The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-11-16
Tbe Municipal Electfon-Livcly Times
Ahead.


The late S,nte election was characterized by
unwoated apathy la this city, not alone in the
absence Of riot or disturbance Of any kind, but
in the little interest evinced by the electors,
and the smaiiness of the vote cast. Out OF the
large number 0etspparent voters-which &C
cordng to the Iegis,ry returns, was one hundred
and four thousand-only fifty-six thousand de-
posi,ed their votes Ia the ballot boxes; but
iron, present Indications affairs are likely to
take different turn at tho municipal election
OF the drst Tuesday, the sixth day Of December
next 1t Is very probable that all the legal
voters in this city, and good many illegal
ones, will come to the polls on that occasion,
and, judging from the turbulent scene at Mozart
Hall on Monday evening. as we'll as from the
action Of Tammany with reference to the nomi
nations Of that wing Of the democracy, there is
every prospect of lively time.
There is no lack Of interest manifested In ell
quarters about the municipal election. The
sp0ils Of the yict0rs can be counted by mil
lions, and the candidates for Office are as nu-
merous ~ they arc greedy and rapaoioua AT
present the greatest interest is oentored in the
Mayoralty and the Corporation Counsel; but
these are by NO means the most important Of
fees u be filled. The Aldermen and Councilmen
are of vastly moro Importance to the taxpay-
ers. It Is true that In great city like New
York the chief magistrate should be
the leading Official of the Corporation, and
tho selection Of ct person for that place
should DO q matter Of vital interest to the citi-
zens; but, owing to the blessed legislation at
Albany. our Mayor has become mere cypher,
shorn of power or authority, 80 that the best
man in the community could do little or mo-
thing towards the good government Of tho me-
tropolis. As to the Corporation Counsel, 1t Is
very lucrative Office. insuring as 1t does, .
handsome fortune to the incumbent; but as far
Us its utility or benefit TO tho city Is concerned,
it is perfectly worthless.
The Aldermen and Councilmen, ON the con-
trary, in great measure control and govern
the expenses Of the municipal government, and
regulate the taxation. They can swell the tax
levy to any amount they please for their own
corrupt purposes; and We know that previous
bodies of the city legislature have not sorupled
to do SO to frightful extent Men without
education or integrity-nay, many without an
ostensible mode Of obtaining living, having
no status whatever in the community, mere
loafers and vagabonds-are usually elected to
these Offices of trust, and they have turned
them to account only to accumulate plumber.
Shall the same class of men be again elected to
the boards Of the Common Councilf If they
are, then we may confidently expect to see the
ten millions of taxes which now Cypress the
people increased next year to fifteen millions,
and all kinds of corruption and fraud fourishing
as luxuriantly as ever in the city government.
The nominations for these Offices will be
made by the different factions during
next week, and we opine, from the usual
mode Of making them, that there can be
no doubt as to the class of candidates
which will be presented. II is not too late for
all conservative men, and those who have any
regard for economy, To mako some effort to
select fit and proper persons to compose the
next Common Council. Ward meetings should
be organized all over the city, and number of
respectable citizens chosen to represent the
different districts in the new Boards, to the ex-
clusion of the loaGng hangers-on Of the City
Hall and other political dens, who are certain
to receive the nominations of the party con-
venions.