The New York herald., 1844-12-09

anoiher movement IS about 10 be MADE towards
reforming the city government. subject which,
it appears, does not, it certainly should not lose
any OF Its interest with the loss Of its novelty; and
however skeptieal the experience Of the past may
make TO the feasibility OF the present project.
we are, as enemies to public inefficiency, dis
honesty and corruption, CLAY to see any step taken
in the matter, and agitation kept up which, II is
at least permitted to hope, will yet abolish the dis
graceful features in our city administration.
The PROJECT alluded 10 above, it appears, contem-
plates conforming the government ct our city to
that OF the state, and proceeds from a certain Sec
ton OF the democracy of this city. ltwould seem
that this party s not yet taught by past experience
the fuii!iiy Of sectional movements, and that
powerful, extensive ami Unanimous co operation is
required 10 induce revolution in puoic opinion,
and bring about any extensive change, no matter
how much it may be wanted. This party held the
reins OF the city government a year ago. A reform
in municipal affairs was then attempted by them;
with what success is well known. II is not less
generally admitted also, that the principal cause Of
their failure was party manguvrng and sectional
dlfferences-the scheming and selfish procedure OF
prominent actors, whose leading study was self
aggrandsement; and how they, and not the city,
would be benefited by their projects. They failed,
as might reasonably be expected TO reform the city
government, and what makes the disappointment
OF additional Importance, is the fact that it did not
reform those men of their partzanship, as may be
seen by their present mode Of operation in the
work Ut REFORM
Bat their failure had another effect. it gave exis-
tence to the Na,ives," and helped to give them
tho city, "with all the spolls thereof also. We
say il helped 10 90 so /; lor it would be a great
oversight not to attribute 10 fair speeches and fine
promises, and boasting, and bombast-commodi-
ties with which the new candidates for power
from the very beginning abundan,Iy supplied-an
important agency in bringing about that event.
What has ensued is by this time but 100 familiar
to deceived and cajoled community. !. is
equally in possession Of the prosecuted apple
women and privileged rowdies to the innocent
victims of official insolence immured in the Tombs,
and the guilty hordes who prowl at large, whose
rascaliy is perhaps, too congena with the taste Of
our watchmen, which is of such retiring nature
that they are always invisible when wanted.
On review Of all this, then, it may be fairly hoped
that on future occasions, the public will show
juster appreciation Of boasting, and rigmaroe, and
sectional selfish projects, than they have hitherto
done. They have seen more than enough to con-
vince them that there is little use in wrangIing
about party schemes, about the mode and manner OF
ruling the citizens, SO long as the character and
moral worth Of the candidates for office is made q
subordinate consideration. People are teased and
deceived by quackery. The direction given to
the public mind is false, by the everlasting cry out
after measures and systems Of reform Instead
Of scrutinizlng closely the motives and personal
worth of those who aim at place and power, they
give their suffrases, because he who sollcts them
is Of a certain political school. Until this rotten
system is exploded, there may be much talk,
and debate and legislation concerning city reform,
will give full employment to all the knowing in
such matters, but their pursuit Of it will be about
useless that discover the philosophers stone
Spring is coming apace, and with it new eec-
ton Let the people be satisfied, that if they err
they can retrieve their mistake; that when they are
deceived and plundered, they can have an annual
revenge. Let this be remembered by them-let
them justly value and use their power, and next
election day will see driven into hat oblivion, from
which they unluckiy arose. as contemplate, faith
less, and inefficient faction, as ever abused con-
6dence and betrayed trust-and that clique is the
present " native" incumbents Of Office.
But to what set Of aspirants to that honor be-
longs the claim to the succession, is question at
once interesting and difficult to determine. Yet,
whilst we cannot exactly say just now who will be
in power this time next year, there is difficulty
in saying the "nstives" will not. Much will de-
pend upon prudence and caution, and it is very
probable that the democrats, elated with recent
triumph, will be compelled to exhibit sufficiency
Of these ingredients in their conduct to secure a
second victory. One other aspirant remains-the
whigs-and we believe that, if it be not their own
fault, they regain their lost ascendancy in this
city. Although still reeine under the effects OF
recent defeat a :. heavy blow and great discour-
agement," yet there is not in that occurrence any
good grounds for despair. Let them but make
good use Of their defeat, and they may, az it has
happened before with skifu generals, turn it into
a victory. Let them appeal to the people, not as
party men, but men Of principle let their profess
sions be less than their actions; let them cease the
puere contest with their opponents about party alb.
stractions; let them show consistent, uniform
and dgniied reserve from petty squabbling, strain
ing at gnats and swallowing camels-and they will
give good pledge that they are in earnest when
they profess to be the friends Of good government
retrenchment and reform. Taking all things into
consideration, we are disposed to believe that a
revolution in the administration Of this city is be-
fore US, and that, the not being always the
swift the next municipal authorities will be select
ed from amongst those who now seem the least
likely to be chosen, provided they bear themselves
discreetly in the interim.
ANNELLI's GREAT PAINTING still continues to
draw great number OF admirers TO view il; which
is not at all surprising, it is Of the beet pro-
ductons Of the kind ever displayed in this city.
Those who are desirous Of seeing must 90 soon, as
it is about to be removed TO some Of the larger
cities, for the purpose Of exhibiting.
YOU'VE GUARD.-A grand Ball will be given by
the Young Mems Clay Association, on Monday
evening, 23rd December
INTERCOURSE WITH BosroN.-There are now no
less than five different routs from this city to
Boston, namely: over the Long Island in steam
ers to Stonnston in steamers to Norwich to