Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1859-03-10
pI,,.bnra tEornIItyvs. New YorI. Morality.


A GOOD deal OF constituencies has been exhib- |
tied by comparison between these two cities,
in respect to morality, to the disadvantage OF
the former. The petulance and angry excite
ment of parties in the former place, on this
subject betrays a consciousness of wrong. And
impartial judges everywhere must, upon con-
sideration of the evidence, decide; that New
York never has reached, nor is it possible to
anticipate for her, in depth Of degradation which
Pittsburg has attained. This is susceptible of
very easy proof
bosom from all quarters of the world very
large mass of the refuse and scum of society
the most abject and corrupt persons to be found
anywhere.
il must be conceded also that from this foul
mass will arise representatives to occupy high
offices and degrade the councils of the City and
of the State.
But what Press in New York, of any preten-
sions to decency, undertakes the office of advo'
cate and defender of this corruption? Where
are the solid business men and citizens of posi-
ton and influence to uphold their measures
Where are the mass meetings addressed by law
yers and patriotic laymen, to endorse and un,
hlushingly proclaim 20 the world measures oil
fraud and dishonesty? Where is the attorney
of 'first-rate ability and honor" in New York
who can be retained to defend the cause of pub
lie, known and wholesale iniquity?
! One proof of the inferior morality OF Pitts
DTrEn, arises from tne IlfnlUlJN ana
her Press. The New York papers are bold,
/ fearless and unsparing in their dennncintion of
public and private corruption. Where Is the
/ Pittsburgh paper that has raised note of re-
monstrance against the law defiant majority IN
/ her Common Council? The New York mcr-
chants and solid men are out spoken and de-
cided against the vices which prevail among
them in high and low places. Atleast they are
proieSsedly and negatively They could not
| be engaged as body in upholding acts violating
public justice and private rights.
| How is it in this respect with the business
men of Pittsburgh Another proof comes from
public estimation, as it is shown in the COM
mercial value of her promises, notes and obliga-
tons. Who would not be glad to get New
York bonds ut par? Who would take Pitts
burgh bonds at Seoenty-Jice per cent. 6etoio par?
! The advocates of Pittsburgh morality exclaim
with singular consistency against the frauds
which have attended the issue or sale of her
bonds; while they are loud in denouncing fraud,
with the same breath they encourage and de.
termine to persist in the practice OF fraud.
Suppose there has been some dishonesty at
tending these bonds, is it not possible TO trace
their course from the ISSUE of them to the hands
of the present holders and expose that wrong?
Surely this We're a much wiser course than gen
era dcnuncIations or excited defamation.
But suppose such nm examination should dis
cover that many of their bonds were so pur-
chased that they furnish less than the legal
INTEREST; that trustees, guardians, and Courts oil
Chancery, deceived by the high reputation once
enjoyed by Pittsburg, ordered funds to be in
vested in her securities that belonged to widows,
orphans disabled persons, churches, charitable
institutions, &c; that during the last year FAINT
lies reared in atiluence have actually suffered
more than many of common beggars,
through her failure to pay overdue interest
Suppose exhibit could be made of the en-
barrassment and distress actually experienced
by this failure, and anticipated by the repudin-
ting outcry, what would some Of the honorable
citizens say of their moralityg Would they
Justify and applaud in their corporate character,
acts which as individuals they would abhor and
denouncc?
Such morality as prevails in those twin cities,
certainly would find no favor in New York and
Brooklyn. Nor is it possible to imagine future
to New York, corrupt as she is so morally de-
graded as the actual present position of Pitts
burgh and Allegheny City. The weak-minded
and the superficial judge of the morality of a
city from her police reports, and her daily re-
cord of crimes, but the wise and thinking judge
from the prevailing sentiment of her leading and
infuegtial citizens. Popular clamor may for n
time disown the claims ofjustce, but if the mi
nority are persistent and outspoken, moral
honesty will prevail, for all will eventually find
that it is the best policy.