The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-05-30

Ifthere has been good reason for denounclng
our Corporation fathers for their waste OF time
and money in their official capacity, there are
equally substantial reasons for reprimanding
the present legislation at Albany-the Assem-
bly, portion Of it particularly-for the manner in
which they are conducting their proceedings,
and performing their public duties. 1t is well
known that the extra session was called mainly
for the purpose of dsposng Of the canal ques-
ton. Such has been the remark made by the
Chairman Of the Canal Committee in the House.
The Legislature was in session three days be-
fore any movement was made in the matter;
and it rested upon the House, because the
Senate had, several days previous to the ad-
journment, sent down its plan for the completion
of the public works. At the close of the session
upon the third day when under the order of
motions and resolutions" Mr.. West Chairman
OF the Canal Committee. moved to take from the
COMMITTEE of the Whole the resolutions which
he had offered for the amendment of the consti-
tuition, and which were under discussion on the
18th of April, and refer them back to the Canal
Committee for amendment. An adjournment
of the House Immediately took place. The
next day, Friday, when under the order of ire
ports from standing committees Mr.. West
again moved to refer his resolutions back for
amendment. Objections were made, that the
motion was out Of order and could be only en-
tertained as on the previous day, when motions
and resolutions" were in order. The Speaker
ruled otherwse-a long discussion ensued,
wasting the entire day; and at six o'clock it
was finally agreed to refer both projects back
TO the Canal Committee
During the discussion, Mr.. Shaw, who was
in the caucus on Wednesday night. openly
stated that lit was utterly useless for the oppo-
nents of the West resolutions to prevent their
passage through the House-that votes had been
counted, and sufficient number ascertained
to pass them-but that it was not the plan
which he would prefer and although they in
tended to adopt them in the House, it was not
with any expectation that they would meet
with the least favor in the Senate
This. no doubt was determined upon in eau
Gus. in secrecy; ard among the leaders of one
section of the harmonious democracy the
rank and file in the House were certain of being
whipped in. Now, what is the Legislature in
session for? Why have the members been
called to the Capitol in the midst of the bust
ness season? From the honest declaration of
Mr.. Shaw, only to remain as obstinate as head
strong, as uncourteous towards each other as
they were during the entire regular session
to quarrel about goats wool"-to maintain
the same sullenness. uncourteousness, stubborn
ness. and contumacy which have been displayed
ever since the first of last January.
The members are wasting the peoples money
and their own time, without the least expecta-
ton Of accomplishing anything. 1t was so de-
clared by Mr.. Shaw. and subsequently corrobo-
rated by Mr.. Forsyth. They declare that they
have no intention of passing any measure-that
the majority SO decided. upon assembling at
Albany. By striking out the odious feature of
taxation from the West resolutions, they ad-
NIT their error-by adopting any plan for amend
ing the constitution they virtually abandon their
tax and toll platform thrust down the threats
Of the House. And now, after rejecting, by the
casting vote of Mr.. Speaker Ludlam, at the early
part Of the regular session, joint resolution
for committee Of the two houses, these same
leaders and dictators openly declare their inten-
ton of adopting plan. which they acknowledge
in advance they do not approve themselves. and
are well convinced the Senate will kick out of its
chamber, fer the avowed purpose as stated by
Mr.. Shaw. Of raising joint compromise COM
mittee.
What will the people say to all this political
financiering? What will the true and undis-
gused friends of our public works think of this
conduct? When these facts are spread from
Montauk to Niagara. from the Southern
tier to Rouse's Point, what will the
people say? Aye, what will the cleo
tors on the central line from this city, all
the way to Buffalo and Oswego declare through
the ballot boxes next November? A crisis has
arrived when the people will no longer be hood
winked they will not trust to professions of
friendship for the canals made by political
demagogues before election, and who delibe-
rately break those pledges the moment they
become entrusted with power. Party shackles
will he knocked off, because both parties have
become unfaithfui and untrustworthy, and such
automatons as sit and respond aye aud nay in
the present Legislature, upon the signal given
them by their dictators in and out Of that body,
will be entombed in obscurity by the insulted
and indignant people.
The columns Of our paper have never cen
tanned any expressions of choice between what
is called the Vanderbilt or the West mode of
amending the constitution, further than a re-
sistance to direct taxation for the completion
Of the canals. We care not what method is
adopted provided such scheme be agreed upon
as will finish those works constitutionally. We
want the question disposed of; thas been bone
OF contention for a series of years between the
political parties. Demagogues on both sides
have made il hobby to ride into ofiice-they
are doing It now. in the Legislature The
people are heartily Disguised; the merchants