The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-03-17
TIE ALnERxAuC INoUIsrrIoN-Mo Of our

readers are perhaps aware that, subsequently to
the indictment Of two Of the Aldermen by the
Grand Jury, committee Of investigation was
appointed by the Board of Assistant Aldermen
to prosecute an inquiry into the truth of the
various charges and rumors rejecting on the
probity and virtue of the city fathers. Still, no
steps have since then been taken by this COM
mittee to discharge the business assigned to
them, and suspicious were beginning to be pref
ty generally INDUCED in that they were shrink
ing from the disagreeable task Of probing the
public conduct of their fellows, and mayhap of
being the instruments of bringing to light still
further exposures. However, all apprehensions
Of this nature are now set at rest, from the
fact that the inquisition is to be commenced
to-day the committee having the power of
subpGnaing witnesses to appear and give evil
dence, and produce such documents Is may
have bearing on the subjects Of the inquiry.
The community will hail this measure with
satisfaction The Board of Assistant Aldermen
are-it may be said-juniors at the business Of
municipal legislation, and it is to be expected
that they who have character to make in this
to maintain immaculate, will sift out all mat
tiers devolving on them in this investigation,
fully, faithfully, and impartially, thereby pro-
tecting the honorable members of both boards
from the general suspicion now attached to
them, and fastening the guilt--if guilt there
be-on those who are the real culprits
But we learn that the investigation is to be
conducted with closed doors, so that publicity
may not be given to their proceedings From
the wisdom policy. or fairness of this measure'
we entirely dissent. The public have right
to know what transpires before this committee,
and they will look upon star-chamber meeting
with natural distrust. If the committee wish
to satisfy this community that the inquiry was
carried on impartially, without favor or affec-
ton, and that no information was stifed which
would have inculpated members of the Com
mon Council they will see the necessity ofcon-
Quoting the investigation openly and publicly
if on the contrary, thay adhere to the resolu-
ton Of excluding the public and the reporters
Of the public press, they might as well have dis
pensed with the whole ceremony which will be
regarded as mere mockery and delusion, and
which will have no effect in restoring public
confidence in the virtue Of the Aldermen, or
satisfying the people Of the unfoundedness Of
the charges and rumors against them. While on
this subject it may not be amiss for us to sug-
gest as witness, competent to give some
effective testimony in the matter. the gentleman
who is said to have attempted the corruption Of
Alderman Barr. Let him be subpenaed by all
means, and then look out for startling de-
yelopements.
But, in the meantime, what is the Recorder
going to do? Will he prosecute the work be-
queathed to him by the defunct Grand jury
and, if SO, when? Now is the time for action
wait much longer, and the popular excitement
will have evaporated, and all will end in
smoke.