New-York tribune., 1873-02-12


iI4. II4i; Thermometer. 40 $50. $40.
In our Albany correspondence some descrip
tOn is given of Striking" as practiced at the
State Capital. This is not new business,
though it may have new name. Sharpers
are always and everywhere ready to threaten
corporations with unfriendly legislation just
long enough TO extOrt tribute. The shame is
that these petty cOnspiracies increase every
year, and that there are legislators willing to
help in them.
From the synopsis, given this morning, of
she charter of the Canadian Pacific Rail-
way Company, it seems likely that if legisla-
tive provisions are sufficient to procure the
construction of the road, that result will be
obtained within reasonable time. But there
is another consideration which may not be
without its influence on the prospects of the
road before completion. The line must run
through very large district so uDfavorable
that there is no probability of its being in
habted for many years to come. 1t is a
doubtful question whether the profits made by
the general traffic on the road, if completed,
will compensate for the peculiar disadvan-
tages of the route.
We understand that a determined effort is
10 be made at Albany this week to secure the
favorable report of the Committee on the
Police Justices bill and that active reformers
of all parties except that of the Custom house,
will urge its passage. 1t is intimated that the
managers of the latter faction make common
cause with the police judges, thus proving
clearly the alliance we have repeatedly charged
and shown between the old Ring and the new
lust now endeavoring to make itself absolute.
Meantime why are all the facts showing the
infamous practices in these courts kept from
the Committee and the pubGcf These alone
are enough to justify the speedy dismissal of
the corrupt officers of these courts, and, if
published, would arouse an indignation which
would be more effective in securing this re-
form than all the best argument the most
astute lawyers can frame to sustain the bill.
Let us have an exposure of these frauds.
Merchants who hope for relief from the ex-
actions of the Harbor Masters must not trust
to the secondhand promises of Gov. Dix.
However much he may be disposed to remedy
the abuses he is practically pOwerless; only
the merchants themselves can compel faith
full and honest administration on the docks.
And now is the time to go to work to secure
this reform. The Board of Harbor Masters is
at this moment reOrganizing; the fraudulent
arrangement with the Towing Companies can
now be broken up; if not, merchants may as
well make up their minds to suffer indef-
nitely the old outrages and pay the old tax.
We have well authenticated instances Of fraud,
showing clearly the system pursued; and our
belief and information are that the methods
of indirect swindling which were practiced by
the old Board will be bequeathed to the new
one without delay. There are few active
merchants at work to break up this system;
let the whole South-st interest combine and
the effort will not be in vain.
We fear that there will be very general
feeling of disappointment at the result of Mr..
COlfax's defense before the Credit Mobiier
Committee. Much was promised and expected
very little has come TO pass. The Vice Presi-
dent, by his counsel, attempts to break down
the principal witness-Ames. Rebuked by the
Committee, the defense is put in as follows: Mr..
Colfax SAYS he received $500 from his father
in-lsw and 1000 from a New-YOrk merchant,
(sinoe dead), about the time 0akes Ames |
is alleged TO have paid him $1,000 as a
Credit Mobilier dividend. These sums depos- |
tied in the First National Bank, Washington,
are said to be the amount which stands to
his credit in the account produced. There is
no attempt 10 establish this line of defense on
any sworn evidence except that of Mr.. Colfax |
and some of the members of his family. !
Against this is the sworn evidence of Oakes
Ames, fortified by his memorandum book, the
check for 1920 and his own bank account.
II Mr. COlfax be innocent, he is the victim of
conspiracy stretching over many years,
arranged With cOGsVmmate art, and having no