The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-09-20

cation, retributon and reform. At the same
time we have warned the people that the
needy English Bohemians and political adven-
turers who have recently been so clamorous
in their cutlery against municipal frauds were
only using the popular excitement for their
own unworthy ends. The result has justified
our prediction. There was direct, legal and
peaceable way out of all our difficulties,
with certainty OF bringing dishonest
officials to punishment. That way was
to strengthen the hands of the Chief Magis-
trate in his efforts to rid the depart
ments of dishonest men and to place officers
Of established integrity in their places. There
should never have been any compromise with
self-acknowledged rogues. It is disgrace to
the city to suffer the name Of Richard B. Con-
molly to be attached to its securities or to
endure his presence in city department. It
is deplorabie to find the advice given to the
Chief Magistrate OF great city like New York
to "be governed by considerations of expedi-
ency" rather than by considerations of illegal
power and right" We believe that the people
will disapprove of any such compromising
policy. If Mayor Hall thinks proper to accept
the situation it will no doubt be to save the city
from embarrassment, and to prove that he is
fearless Of any investigation to be made by the
chosen representatives Of the Committee Of
Seventy. He may probably be right, although
vua ak
worthy the character and dignity of great
city like New York to have insisted first and
foremost upon the unqualified withdrawal of
the present Comptroller from Office. The ter
mination now reached appears to us not only
to establish precedent which may bring forth
evil fruit in the future, but in the present to
threaten the defeat of the popular will and the
virtual triumph of dishonest public officers.
Mr.. O'GoRMAN in his letter to the Mayor
attempts to throw oil on the troubled waters !;
but they refuse to be STILL The best way to
calm them is to throw ''Oiy Dick overheard.
Germany and Russia-The Shadow of War
Again.
In the HERALD of this morning will be
found an announcement to the effect that the
footing Immediately and its effective strength
reduced to four hundred thousand men. This,
it must be admitted, is encouraging news to
those who believe in peace. At the same time
we cannot overlook some facts of Importance
which point the other way. The Russian
press growls savagely at Prussia, and charges
her with bad faith and ingratitude. Russia
evidently feels that she has been sold, as Aus
tria and France were sold, by Bismarck.
Austria has sent circular to her representa-
tives at foreign courts, informing them of the
results of the Gasten Conference, and in
structing them to assure the governments to
which they are severally accredited that the
negotiations concluded between Austria and
Germany are in the interests of peace. We
wait now to hear what Bismarck says. In
few days more we shall know exactly what
was done at Gastein and at Salzburg. Not
till then and not till Bismarck has said his
say in the matter will it be safe to pronounce
verdict. In the meantime it does look
as if Russia had been fooled and sold. An
alliance offensive and defensive it is almost
safe to say, has been concluded between
Austria and Germany. Whatever else may
flow from the alliance this must flow from
it-Russa will have to fight and win, or she
will be effectually cut off from the object of
her long cherished ambition. Constantinople
will no longer float before her vision as
possible prize. German unity is great fact;
but German unity is not yet completed.
Austrian Germany, sooner or later, will be
annexed to the empire; and the Hapsburgs
may find compensation on the Lower Danube.
There are certain provinces on the Baltic
which in faith are Lutheran and which in
speech are German. These provinces, which
now groan under the yoke Of Russia, must
also become part of the German empire.
Germany has bought over Austria to her
side. Is Russia prepared to see Bismarck cut
and carve Europe at will2 Russia, we know,
has been counting France; but France cannot
be TO her of much service. A few hours more
and we shall know whether it is to be peace
or another devastating war. So far as we can
see Bismarck is playing another Of his bold
games, and the chances seem to be in his
favor.
The City Improvements-How VIII They
Be Affected by the Present TROUBLED
Taking it for granted that the rule of the
Tammany Ring is expiring and that there will