The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-11-10


honest public sentiment OF the community, aud
not any party, has brought about this result
II the republicans, who have obtained an
overwhelming power in the State Legislature
through these fortunate circumstances 10
them, should ignore this fact and attempt to
disfranchise or govern again by commissions
this intelligent great democratic metropolis,
they will make fatal mistake and powerful
reaction will assuredy follow. The elections
OF Tuesday show in the most forcible manner
that no community has better claim 20 COM
plete local self government ihan that of New
York.
Another lesson given by these elections is
that the political factions Of the dominant re-
publican party are utterly ignored. Nobody
cared about or thought Of the Fenton, CoDk-
ling, Greeley, Murphy, Grant, or other fac
tons. Reform of local evils and the defeat Of
corrupt political combination were caa!!JJ con-
sidered The State Legislature should look at
the question in this light, throw overheard all
these factions aud their leaders, aud make
new departure both as regards the candidates
fol the United States Senate and other federal
officers, as well as for those Of the State. Let
party politics be ignored, the service Of honest
democrats recognized, an era Of good feeling
established, he best men n i appointed 70 Office
and the old party hacks put on the shelf
It was said that the political revolution in
New York would have an important influence
beyond the limits of this republic No one
can fail to see this who has watched the tone
of the press abroad since the frauds in this
city came to light and the eagerness with
which the political phases Of our country were
commented on by that press. The experiment
OF republican institutions on this side the
Atlantic is closely scanned on the other side,
especially within the last few years, since the
people there have begun to aspire to sclf-gov-
ernment The monarchists and arlstocrats
seize every opportunity to dsparage repubi
can institutions, while the people look to the
United States as the model Of government and
the hope Of the future. The stup sndous cor
ruptions in this city were calculated to damage
the cause Of republication or democratic as
pirations in Europe. They afforded the enemies
of republican freedom IN argument. But the
uprising of the voters in the late elections to
overthrow corruption, and tho bloodiess and
peaceable revolution effected at the ballot
box, will inspire confidcnco in republican self
government aud lead the nations of Europe to
follow our example. Hence, we say, that the
elections of Tuesday-local though they be-
nave significance and will produce an effect
far beyond the limits Of this city, State or
country. They must tend to produce great
revolution in public sentiment throughout the
world as regards the successful working Of
republican government. The masses Of the
Old World who clamor for the elective fran
chise and the ballot will point exultingly to
the election on Tuesday in the metropolis Of
this republic. and .he intelligent men of all
classes will be led TO admire and copy the
example we have given Hcnceforth tho eyes
Of mankind will be turned more and more to
this great city and the free institutions of our
glorious country.