The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-11-10
Revolutions Through tire Ballot Box-T"e
Moral of Tuesdays Election.

| late war. has had or Is likely 10 nave more
| important results than the election of last
Tuesday. Local elections ordinarily are not
so significant or far-reaching in their conse-
| quences. Even in this great metropolis, with
| all It's vas wealth, population and influence,
municipal election generally has not been
| regarded Of 50 much interest beyond the limits
| Of the city, or OF the State at faribest. But
| the peculiar character OF the contest on
| Tuesday. and The extraordinary result, raise
the event to one Of national and worldwide
| Importance. To New York first and princi-
| pally the overthrow OF the corrupt and
powerful Ring that controlled Its af-
fairs is Of The greatest interest II
will stop corruption and extravagance,
for time, at least, elevate The character of
the city and place its credit high. II will show
that the moral sense and patriotism Of the
community are superior to party politics and
organized political clubs, however powerful,
and that II thorough revolution can be peace
fail, effected under our institutions through
the ballot box. 70 the nation at large the
Impressive lesson is given that no corrupt
party can reign long, whatever may be its
prestige, means or power. Foreign nations
will learn that in this republic we can make
revolution and find remedy for the evils Of
misgovernment without an appeal to arms or
the shedding of blood. In fact, the election of
Tuesday will teach the people of all nations
the value of republican institutions as they
exist in this country.
We refer to the general results Of The cleo
toral vote in this city, and not to those Of par
ticuler localities or to the character and fit
ness of some of the successful candidates.
We regret that Tweed, the head of the Ring
which robbed the city Of millions and
demoralized The politics and government of
the city, should have been reelected to the
State Senate. His election under the circum-
stances is disgrace. But, when we con-
slider the power he had welded, The class Of
voters over whom he still had great influence,
his personal popularity with the city ''boys"
and politicians among whom he had grown mp,
the power ofTammany at his BACK, the want Of
proper management In his district by the
reforiners. and other circumstances we need
not be surprised at his recollection. Still, il is
barren victory. His power is gone, if even
be be allowed to take seat in the Senate.
He was the chief Of the Ring which the people
OF this city have overtirowa by an overwhelm-
ing vote, and should he enter the Senate he win
be there only as . conspicuous object for attack
and utterly powerless. Should he cling
even 90 his Office as Commissioner over
an important department. of the city govern
ment, as il is now said he will, he cannot hold
il long. IL The Mayor declines to remove him,
or thinks he has not the power to do SO, the
courts or the Legislature will Aud way Of
removing him. In fact, none Of the Tammany
Ring can stand against the revolution in-
augurated last Tuesday 10 public sentiment,
whether any of them have participated in the
frauds on the city or have connived at them.
This IL the verdict OF our citizens, and sweep
in them ali out of public Office is only ques-
tion Of ine. But 20 return to the elections.
Ii is matter OF regret that Horatio Seymour
of Fields. that q maa of higher character and
better record han Jimmy O'Brian was not !
chosen for the Senate, aud that better can
diastes for some other positions were
moi selected by the reiormers aud voted for
BY the people. True, Jimmy 'Brien may be-
come more respectable now that he has got
into good company for he is o shrewd fellow,
and may take an ambitious turn that way.
SO with regard 10 certain other successful
candidates OF Objectionable antecedents and
questionable fitness; they may be improved
by good association, and kept in check through
the power OF that public sentiment which has
brought about Cue revolution IN our city affairs.
Still, even with these exceptional cases tue
general result is grand and shows in re-
markabe manner the strength aud value Of
our republican institutions.
The effect Of The Tammany Ring frauds has
been most significant, TOO, beyond the city
limits, especially throughout this State. MOI
only has the municipal ticket of Tammany been
defeated, but also the State ticket supported
by that org anzstiop, and in both branches Of
the Legislature ii has but corporals
guard The revolution in city and State
States the republican party has used most
effectively the Tammany Ring frauds, from
the first exposure Of them, against the demo-
Gratis. Senators and Cabinet officers and
stump orators OF all kinds made of them the
chief theme to denounce the democrats and
to exalt by comparison the republicans. The
consequence has been republican gains 10 the
elections almost everywhere The msgni-
tude Of the frauds was startling, aud as
Tsmmany assumed TO be controlling power
with the national democracy, public sentiment
reyolted against the party. The honest
voters, who care little for party, and who are
the balance Of power between parties, did not
stop 10 consider the past, present or less con-