The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-05-05

branch OF retail business must be materially
benefited by these three great excitements, the
like Of which never occurred in the metropolis
before ct the same time. 1t only required the
coming of the Great Eastern to make this essen
TALLY sensation season.
The Practical Legislaturs ana tho CITY
Railroads.
The schemes of the plundering band that as
sembled In Albany last winter are 30 numerous
that We have not space to enumerate them. But
In view Of the Wholesale corruption that exist
ed from the commencement to the final adjourn
ment, 1t Is important that some of their pratt
cal projects should be kept constantly before
the people, and the reckless band arrsyed be-
fore the bar of public opinion. The city rail-
roads, about which 30 much has been said, rank
foremost In the jobbing operations of those pi.
rates yclept legislators. In those jobs the real
nature Of the men stood boldly forth, and their
natural propensities were fully exhibited.
The gridiron lobby engineers presented
themselves at the Legislative halls and entered
upon their plans before an organization had
been perfected. Their hands were visible in
the formation of the committees and other
minor arrangements necessary for the success
of their plans; in fact, they took as much
pains in arranging the preliminaries as band
of sea pirates would to 6t out their vessel with
provisions and ammunition in preparation for q
long struggle to capture richly laden mer,
. chant vessels. They secured the Assembly
committee to suit their taste, but failed in the
Senate, owing to the fact that the Lieutenant
Governor was not plant enough to become
their tool.
Hardly had the legislative wheels COM
menced moving before bill was introduced
in the Senate, by Senator outside Of the city,
repeating the law of 1854 relative to the con-
struction of city railroads, and placing the
control Of these valuable franchises in the Le-
gislature, as far as the city of New York il con-
cerned. This move was the clearing away of
rubbish, the dredging Of the channel, that their
prstical craft might have clear sailing. The
Senate committee refused to report this bill.
Another was introduced in the Assembly that
placed all control in the Legislature, with the
consent of the property holders. The House
committee reported II forthwith, and under the
plea that it was for the purpose of preventing
George Law from buying the Common Council
and running his roads where he pleased,
it was rushed through in great haste. 1t was
taken to the Senate, and the original Senate
bill substituted for it, and passed after
lengthy struggle. The bill as amended was re-
turned to the Assembly; the members, by this
time having ascertained that 1t was opening
rich PLACER for them, concurred In the amend
ments without stopping to take breath and the
Governor placed his sign manual upon 1t be-
fore the signature 6f the Speaker was dry.
The passage Of this bill fairly opened the
way and cleared their path Of all obstruction;
the only thing left to be done was to find men,
bers enough that were ready to take passage
and assist In the plundering campaign. This
was the easiest part Of the programme. The
promised to be successful and profitable ex-
petition, that they could hardly wait fer an in
vitation.
Eunereus plans for stealing these franchises
were presented and referred TO the respective
committees; but before they decided which was
the most feasible, there was trouble In the
camp of Of the head pirates growing out of
the division Of the anticipated spoils. The
Assembly committee finally reported five bills,
and declared II their intention To attack the
metropolis at that number Of points and carry
OF their prizes. This was the plan Of Thurlow
Weed and his band, which left out In the cold
George Law and a large army Of lobby
men who had gathered around, with mouths
watering at the smell Of the steaks. Law i'm
mediately held council Of war at the Delavan,
where were assembled oil the disappointed
lobbyites. A stratagem was then devised In the
shape of mammoth gridiron, which they man.
aged to secure the endorsement Of by the
Senate committee. This mammoth concern was
rushed through the Senate with speed unheard
Of in legislative matters, helped along, II Ia
said, by Robin Hood distribution Of some
sixty thousand dollars, besides nearly every
Senator voting for It having next friend as
an incorporation.
The passage Of this bill by the Senate caused
wonderful conformation In all directions; the
House lobby hoisted the white flag, and COM
promise was soon effected, whilst the whole
band, Senate, Assembly and lobby, united to-
gether In one grand buccaneering army to take
possession Of the streets Of this city. A new
division Of the anticipated spoils was made, and
the baud started out The seven gridirons
we're first passed In the Assembly, withou. one
member In ten knowing their provisions, or
whether the cars were TO be drawn by horse or
steam, q member from the rural districts, who
professed perfect knowledge Of our city, being
the engineer. With great haste they were
taken to the Senate, and there, In due time,
rushed through and hurried of TO the Cover
nor, who tried the patience Of the pirstcal
crew, big and little, BY bis slow movements.
Various rumors were anoat during the pas