The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-07-22

is jealous CT Kansas. The latter has monopo-
lized all the sympathy and had all the attention
of Eastern politicians and spectators. Mime
sofa wants to make bid for her share Of sympa-
thy and attention. She does 90 in this way, hoping
by this new phase in the system Of holding con-
ventions to get considerable share of notoriety
and proportionate amount Of immigration.
Not bad for Minnesota. What a pity that Utah
is such desert and such distance off for she
would certainly carry the palm in the way Of
notoriety from both Kansas and Minnesota. The
double convention dodge would be as nothing
compared to the novelty of Mormonism and
polygamy. Funny times, these Look out for
spectators in Minnesota corner lots!
The Municipal Struggic-ProPerty Holders
to the Rescue
One of the most momentous issues ever pre-
scented to free people is that which the electors
of this city and State will be called upon to de-
eide at the next election. 1t is no mere party
squabble for place or power that is to engage
their attenton-no ridiculous contest between
hard shells and soft shells, and Know Nothings
and abolitionists All these minor differences
and party distinctions have sunk into utter iu-
significance in face Of that great question which
now comes up for solution-the question whether
the citizens of the various cities, villages towns
and counties within the State are to enjoy for the
future, as they have enjoyed for the past, the
rights of local self government, or whether an
oligaIchy at Albany is to control and direct our
g <ho NJ
shadowing issue of the dsy-an issue which, be
it recolected, involves the very existence of our
republican institutions.
1t is very fortunate circumstance that this
question presents itself at a time when the field
of politics is unusually free from other exciting
topics of discussion. There are no questions of ma
tional policy now discussed before the country
that might have the effect Of distracting public
opinion, or in any way turning it aside from this
matter of municipal rights. The wise, firm and
impartial administration of Mr.. Buchanan has
served to tone down party prejudices and ami
mosiiies; and now the politicians and presses of
all parties chime in with the popular voice in
giving their appreciation aud support to the
course Of the general government. With the ex-
ception of few fanatics and fire eating hum
bugs North and South, the people of the United
States are unanimous 10 their estimation of their
chief Magistrate, and it is by no means likely
that he will fail to justify that high estimate.
The country at large is happily free from politi-
cal agitation on national questions Of an exciting
or distracting character, and we are confident
that no unwise step on Mr.. Buchanan's part will
disturb that repose which the nation enjoys
This absence Of political agitation is highly
favorable to us in our present struggle. The
citizens of this metropolis, and Of the whole State,
are thus left free aud unbiased by outside is
sues and influences to form their judgments de-
liberately on the great question submitted to
them, and to declare their will in favor OF or
against municipal liberties The question being
left 10 their calm judgment and decision, we can
hardly doubt what the result will be- Without
municipal liberties what are national liberties
Not merely mockcry and a delusion, but an i'm
possibility-for history teaches that the loss Of
municipal liberties has invariably been the pre-
cursor to the enslayement of the nation. On the
high and elevated ground OF principle alone, If
actuated by no other motive, all good citizens
ought to join In condemnation Of the recent at
tempts Of the Legislature to strike down our
municipal independence But other incentives to
action are not wanting. Not merely are our
municipal rights aud franchises ignored and blot
ted out but the material interests Of the city are
injuriously affected in consequence Of the usurp-
ino, ants NJ tho Iaet I ao;slatnro UrLo o.r for
moment believe that, in city given over 10 riot
ard anarchy, trade and commerce will not Ian
guish and die Who can for a moment doubt
that where there is no adequate security for life
and property, the number Of residents and visi-
ters will diminish, and the value of property de-
preciate2 And that there is now no such security
In this city we need bat refer 10 the riots that have
recently disgraced IT, The demolition Of pro-
perty, and the attacks on peaceable citizens in
the face Of police force, and the burglaries and
murders that are daily staining our criminal re-
cords-wby, IL the state of things that has been
recently inaugurated in this metropolis be per
mitted to continue for six months longer its trade
and business will be destroyed and property
within il will depreciste full fifty per cent
Therefore II is that NOT only are all good citi-
zens called upon, for principle sake, TO declare
against the usurpatory acts Of the last Legislature,
but they are also called upon TO do so by the
stake which they scverally and col
lectively hold in the prosperity and growth
of this great city. Those who may be deaf
to the one argument will hardly be deaf TO the
other. The Court Of Appeals, from which relief
from these unconstitutional enactments was
sought, has failed to grant relief but has referred
us for IL 10 the ballot box. If we fail TO avail
ourselves of that last grand remedy than We
will have none but ourselves to blame for the
political disgrace and material ruin Of this great
city.
A movement TO procure repeal of these un.
rAn tffttf al Ara - e.