The New York herald., 1846-04-21


Peter Cagger, the head, front and tail of section
OF the democracy in Albany. and likewise that Of
James M. French, the editor Of the albany atlas.
We are informed that the Attorney General, John
Van Buren, who was in the tickest of the melee.
escaped from being included in the category of the
indicted, by the merest chance, and it is not certain
but he will yet be the subject OF Indictment
This sdlsgraceful riot had its origin in the divisions
OF the democratic party in Albany, influenced by
the tone OF the Atlas and Argus, each Of which re-
presents faction Of that party The Aibany Argus
is the representative Of the Polk and Marcy clique,
and the atlas is the organ Of the Wright and Van
Buren men. These two factions have been for a
long time violently opposed to each oher and from
the tone of their organs for time past, we ar
prehend an outbreak similar to the that occurred
at the New Scotland convention. The origin of the
dispute between these cllques, originated from
very plain cause, viz: the distribution OF office, or,
in other Words the division Of the spoils-the loaves
and fishes. Each clique claimed its right to the
lions share, and each denied the right of the other
Hence the irritated feeling between them, and the
disgraceful riots that have taken place.
There is every probability that this state Of things
will continue, and that some more Of the leaders Of
the two factions, like those who have already been
the subjects Of presentment, will, like petty larcen-
ers, or other vagabonds, be indicted by the Grand
Jury OF Albany county, and put in the criminals box
tried, and perhaps sent to prison, to ruminate on
the prospects of the democratic party in the next
election, and the vlcsstudes OF life.
AS long as the bone of contention is the division
OF the spoils it is quite uncertain where this dis.
graceful conduct will end.
THr Srcerr Srpv,cp E,,,, NJ u,
AND MIR. 1NGERsoLL.-The resolution of the Hon.
C.J' lngersoll, in the House Of Representatives,
calling on the President for developments concern.
ing the secret service fund, has not yet been an
swered by that iunctonary. We are afraid that this
matter, l-ft In abeyance for few days past, will
now break out into some violent debates, preju
dlclal to the character Of our public men, and nju-
rious to the reputation Of our public bodies.
1t is an unfortunate affair, from beginning to end
It is doubly to be regretted, for whatever DISPOSE
ton Mr.. Webster made Of the fund, we are very
sure that he will be justified throughout, in his con
duct, by all men of sound common sense
These secrets ought not to have ncaled for, and
ought not to come forth.
we learn, by private accounts from Washington,
that Mr.. Polk and Mr. Buchanan had some unpleasant
words IN consequence of leakage of the secrets of
the State department, on which the charges of Mr..
lngersol were founded. 1t is suspected that no
revelations were made by any clerk in that depart
ment. We learn, also, that the President will GER
talnly respond to the resolution in few days, and
the whole will then come out; but it does not
appear that any thing injurious to Mr. Webster. as
public man, will be elected
We ought to guard the reputation of our great
men-to whatever party they belong-better than
to make them the sport of other nations by reveal
ing every little thing, by forced CONSTRUCT n, to
their discredit. However much Mr.. Webster
may differ from other great men, he Is yet one of
the master minds OF the present age, and OF this
country. He has added reputation and glory to
his native land and that reputation ought to be
cherished, encouraged, and taken care Of, by all
those who wish to maintain the character Of our
country We do not wish to say word Of CEN
sure on any of the parties in this affair; bat we can't
help expressing regret at the course the matter has
taken.
PIcKPocKETs.-We intend to give, from time to
time, series of sketches respecting the various
classes Of rogues who infest New York also, the
location where they generally congregate, for the
purpose OF concocting their nefarious deslgns.
To begin with, we shall notice the first class of
pickpockes, (or, they called by their own fra
ternity, "gonnufs," or "knucks." This term is
derived from the fact of their lingering, or knuck-
ling around the pockets Of gentlemen in crowd.
visiting theatres, public concerts and all other places
OF amusements. These. fellows always dress ex.
ceedingy well, even to extravagance, with all the
outward appearance Of gentlemen. Their principal
PLACE OF resort is small porter house in Duane
street, near Chatham, called the Widows; similar
vIoo in .oI. - M
street. They can occasionally be seen taking a
mug Of ale on the corner of Madison and Catherine
streets. They visit frequently the various English
ale houses In the city the former, however, Of these
places is their principal resort. The first bu-
slness OF these rogues IN the morning is to read
the various newspapers, and mark all the places
public amusement which appear suitable for their
business-steamboatla landings, Sec. They next call
tor mug OF ale and pack of cards, and COM
mence gambling, (or thief could not exist with
out mistress and the gaming table) After
the cast Of the die, they sally forth to some
steamboat landing, or a concert room, in gang
seldom less than TO lr, and often six and eight toge-
ther-and proceed, for example, to concert. How.
ever, before proceeding up to the door, they very
judlciousy separate on the corners of the streets
nearest the concert room, and depute one of the
gang to reconnoitre, which is generally the one
who is most familiar with the police officers and
II the coast should be clear, or only an officer
whom they know don't recognize them, then proba-
bly, two Of them purchase ticket, and pass in,
while the others hang around in the neighborhood
until the performance Is terminated, when they
crowd up stairs, touching almost every coat tail as
they rass, and endeavor to show by their actions
that they are IN search Of some friends, while,
In TACT, they are looking for their accompices-
who by this time have pitched upon man they in
tend to rob, who is invariably one accompanied by
lady, who will always suffer himself to be pushed
and huddled about to save his lady. Upon M Getting
their accompllces, one is deputed to do the job
Ito steal the pocket book) while the others surround
hin, hcd,, - ouI -.