The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-03-12

smoothly ct Albany - certain leaders in the
dominant party had hoped, and hat neither the
measures nor tie appointments Of the Executive
vroceed with the alserity or the docihty to party
dictatiou which were expected. It seems, in
word, that Governor King is not turning out the
tool he war assumed to be; and that tho Albany
leaders Weed, Seward, and the sthers, do not
find It quite o. easy TO twist him round their fin
ger as they had trusted they would. They are sigh
ing for the mild rule of Mr.. Clark, when they had
everything their own way, and could make
good thing out of the disposal Of the Gubernato-
rial appointments
To those who know the sntecedents of the par
ties there is nothing at all surprising in this early
divergence OF views between the Governor and
the Seward whig leaders. Whatever may have
been the opinions Of the leading members OF the
King family in olden times one quality cannot
be denied them: their integrity was always as
spotless as the purest naiden's chastity. The
Kings might be anything you please, in respect
of party; but they were sure to be men OF honor
This hereditary virtue still characterises the pre-
sent Governor OF the State. Now, if there be
Distinguishing characteristic Of the Seward and
Weed factions, it is the utter corruption and want
of principle of the leaders. Their impecunoH.
ty is proverbial. They care for nothing but
money All their political principles are adopt
ed in view of Office or spoils. Their highest aim
is canal contract, or stock in one of the great
railway monopOlies or an Office which will enable
them to bleed the public or individualA Such
L.. L. - hnC nd IF
clique by which he is surrounded, collision was
inevitable the moment they came into contact
That collision it is understood, has taken place,
and the corrupt politicians are aghast at the
symptoms of frmness and independence shown
by Governor King.
The people of the State, we are sure will be
very glad to hear that, for once, the Governor is
man who may venture to do his own thinking, and
not only to decline being hawked through the
streets of Albany by the Weed politicians buteven
to see to it personally that his authority is exer-
cised for beneficial and honest purpose. Such
man in these later times, is quite phenomenon:
the Governors of the party which elected Co..
King have been long used to figure as mere pup
pets in the hands Of the Albany Journal clique
It will be instructive to note the manner In
which Governor King will deal with the con-
templated legislation of the Seward and Weed
politicians in reference to this city Of course he
will easily be able to satisfy himself that the
object sought in the various measures which
are intended to transform the government of
the city is merely the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Of the
party leaders, and the qualification of personal
ambition and party feeling at the expense of the
well being and safety Of the people of this city.
The least study Of the set of acts now in pro
gress will make that apparent. 1t is confidently
believed by persons who have had opportunities
of becoming acquainted with Mr.. Kings private
character that he is not the man TO allow himself
to be used for any such purpose, and that the
bills will not become laws by any act Of his unless
their tenor is materially changed. How this is.
NO shail soon see: meanwhile. the news Of the
Governors fiji mness integrity, and independence
will be good news to every one.
ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JusTTcE.-We
have frequently been obliged to criticise with
some severity the Standardization Of crimina
justice IN this city especially in the lower courts
So lax had some of the Judges become that they
were presented and indicted by the grand in
quest OF the county, and II had become grave
question in the minds Of many liberal men
whether or not the system Of electing Judges
ought to be abolished. During all this time
crime was steadily on the increase; and to read
the daily accounts of assaults, robberies CARROT
iDgs, and so forth, q stranger would have
supposed that he was sojourning in a camp of
savages instead Of city presumed to be
free and enlightened. But since Mr.. Justice
Russell has taken his place on the bench Of the
Sessions as City Judge, marked change is no
ticeable. He has discharged his duties with
promptness, impartiality and dignity. 1t is a
hard thing said a convict to a celebrated Eng-
lisb jurist, ito hang man for stealing horse. F"
'You are not" returned the Judge, Ito be hang
ed for stealing horse: you are to be hanged
that no more horses will be stolen" This is the
whole theory of criminal law in an epigram. 10
his severe sentences against the convicted garro-
tiers. Judge Russell has recognized the force OF
the theory. A man is not sentenced TO the State
prison for life because he robbed another of a
few dollars, but in order that no more persons
shall suffer in similar way. Judge Russell has
also been prompt Az Special Sessions he dis
posed Of seventy cases in one day. He does not
allow the cases to linger along until the accused
slips out on straw bail and is unheard Of till be
is brought to the bar charged with some fresh
crime.
The effect Of all this action on the part of a
single Judge, in less than three months, is ap-
parent in the dimunition Of crime, and the
greater security Of our streets at night. The gar
rioters have wholesome terror Of the law when
properly administered, and have therefore sus-
pended their operations for the present. It were
well II oil our Judges were as prompt Is Abra
ham ID. Russell