892.[3] Despite this, he is often simply described as the 'Tammany candidate'.[4] The main Tammany policies at the time were "firm, efficient, and honest government", low taxes, and opposition to Know Nothingxenophobia.[5]
The Democratic candidate in the concurrent presidential election, Grover Cleveland, had been a staunch opponent of Tammany Hall,[6] and Tammany had supported their own candidate for the Democratic nomination, David B. Hill.[7] It was rumoured that Tammany would support the Republican Party in the presidential election if the Republicans left them to elect Gilroy and a slate of Tammany aldermen in New York City.[6][8] Because New York was a key battleground state in the presidential election and held the most sway with 36 electoral votes,[7] Tammany's support was important for either candidate.
Alexander Jonas, candidate for mayor in 1878 and 1888 (Socialist)
There was a "strong feeling ... in favor" of putting up a candidate among anti-Tammany Democrats.[12] John Quinn was reported as a candidate for mayor, running on an anti-Tammany Democrat ticket,[13] but he is not found on the ballot.
Results
According to writer Gustavus Myers, there was "as usual" widespread electoral fraud and in several districts, the opposition vote was "practically nothing".[11] One Tammany politician was noted for having secured for Gilroy all but four votes in his district.[11] The result was expected, with the American Register declaring in October that "Tammany will carry the election and make Mr. Gilroy Mayor."[14]
^ ab"Our London Letter". Derby Daily Telegraph. November 7, 1892. p. 2 – via British Newspaper Archive. But Mr. Cleveland has already, in the past, shown his detestation of Tammany Hall, and Tammany Hall are understood to have struck up a secret compact with the Republicans, by which Tammany's votes will be given to Harrison if Tammany are left to elect a Democratic Mayor and Aldermen
^ ab"Election of American President". Bury Free Press. November 12, 1892. p. 2 – via British Newspaper Archive. Of the remaining doubtful States, New York with its 36 votes was, of course, the most important, and here the Democratic party reckoned some time ago they had almost a certainty of winning, provided that Senator Hill, who was Cleveland's rival for the nomination, loyally adhered to his determination to give him his support. Mr. Hill represents the "Machine" wing of the Democratic party in New York, the one controlled by "Tammany Hall"
^ ab"Harrison or Cleveland?". St James's Gazette. November 5, 1892. p. 5 – via British Newspaper Archive. Tammany will vote for the Republican candidate for President, provided the Republicans will ignore their own candidate for the mayoralty and plump for Tammany's man Gilroy, a clever Irishman, and by far the most intelligent of those in power in New York city. The Republicans have nominated for Mayor a rich merchant - Mr. Edwin Einstein - whose clean record as a Congressman and influence among his co-religionists are expected to bring the party many votes and help to purify they political atmosphere of the town.
^"America - News by Cable". American Register. October 8, 1892. p. 1 – via British Newspaper Archive. Among the interesting topics to be considered is whether the Anti-Tammany section of the Democratic party shall nominate a candidate as Mayor of New York against the Tammany candidate. A strong feeling exists in favor of such a course, but political expediency may decide against it.
^"The Presidential Campaign". Anglo-American Times. October 21, 1892. p. 6 – via British Newspaper Archive. ... for it is the post of Mayor for which the following are the candidates:- Mr. Thomas F. Gilroy, Tammany Democrat; Mr. John Quinn, Anti-Tammany Democrat; and Mr. Edwin Einstein, Republican.
