New-York tribune., 1870-02-07
TILE RO4D TO SiFETY.

we have not hesitated to declare our belIcf
that the charter constructed by Mr.. Sweeny
will have fatal effect upon tins city, ana all
that we lave said has been indicated by the
expression of similar views by some Leading
Democratic politicians, who havo heretofore
been obedient to Tammany. But MIR. Sweeny
has yentured even beyond their patience, and
within his own ranks can be heard many
uneouiyocal condemnations of his pro-
eramme IA whole, and especially OF
that part relating to police affairs
Commissioner Brennan hints that under the
clause allowing bail and the section requiring
prisoner to be instantly taken before magis-
trate. it would be impossible to hold any
offender for punishment, no matter how serious
his crime. Other Democrats, equally high IL
position. and less interested, personally, in the
maintenance of the present system, have ex-
pressed equally decided and unfavorable Views
1t is evident, therefore, that charter which
thus insults the sense of right of large num-
Der of Democrats has been constructed for the
exclusive benefit Of the Ring.
There is yet a leaven of decency lett IN the
Democratic party, and we are glad to find that
it has been reused into activity by the pro-
cecdings in the Legislature. Not day passes
but the slaves of Sweeny thrust INTO both
Houses bills adroitly fashioned to consolidate
His authority or fleece the people. This greed
of pelf and power has stirred up opposition,
and doubtless led the Assembly on Saturday
to reject by the decisive vote of 80 to 90, Dir.
Kiernan's bill to build us another Court House.
The Hon. John III. White, the sole Republican
member from this city, had DuI 10 uitOVt "ttV"
ton to the fact that the limitation as to expense
which had been ordered had been surfeptl-
tiously expunged, and Democratic Assembly
promptly rebuked the otlense. The incident Is
pleasantly suggestive as it shows what RepuO-
lican courage aud watchfuness may accomplish,
and how flail is the tenure by which Tammany
holds those gentlemen who are derslycly
called in the Ring slang the "hay-loit and
"chcese-press Democracy"
We remind our friends in the Legislature
that to some extent the fate Of this city is in
their hands. If the Republican members, with
out exception, refuse to aid Tammany, the char
ter must fail and defeat on the charter is
final discontinue. We are aware that Tammany
is attempting to seduce Republicans by holding
out the bait of appointments to represent
the minority IN the hydra-headed Commissions;
but we have yet to hear that the effort has
been in any degree successful-a bill unsat-
isfactory to Democrats is not likely to re-
eeive Republican support. 1t is incumbent,
however, upon our friends, to be watchful and
wary above all, let them present united front
against this measure. Let it be understood that
to neglect to wage unceasing war upon 1T Is to
hazard the existence of the Republican party
in the State no less than the well-being OF the
city. Let them be earnest in impressing upon
the Legislature that this bill is intended, not
so much to extinguish Republicanism in New
York, as to plant the foot of Tammany upon a
PROSTATE State Democracy. IL the Republicans
unflinchngly do their duty in this crisis, the
power of Tammany can be broken by the de-
feat of the proposed city charter