The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-11-13


who resigned that post Capt. Smith was cadet
Il West Point, where be graduated with honor,
d entered the corps of engineers Of the army.
Ii served with distinction during all the Mexi-
can war. and after the return OF our forces was
ordered to West Point, where for FIVE years he
remained as Professor Of Engineering. This post
be resigned for the purpose Of uniting with Gen.
Qutman in the projected revolution in Cuba in
1854, and he held high place in the esteem Of
that leader. After the breaking up of the or
ganization for liberating Cuba, Capt Smiths
services were again employed by the govern
ment, and he was sent to New Orleans to super
intend the construction of the new Marine
Hospital. While engaged in this duty he solved
the problem of making firm foundations for edi-
fees in that city, and demonstrated that large
works could be constructed there as firmly as in
any other part Of the country. Had this fact
been known a few years earlier to the govern
ment, it would have saved millions in the con-
struction of public and private buildings. lie
soon after resigned again his public employ
ment, and came to this city, some three
years since, to engage in private business.
Here he was elected director for the Illinois
Central Railroad, in order that that work might
have the advantage of his practical skill; and
he subsequently accepted the post of Deputy
Street Commissioner under Mr.. Cooper, for the
into order that great sink of official corruption
and iniquity-the Street Commissioners De-
partment.
1t is to be hoped that Captain Smith win
bring to that work military spirit and disci-
pline that will force every member of the New
York army of clerks, contractors and spoilsmen
that hang upon the Street Commissioner to toe
the mark of strict accountability and honesty.
During the short time that he has acted as
Deputy, we are informed that he has introduced
strict system of accounts and detailed record
into the office. which will enable any one who
comes after him to carry on the work with some
facility. What We now want is the election of q
firm, systematic and honest Comptroller at the
next charter election, and then we may enter
tain the hope that a beginning will be made in
cleaning the Augean stable of New York NUM-
cipal corruption. Will the New York taxpayers
look to this. We may as well correct here
popular error that prevails in our community The
Street Commissioner has nothing to do with
paving or cleansing the streets of the city. The
first Of these is under the direction of the Croton
Board. and the latter is in the hands of the City
Inspector. But the departments Of the Street
Commissioner and the City Comptroller have the
reins in disbursing the public revenue, and there
is where we want reform.
The INDICTMENTS AGAINST THE CRY Ofrl-
cIMs.-There is very little doubt that the indict-
ments against the corporate ex-oflicials connected
with the Street Department and Bureau of AS
sessments will have to be quashed by the City
Judge to-day upon some grounds of infornality
or irregularity. The indictments against the
Corporation Of 1857 will unquestionably share
the same fate in the Court Of Oyer and Terminer.
The fact is that these instruments are always
drawn up in such bungling fashion that no con-
scientious magistrate can hold parties to trial
upon them. Indictments against officials, "a a
general rule, are got up by Grand Juries and
District Attorneys in moments of great excite
ment--oflen without any intention of following
them up-and the result is that they will not stand
the test of an acute legal mind. Such, as we
have said, is the case with the indictments re-
Gently found against the ex-Strect Commissioner
and others. II is extremely difficult to convict
public officers of fraud, though their guilt may
be patent to the community, because they ma
mage things 30 we'll; and there il so much CON-
plicity between the whole band that the proofs
of their dereliciion cannot usually be attained.
We fear that there is but little hope of reach
ing the heart Of our municipal corruption by
means Of criminal indictments; the only way to
effect radical cure is for the taxpayers TO turn
all the rogues out Of Office and keep them out
for the future. There appears 10 be some hesta-
ton on the part Of the Taxpayers Association
about making nominations for the Offices to he
filled at the Charter election the object being TO
select proper men from the tickets Of the diffe-
rent political parties This course Is open to one
objection. and that is, that although the candi-
dates themselves may be very honest and eli.
Gent, yet they will 60 into office trammelled
and controlled by the parties which nominate
them. Perhaps il would be better in this view.
for the taxpayers to make their nominations
DOLBY. 1uH ihlON iuiAHrthtT upuu INC CDrUlnu-
nifty, trusting to its good sense 10 support them
In their commcndabe endeavor TO purify the
city government aud keep down taxation.
TIM EXECUTION or THE Boy RoDGERs-The
wretchcd criminal, young Rodgers, who murder
cd Mr. SWANSON, quiet citizen, in the street. in
October. 1S57 eNpiatcd his offence with his life
yesterday in the yard Of the city prison. La
mentable o. such fate may be for one so young,
the cxigencies Of the time aud circumstances inn
pcratycly demanded the sacrifice. or all classes
Of wickedy disposed persons In this wicked city
that one to which this unfortunate belonged il
perhaps the most dangerous, and stands most in
need Of . striking example. Older criminals she'd
blood for some definite aim and purposc-eithcr
for plumber or for vengeance; and they may some