The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-06-15

prce.eea
But there is yet another point Of view in which
1t is quito interesting to contemplate the issue
now joined This is o political view, from the
stand point Of the history Of the State This Is
perhaps even more Instructive than the others.
In the first free constitution ever adopted in
this State, namely the constitution of 1777,
provision was made for the election of certain
officers, local, municipal and State, by
the people. As compared with the elective
Offices of our day, the off es of that period were
few and scarce. The vast majority Of tue public
officials were, by the constitution of 1777. ap-
pointed by body termed the Council of Appoint
ments consisting Of Senators selected annu sly by
the Assembly, and presided over by the Cover
nor. All the patronage of the State was in the
hands Of this Council Of Appointments, and for
forty years or more it was the dispenser Of spoils
and honors. As time wore on, however there
arose in this State young democracy with Mar
tin Van Buren, and other young mcu at it, head;
these youthful aspiran's to fame and place, re-
belled against the Council of Appointments and
agitated tor a reform in the constitution. 1t
took many years to ensure the success of their
views, but they carried their point at last, and
adopted new constitution in the year 1921.
The idea Of this constitution was to break
down the old Council Of Appointments, which
was represented by the ardent democracy Of
the time as an Old Man of the Mouotain cIiog-
ing to the neck Of the State. Accordingly
while provision was made in the new constttu-
ton for the election of COMMON councils,
sherids and county clerks by the people of the
counties, the appointment of most of the other
admins rative officers was entrusted to the
Governor and the Senate. THIS was believed
10 be au excellent system; and under it
Martin Van Buren, made hiciself q great
man, and Mr.. Fiagg, Mr.. Marcy and others
did pretty well. AS soon, however, as q new
generation Of democrats grew up, an opposition
to the new system and to its agents, who were
termed the Albany Regency organized Not
only did it comprise the youthful portion of tie
democracy headed by Michael Hoffman, of
Herkimer, but it rallied around its banner the
new party of which the leaders were William II.
Seward and Tlu,low Weed and which. having
started political life on the platform Of anti ma
ecpTy, found it impossible to live on 80 narrow a
basis These Seward and Weed men combining
with the young democracy, clamored 60 perse-
veripgiy for ar amendment of the constitution
that Of length, in lS46, our present State consii
tuition vas elaborated ty the convention.
One Of he c.iei purposes Of this new constitu-
ton Was the reversal OF the policy of centralza-
ton at Albany which had been faithfully carried
cut as well by the Albany Regency as by the
Council Of Appointments The Seward men and
young democrats wsre, they say, opposed to Gen.
in any shape; and certainly their con-
sttu.ion old its hest to decenIalize power, and
distribute Il wtero It belongs among the people.
This il the last historical standpoint. Now,
we zee this same Seward and Weed faction re.
pentieg OF the work they helped TO 90 twelve
years ago. and eDdeavoring to retrace their steps
in order to gain for themselves the snug position
occupied formerly b. the Albany Regency and
the Council of Appointments Governor King is
merely the sgent Of the new Regency, planned
by Seward & &C., and the recent usurping Legsla-
tuTe at Albany, over the city of New York. These
atrocious six or seven acts form the lrst step in
the coIrup. aud audsoious policy of William II.
Seward TO rule and regulate this great State in
ell future movements Of the nation, as old Van
Buren peIpe.rated from 1924 to 1910. The re-
cent bsolent and Illegal attempt BY the Governor
to appoint Street Commissioner on the death Of
the late Incumbent, is only carrying 90. the same
audacious game by a coup d (ta, utterly unpa-
railoled in the history of this country, and can
only fird precedent in the historical records Of
tie French rpublic and empire
TIE JUDGES Of the Court of Appeals, knowing
how clear light mems motives aud ausecedents
shtd on their acts, will not fail to devote due con-
sideratou to tile historical retrospect OF the qucs
ton Of appointments and local liberties In this
STATE.
Tn SrI.EEf COMyIssfoNEa-THE GoyYRsoR's