Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1874-04-08
Would Ii Pay to Import Him

When the acquittal of ex-Mayor Hall, of
New YORK, was announced, the Sunday Times
did not hesitate to accept it as a vindcatiOn Of
bis character against the charge of dishonesty
and at the same time, expressed satisfaction
with the verdict which gave some little solace
to those who still have faith in human nature.
The special correspondent of the Times at
washington, In writing upon the subject of the
corrupt cor District board, gives us some ground
OF the ordeal of investigation unscathed. The
press reports Of the proceedings OF the commit
tee give indications of like character. That
the "ring' robbed the people, and extorted
money from them by excessive and unjust as
sessments, seems beyond question. Yet the in
quiry, although disastrous to the regulations OF
many Of bis associates in Office, has thus far
developed nothing uAfavorable, and much that
is creditable, to Governor Shepherd. He has
not been indicated yet, and indeed NAV be
covered with infamy before the Investigation
ends, still there seems now to be abundant room
Tor the hope that he will come out of the trial
with his ability acknowledged and his reputa-
ton unframed.
The people of this city have watched this
investigation with q great deal of interest, for
they are peculiarly concerned in 1t. They have
recently tried several forms of government,
And have become Disguised with all of them
Their present affiiction in that line Is the worst
thai they have ever experienced, and, conse-
quently, they are in frame of mind that rem
ders them ready and willing to make any
change that gives substantial promise of better
things. The utter impracticability of carving
out any plan Of public improvement; the crimi.
officials; the clumsy, incoherent, and unweldy
character OF the existing government, aud its
manifest corruption, al combine to increase
their dissatisfaction, and intensity their desire
for change. The chance that Gov Shepherd
Is an honest man suggests a possible relief that
will not be overlooked. At first thought the
array OF figures representing the special assess
nents levied upon the Washington property
owners comes 20 mind, and it seems as though
any degree OF neglect or incapacity on the part
OF the present government would be prefer able
Va a..
sufhcient in the suggestion to make il worthy of
a second thought.
Wherever city has made a sudden and con-
spicuous advance in the way OF developing its
resources, increasing its attract veness, and
enhancing its desirabllity as a place of abode
for multitudes of people, the scheme has been
an inspiration or some one man, who has ranked
as tyrant or robber at the time, and as a pub
lie benefactor afterward A notable example
OF this is found In the case Of Baron Hsusma ann,
who engineered the public improvements that
made Paris "the capital of civiliz alton" While
his schemes were in the course of execution, he
was yilihed by all patriotic citizens, but now
results Of his work. Victor Emmanuel has re-
Gently called him to Rome, and the work OF
undermining the ancient city has been en-
true of Sir Christopher Wren, the London
architect, although the great part Of his plan
for improving the streets and qusys of the
corruption, his rule in New York would have
been an era Of progress unprecede nted in this
country. He conceived and partially executed
plans for improvements, the want Of which had
restrained the growth Of the city for years, bat
he became corrupt, and the good that he did
will be forever buried from recollection under
the ruins of infamous Tammany. When Shop
herd came into power Washington was the
most unsightly city in the whole country. He
has made Ii one OF the most beautiful, and ut
the same time enhanced the value OF its realty
incalculably. Corruption was promptly on
hand, and attended every step of the work.
The result Is that IL Is hard to tell now wheths
Shepherd, with all his brains, has been a bless-
ing or curse TO the city, even though his per-
sonal purity be admitted.
The point that interests Chicago particular
iy, In this connection, is this: II Gov. Shepherd
proves to be an honest man, he might be i'm
ported to this city to the great advantage Of
the community. We do not want any OF his
associates, nor will he want them to follow him.
IL be 10 honest. We would not want such \ cor
rupt board organised here, nor would he orsan-
lie one, IL he is honest. The Revelations nov
being made with respect to the perform ances of
his associates will undoubtedly teach him some
valuable lessons, 80 that, II honest he n I'M he
rare man to secure In any city. We do not vant
q dishonest "boes;" We do not even want an
honest "boss" who has disho nest associates: we
could make good use Of an honest ssboesn Who
had learned by bitter exp erience the curse Of
having dishonest associates. So, IL Shepherd is
honest, and has learned VS. ION from recept
events, had We not better import him?-CAicago
Times, april 9th.