New-York daily tribune., 1863-11-25
ORR CHARTER RLECTION.


We beg our City readers not to "support the
nominations" next Tuesday, whether OF
the party we favor or of any other. That is to
say: Don't vote for any ticket straight through
because it was nominated on behalf OF the party
whose principles you approve, but inquire
whether there be or be not bad men foisted upon
II; and if there be, scratch off their names, and
put those Of better men in their place.
From the fact that You are reading The
TRIBUNE, we may safely infer that you are not
a natural fool; hence We will waste no words in
demonstrating to You that il can beof no service
to your party, whichever that may be, to elect
a rascal Of that party rather than an honest
man Of the other to municipal office. Nay :
You know that it would be better for your
party, if the choice lies between two knaves,
that he Of the opposite party should be chosen
Its your duty TO vote; but tits not your duty
to vote for scamps. And if, whenever Such
were in nomination, great portion OF the total
vote should be returned scattering Is,
should be cast for persons not IN nomination-
the fact would convey rebukc that political
wire-workers would comprehend and heed.
II is of great consequence that honest, capa-
bic. worthy men be chosen TO fill municipal
stations: their politics, respectively, are OF quite
subordinate consequence. Who would not re-
ioice to have O Council composed of men like
Peter Cooper, Hamilton Fish, Charles OConor
Robert B. Mnturn, and men of like standing
and regard, no matter Of what politics.
Oar present Primary Election machinery
seems specially calculated for the advancement
of mcdiocrty, rascality, and self-sceking. And
yet all parties nominate some good men; and
each would nominate more such, if the public
would evincc proper discrimination by scratch
ing the bad ones. The voters may do what
they like with the wire-workcrs il they viii but
exert their power.
That there are robbers and plundcrers in our
City Councils, is notorious: understand that we
DO not wish you TO vote for such, no matter
what ticket they may disgrace. II man who
has already filled an Office has used the trust
thus reposed in him to line bis own pockets or
those of his friends, we entreat you NOT to vote
for him.
Do not say you cannot tell who are and who
not worthy, unless editors expose themselves 10
assaults and hbcl-sits by printing names and
facts: pou oan. You have only'to make due in
quiry and all will be plain. An honest man may
be fairly slimed over with calumny, while
sleek and sanctimonious rascal swims in popular
plaudits; yet, if you will but earnestly inquire
You can ascertain which is the justice and which
the thief. Try il
Especially do We urge you to be watohful and
fearless with regard to School Officers. You
know that libertines, drunkards, and blockheads
a. ignorant as swine, hare been made School
Officers. You know right well that this Is cry
ing shame and evil. Don't stand groaning over
the deprayity Of the age but go TO work 10
redress the wrong. Ascertain who are running
for School Officers in your Ward; inquire as To
their respective fitness for the posts TO which
they are commended; make out the best ticket
YOU can, and then see your friends and neigh
bors. tell them what you have discovered, and
urge them to vote with you for the best men.
You will be surprised to see how generally they
will do il. Men oftener vote for bad candidates
from thoughtlessness, OF ignorance, or despair
than otherwise. Each says, "What good will
my solitary vote do7" and "votes the regular
ticket" or fails TO vote at all, bccause he sees
not how good can be effected by voting other
wise. He would gladly join with others 70
work reform, but he sees DO way open to do So
Citizens! show for once that you can do your
whole duty under the impulse Of other than
partisan considerations We urge you TO vote
not for this or that party, but for the fttest and
best men; we urge you to place such in noini-
nation where you can, but to vote Tor such
whether nominated OF not. The Charter Elcc-
ton is separated from the State, in order to
divest it, so far as possible, of partisan inilu-
ences. Let us all resolve that our next Coun-
cils and School Boards, No matter Of what pol
itcs, shall be largely composed OF worthy and
true men.