The New York herald., 1871-11-23

ultimately it must prevail. We in these United
States should be grateful that while we are
the youngest of the peoples our governm ent
is the model government for all the future.
Judge Bedtord's Raid tho Peculutors-
The Duty OF District Attorney Garvin.
Judge Bedford has done his part towards
redeeming the character Of the city from the
stigma Of condoning felony and towards bring
ing to justice the knavish contractors and dis
honest municipal officers who have been con-
cerned in defranding and plundering the pub
lie treasury. After waiting until the election
was over, and it became evident that nothing
was to be done by the volunteer committees in
the way of furnishing the guilty parties, Judge
Bedford convened the Grand Jury and charged
them on the subject of the city frauds, remind
ing them that their duty called upon them to
investigate the matter aud to present those
concerned in the peculation, whoever they
responsibility Of another officer-the District
Attorney Of the city and county of New York
commences. It is now Mr.. Garvin's duty to
prepare the cases for Investigation by the
Grand Jury, and the people will insist that he
shall no longer evade or delay its perform
ance. There have not been wanting sugges-
tions that District Attorney Garvin's Office is
not SO much terror TO evildoers
as 1t ought to be, and, while we hold that no
such insinuations should be made against the
character Of public officer unsubstantiated
by clear proof, it is yet incumbent upon Mr..
Garvin at this time to disprove by his acts the
charges of his partisan assailants. Up to the
present moment the whole machinery of the
city government has been out Of gear, and the
proper officers have been, as it were, pushed
aside by semi-C Communistic bodies, who have
taken upon themselves the privilege of ssrun-
ming the machine" When city official has
indicated his inteation of performing his func-
tions, or has commenced an official act, he has
been told that he need not trouble himself in
the matter, that the business he was elected
or appointed to do has been undertaken by
others, and his motives have been called in
question. Probably this may have been the
reason why we have heard nothing Of District
Attorney Garvin in connection with prosecu-
tions for the city frauds. But the election has
changed all this. The politicians have accom-
plished their object and are quite willing to
suffer the municipal excitement to die out
as soon as they shall have secured to themselves
the fruits Of victory. Indeed, with q view to
the profits of an incoming administration, they
would be very glad If all further trouble in
regard to official peculation could be hushed
up. This, however, is not the peoples idea
Of reform movement. The politicians have
proved too much; they have shown that the
grossest plundering has existed in the city
government, and the people who have been
robbed insist that punishment shall be meted
out to the guilty parties as a lesson and .
warning to future municipal officers.
We intend now to hold District Attorney
Garvin up to his duty. The HERALD has in
sisted from the first that the criminals should
be hunted down, whoever they might be.
this offender, or covering up the tracks Of that
suspected officer, we have demanded thorough
scrutiny and stern justice, on what head So
ever the blow might fall. We have not scolded
Ike common drab, or branded honorable men
as thieves and toadies for political effect; but
we have declared our determination to perse-
we're in the attempt to fix the criminality where
it belongs, without fear or favor, and we
intend to adhere to this resolution. We shall
now insist that District Attorney Garvin per-
form his duty promptly, boldly and efficiently.
The secrecy of the Grand Jury room cannot
screen him If he should neglect or refuse to
make searching and impartial investigation
of the whole matter of the city frauds from
FIRST to last, including the forged warrants and
vouchers of Keyser d Go. He must trace
out the present abode Of Lynes, the Assistant
County Auditor, and Of all witnesses whose
testimony will assist the cause Of justice.
He must track the remainder OF the plunder,
portion Of which only was found by Mr..
Tilden. Judge Bedford has pointed out to
the District Attorney the path of duty, and
thai officer must follow it in good faith, or we
shall demand that he be called to account.
Now that the game of the politicians is
''played out" let the people have justice and
let felony bc properly punished.
DIsrRICT ATTORNEYS who neglect or refuse
to perform their duties can be removed by the
Govarnor nisfri.f Aftornov Gorr;,,. At. d.