The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1871-06-01


1t is alstrange infatuation that causes the
majority of the American people to persist
year after year in refusing to let the Democ-
racy come into power Tor the purpose of re-
forming the finances, scrupul6usy saving
every penny of the public money that is pos
sible, upholding State aud national honor on
sea and land and bringing about the millenni-
um at the earliest practicable moment. We
have often had occasion to refer to the case of
New York as affording a singuiarly impress
i've example of the reiormatory energies of
Democracy in power. But it is theme for
the illustration of which Tammany is con-
stanty affording new and valuable material.
Three pieces of important testimony as to
the efficiency OF resnant Conservatism that
have lately been afforded to the public deserve
a passing notice.
Last Sunday a metropolitan preacher sug-
gested the formation of vigilance commit
tee as the only means of affording adequate
security tor life and property. Most of tie
members of the criminal classes in New
York are Tammany politicians, and in case
any one of them is brought to trial he is al
most sure to escape conviction through the
sympathy of Tammany judges and the I'M
scrupulous efforts of Tammany leaders.
Even SO foul a murder as that of Mr.. Putnam
by Foster came near going UNPUBLISHED
through combination of these influences
A few weeks ago Gov. Hoffman pardoned one
of the vilest murderers that ever made
assassination profession. The number Of
homicides of which he was guilty is almost
incredible. After many narrow escapes he
was at length imprisoned, but had been SUBJ
ject to this discipline but short time when
the executive pardon rewarded his fidelity as
Tammany politician. Such are some OF the
incidents attending the administration Of
justice in Democratic State.
Here is the testimony of a reliable New
York paper as to one branch of the financial
administration: "The Paris Commune was
one the worst bodies that ever cursed ma
tion'o city. But, before its inglorIous teln
of power closed, it explained in detail how
it acquired 100000, and how it expended
that sum during two months of its govern.
Ancut. Our rulefS IOr TWO years nave moi
accounted for the money they received, MOI
explained how ii was disbursed."
Respect for the fundamental principles Of
democratic government and intense devotion
to the cause of local Independence, free press
and free speech are among the Theoretical
doctrines of Democracy. But an act of the
Democratic Legislature that has Just closed
its session at Albany-the place chiefly mem
orable as'the scene of Winans's purchace-was
the most atrocious assault on the freedom Of
the press ever perpetrated in this country
1t invested the judiciary with power to punish
for contempt in the most summary and IRE
sponsible manner. The judiciary of the State
being VIGOROUSLY corrupt, and Icing to a la
mentable extent the mere tool of Fisk and
the Erie ring, the purpose of this act was to
deter the press from ctiticising even the gross.
est delinquences. After long period of hes
itation Gov. Hoffman yielded to outside pres.
sure, and vetoed this infamous bill. Had it
become law the judges would have been
able to carry out their contracts with their
masters without fear Of public criticism and
the consequent annoyances.