The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-11-20

THE GOVERNING CLASSES or New YoRK.-We
published last week table Analysing the ruling
classes Of New York, and the facts therein dis
closed have naturally excited good deal of
attention and discussion. People can scarcely
believe that the influences thus classed are those
which actually sway and direct the administra-
ton of our city affairs and the expenditure Of
the vast sums which are annually wrung from
the taxpayers. II Is not the less indisputably
true that the real rulers Of the city are persons
Of Infamous lives and associations, such as pugil-
lists, shoulder-hitters gamblers, brothel keepers,
thieves and loafers, forming altogether despotic
oligarchy Of some fifteen thousand persons
II will be asked how individuals belonging to
the very refuse and dregs Of society have ma
nagod to obtain this extraordinary power in a
community possessing the wealth, intelligence
and refinement which characterize great metro
politan city like this. The explanation IL sim
pie one. 1t Is the neglect Of their duties by the
more respectable Of our citizens which il the
cause oft The system Of primary elections has
virtually taken the control Of the city government
out Of the hands 10 which |. properly belongs.
Very few, IL any, Of our wealthy citizens attend
those primary meetings, and the consequence Is
that they arc managed and directed by the very
scum and lees Of our city politicians. In these
gatherings originate the nominating conventions,
and from these again spring the different party
nomina,ions-so that In fact the shoulder htters,
thieves and vagabonds Of the city arc those who
elect to Office and have the absolute control Of
the city finances.
Now, the classes governed, or the taxpayers.
who arc entitled 10 have voice In the expendi-
ture of the vast sums annually levied of the city
ia tho shape Of taxation, amount In the aggrc-
gate to about scventy-fve thousand persons.
These for the most part are composed Of the
wealthiest and most respectable Of our citizens -
men who contribute largely, not only TO the de-
frayal of our city burdens, but TO the support Of
our public charities and religious institutions of
every kind. II II discredtable in the highest
degree TO such constituency that they should
suffer themselves to be tyrannized over and pill
LACED by a set Of vagabonds and loaiers who
have 70 social responsibilities and who bear no
share Of the burden Of city taxation. The
gross amount Of this years taxes will not
fall very far short Of ten millions, and next year
they may reach eleven or twelve. Such placer
as this is infinitely more tempting to the scamps
who have hand in the pickings than any tina,
n TO be found in the mines of California and
Fraser river. II IL In vain to look to any poll
teal party for reform in our city affairs. All
parties democratic, American and republican
have an interest in perpetuating the present sys
tenn inasmuch as II helps 70 consolidate and
strengthen their organizations II Is to the tax
payers, to whose indifference II owes Its birth
that we must look for relief Ifthcir eyes cannot
be opened 10 their own interests then we shall
have 10 submit our necks patiently to the igno
minious yoke which the neglect Of their duties