The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-02


SUGGEsf1oNs FOR A Conference.-The philoso-
ply Of dress was never sufficiently appreciated
until Marcy undertook to make political ap-
plication of the maxims Of Chesterfield, and to
institute code for the regulation of diploma
tic costumes. The principles enunciated in his
famous circular will, in time, become as firmly
ingrafted into the constitution as the liberty of
free discussion and the iavioiability of mans
dwelling. AS the repuhlicanism of ancient
times was killed off by it's own luxurious ex-
cesses, it follows, as logical consequence, tat
ours can only be preserved by return
to black broth and attire OF Spartan sins
piicity. We, therefore, hail it as proof
of the stern virtue of our citizens when
an immaculate class like the police, act
ing upon the principle laid down in the Marcy
circular, refuse to don :" the livery of servi-
tude," which the Commissioners have copied
from the slavish institutions of the Old World.
1t is an axiom that man cannot serve two
masters. Our policemen have shown by their
conduct that they consider it an indignity for
man even to serve himself.
We look upon this question of police uniform
as one of very grave Importance. Notifications
in costume have at all times served to typify
particular shades of opinion, both in religion
and politics, and the great revolutions that
have marked the transition from the besotted
ignorance that rendered the masses the easy
slaves and dupes of despotism to state of
comparative enlightenment, were each heralded
by some striking innovation of this sort. The
police, however, seem to think that the altera-
tions in their clothing, proposed by the Com
missioners, is move in the wrong direction.
They say that liveries are the badges of despo-
tic institutions; but it may be as well to remind
them that sans culottism was at one time con-
sidered the distinctive evidence Of republican
virtue. We have no objection to returning to
first principles, but let them be pushed to their
legitimate extent. The dispensing with the
neither garment would not only economist the
public money, but render the force more for
midable in appearance.
STUMP CANDDATEs.-We see that several poll
ticians are acting on hint thrown out some
time back in the columns OF this journal, and
presenting Themselves before the people as can
didates for Office without the Intervention of
primary committees or nominating conventions
Mr. Gilbert s. Nixon notifies the public that he
is an Independent candidate for the Office of
County Clerk, by advertisement in cotempo-
rary; and Mr.Wheeler is to run, we understand, |
as stump candidate for Congress at the next |
election This is the sensible mode of proceed |
ing; and in course Of time 1t will come to be |
generally adopted. 1t is the only way in which !
we can get rid Of the rowdyism, the corruption
and the rascalty which mark every proceed
ing of the primary committees, and send to the |
Legislature and Congress men who really repre-
sent public sentiment AS at present managed,
our elections are partly swiDdle and partly a
farce. Mr.. Nixon and Mr.. Wheeler are setting
a good example, and political considerations
apart, we think they will not be losers by their
boldness.