The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-02-22

OF the present century to this day. For the hrst
time, therefore, in the history OF the republic, the
old federal party, or the modern wings, assume
power under the mantle of General Taylor; and
here begins the very curious experiment that will
illustrate their capabty and capacity IN conduct
Ing the government of the country with more sue
cess than heretofore have followed their attempts
to reach power.
One Thing Is certain at the beginning of the new
administration. General Taylor, from his habits,
his life, his history, and the mode of his election,
cannot be held responsible for any mistakes he may
make in his administration lie disclalms all su-
perior knowledge OF craftsmanship, and brings
into the White House simply honesty, integrity
and common sense. HIS modesty takes away
much responsibility, and places the onus on the
shoulders of the cabinet, who will be responsible
for the advice which they may give hun IN all the
practical concerns and details OF the government.
For all errors and mistakes that may be made-and
6. to err is human"-we shall, therefore, hold the
cabinet of the new administration responsible, and
so we believe will the people of the United States
Let US therefore watch and pray.
LIBEIs AND LIBEL SUIrs-A MAGNIFICENT
MOVEMENT OF The OPERA ARIsroCRACY-WHAr
ARE THK RlGHrs OF THE Pass ?-Several Of
our contemporaries have stated that the ma
nagement of the Opera arstocracy in this
city, had commenced a libel suit against the NeW
York Herald, IN which the damages estimated
at twenty thousand (why not say hundred thou,
sandD dollars-a SUIT which covers the whole
ground of criticism during the Opera season which
has recently terminated
This is very curious and unique movement,
and it will bring out some Very curious scenes be-
fore 1t shall terminate in any way. 1t Is rather
droll too, that at the same time that this singular
action was instituted IN the Superior Court there
was another libel suit being tried in the same
court, which, after proracted examination of
several days, terminated In favor of the Herald,
and against the unhappy plaintiff, Mr.. Clarke, OF
No. 81 Beekman street. A report OF this latter
case will be found In our columns to-day. 1t will
we'll repay perusal for it discloses some curious
facts In the education of lawyers, that will be new
TO many members of the legal profession. Here
after, it may be hoped that under the new system
OF law In thls State, talented COW feeders and IN
tellectual milk may become the Manslields
of the New York bench. We desire every one to
read the charge ofJudge Vanderpoel, which Is one
OF the best and clearest, on the subject OF libel,
the duties and responsibilities of free and intel
hgent PRESS and the rights OF individuals on the
other side and one which should be conned over
by every one in this community.
But the movement of the Opera aristocracy
against the crit, 7ues theatrical and musical of the
Ne,o York Herald. will probably be one of the most
Investigations OF this novel age connect
ed as II Is, with fashion, with music, with art, and
with every element Of social life In former years,
the Italian Opera has been frequently attempted in
this and other cities OF the Unon bat it has been
attended more as novelty, as a curiosity, than as
an element of social life and enjoyment. The at
tempt to create an exclusive Opera aristocracy in
this country was never made till within the last
two or three years, and Its progress, both as So
clal element and as a species OF amusement, has
been duly recorded IN the columns OF this journal
In every case where censure vas deserved, either
10 managers or artists, we have given 1t; where
merit disclosed itself in either, have also given
it; and in many respects the columns OF this jour
nal have been more devoted to the interests OF art
and artists of the highest and best description,
than those OF any other journal thus community.
But the introduction recently into this city. OF
me- set of manners, new modes of social develope-
ments, IN the shape Of exclusive Opera arisocra-
cy, as II may be called, bids fair now to become
subject of discussion and comment throughout all
the avenues of society in this metropolis and the
whole country In European countries, the Italian
Opera has been established In certain of the great
capitals as an amusement, and place for
lounglng, to the arstocracy of those monarchcal
and despotic countries, and the Introduction of it
was in all cases accompanied by certain free
dom, not 10 say Righteousness, IN manners,
which has caused that class OF society
IN the old world, to deteriorate In the
moral scale, and lay the foundation tor the terrible
revolutions which we see going on in that part oil
the world. 1t is singular fact IN the history oil
social life, that the attempt TO organize an Opera
aristociacy IN this country has been followed by
q similar deterorat' on in the propuety OF man.
ners and the character OF amusements which have |
marked similar events in other lands. 1t Is only |
within the last two three years that the llbidl
nous and lascivious polka became the favored
dance of our fashionable circles it only within
the last two or three years that the shocking
OF model artists have become common IN this land,
and which now In full career, privately and
publicly, this and other cities it is only within
the last three or four years that gambling, as a
science and BUSINESS has become fashionable at
those splendid saloons which provide splendid
suppe all of which are in violation of every
moral and Christian rule. All those Developments,
debasing and demorallzlDg as they are, seem to
occur at the time when attempt was made to
organize an exclusive Opera aristocracy this
city, which would look down on the rest OF the
world as low, vulgar, and common place, not
worthy Of either attention or observation.
oh tl.a hou
commenced againstthe Nao York Herald will bring
out, on the trial, some curious facts some curious
scenes, and some wonderful characteristics, that
will be worthy the attention of the honest, the
moral, and the Christian portion OF the American
people On that trial we shall have all the artists,
and editors, and managers, and theatrical people,
and clergymen, and saints, aud gamblers OF all
kinds, on the stand for examination. Ii will real