New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1853-01-03

sious increase to our annual expenses, and
out Of 81 proportion TO our growth. but here
we have more than SO Is per cent increase in
q single year. To 60 on in this way would ul-
timately bankrupt the city; or at least make
its taxes so oppressive IS to force It's popala-
ton 10 fiy TO escape them.
And here it is worthy of especial remark that
one branch of the city exPeuditures-that OF
the Aims Houss-does not increase, and yet
it is one in which we should naturally look for
greater leaks than in almost any other. Now,
mark the reason of this The Alms-House
Department is taken Ost ofpoIities. Ii is man
aged by gentlemen taken in equal numbers
from both parties. There is no grab game play
ed for plumber. and thus it is that the annual
expenditures under this head 90 along with
slight variation and scarcely any increase what
ever. Indeed, the charges for 1859 are less
than they were in either Of the years-lSiS,
1649. or 1850.
The inierences 10 which we are thus irres-
istihly led are fortified and enforced by the
statements made in reference to the action of
the City Government in the ease of the
Eighth-av Railroad, and their extraordinary
proceedings in relation to the projected Rail
road in Broadway.
Charges of venslity sre made. which, ifnot
disproved, stamp an indelibe infamy upon the
city itself Yet the idea of a majority of the
Board Of Aldermen and Common Council sell
ling their votes for money. in cases involving
official integrity and faithhllness in all their
length and breadth is so sbamefully mOnstrous
that we shrink from its contemplation, aud
wonder if it be possible that We shall never
BE- able to escape conclusion so Notifying TO
New-Yorkers, and. in fact, to every American
citizen.
But whatever the precise degree Of malyer-
satOn, or fraud, or robbery in the case, which
it is not necessary we should precisely meas
ure, il is at least plain that enough is disclosed
in the accounts we have colated TO establish
the fact that the interests of taxpayers and
the demands of justice and integrity, require
full and complete investigation and reform
in the affairs of our City Government The
very highest considerations which can be ad-
dressed to men of integrity of all parties call
for this reform. 1t hardly admits of doubt
that the conduct of our City Government for
the past year has been such IS to lower the
whole tone of city morals. Its effects upon
the rising generation especially can scarcely
be calculated The example OF men in high
places being guilty of what appears to be bare
faced villainieS, and yet being sustained in Of
fee, is dangerous in the extreme. The con-
sequences of such spectacle IN hardly be
measured. They are not confined to day or
month or year. IL is poison infused into
the very life Of society which long years will be
required to eradicate. The action Of our City
Government is laying the foundation for a gen.
eral license and lawlessness which We may DO
called on TO deplore even in the distant future.
1t is impossible that che guardians of law and
order and justice can be corrupted without
producing a bareiacedness OF crime, very
hilarity of scoundrelsm that shall run riot
throughout our City; which shall stimulate
precocious, and encourage hesitant criminali-
ty. This is matter which lies far deeper
than any mere question Of money and taxation.
1t involves all the great interests of Society.
When Government becomes rotten, when our
rulers become corrupt, every valuable interest
drifts from its moorings. We are exposed ID
constant perils. Our security is endangered.
Property, life, public order, are all placed in
jeopardy.
1t is time, therefore, high time, that all good
citizens, without distinction Of party, should
turn their serious attention TO the existing
state Of our municipal government, and begin
TO concert measures for radical aud thorough
REFoRN.