New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-02-22
STALE PRETENSES AT ALBANY.


We opposed the use of the government of
the City of New-YOrl as a means of con-
trolling the politics of the State in the interest
of the Tammany Democracy For precisely
the same reason we oppose the use of it as
means for controlling the State in the interest
of the CustOm-hOuse Republicans. And we
beg to remind Republicans, who are greatly
in the minority in this city, that the precedent
of playing RcfOrmer to get the patronage,
and then using it solely for political
manipulation, is an exceedingly dangerous one
for them TO set. They are in position to
profit most by the establishment Of sound
reform against the use of city patronage for
PARTISAN ends, and to lose most by its aban-
donmcnt If they pass this ingenious partisan
Charter now, with what face can they appeal
for honest, nOn-partisan city government,
when next the overwhelming Democratic ma
iority in this city rcgains the cOntrolP
But old times have certainly come again at
Albany. Legislators of the new Ring indulge
in the farce of discussion with as much solem-
nifty as under the old one; and doubtless
laugh in their sleeves as heartily at the idea
that they have justified themselves at home
as well as satisfied the party leaders at the
Capitol. The debate on the Charter for the
past two days has had all the peculiarties OF
former discussions of the old Ring measures.
The new party whip is cracked as de-
family and as vigorously and as effectively
as ever. Argument is simply for FORMS sake,
and thus far it has been very poor argument
indeed, and the form has deceived nobody.
The weaker dissenters from party doctrines
and purposes are silenced by the merest sheer
at their factious conduct; aud the most de-
termned opposition from within the party
thus far has been silenced by a compromise
which is insulting or a concession which is an
outrage. Apparently there has been no need
thus far to spend money; evidently the party
lash has terrors enough for the cOun-
try members; but if money were
needed, doubtless the Custom house
Ring would eagerly take pattern after
its predecessor and prototype of Tammany.
And to make the parallel perfect, observe the
presence, too, of the new Dictator. Burly Mr..
Tweed no longer sits in the chair of the
Senator of the Fourth, smiling at the vain
opposition of words after the votes had all
been bought and the brides pocketed; but in
stead, little Mr.. Davenport reclines in an
honorary seat at the Clerks desk scOwling at
the factious fellows who make windy pre-
tense of opposition to satisfy their consciences
or their constituents.
Tho strength of the argument has been al
together with the opponents of the measure;
the Ring cannot justify It's arbitrary prop
ositiOns by strong reasoning and convincing
facts; and the inefl'ectiveneSs of any discussion,
however powerful, was shown by the summary
manner in which the most cOmmendable
amendments were voted down. In their deter
mination TO carry their measure at all risks they
hazard public condemn alton
and in their overbearing manner show their
contempt for public opinion. A party which
thus recklessly uses its power at the start will
not scruple in the end to employ the most
corrupt means to maintain it. The original
plan of the Charter as reported has thus far been
adhered to with a single exception; and this
change as we have before asserted, is the
grossest of the outrages yet contemplated.
1t is simply the taking of the appointing
mower from the Mayor and bestowing it upon
the Aldermen; the confirming power being
given in lieu to the Mayor. This puts it out
of the latter's power to defeat the Ring plans
by nominating men of such purity of purpose
and of such recognized ability that the Ring
could not reject them; it leaves him TO take
the responsibility of rejecting the Ring nOmi-
nees NOT a grave responsibility, however,
if the nominees are the class of men
we hear of IA likely to be proposed.
The most insulting part of this change, how
ever, lies in the fact that it is put forward as
" a concession"
The bill was yesterday referred back to
the Committee to be reported as complete.
Further debate is promised, but we have no