The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-12-07
TWEED'S ESCAPE.

The escape of William M. Tweed, while
naturally causing great excitement, will,
we apprehend, excite no very general sur
prise. tits, perhaps, fair illustration of
what the country has all along expected IN
the way of practical reform when it was
committed to the hands of the Tammany
hall democracy. Like others of their much
Wanted promises OF reform, great ado
was made about the promises but the prac-
tice has all ended in smoke. Ever since
the country was startled by the exposure
of the gigantic system of fraud carried on
by Tweed and his ring, the threats against
the confederates have been long and loud
but, in the end, they have been allowed
quietly to escape and easily place them
selves beyond the reach of justice. The
city of New York was robbed of millions
upon millions of dollars, the thieves were
known, the proof conclusve-and what is
there to show for it Thousands upon
thousands of dollars have been expended in
80 called prosecutions, the legislature of
New York has cheerfully and promptly
enacted all special or general laws called
for, and judgment for few beggarly
dollars has been obtained against dead
mana mere drop as compared even with
the expenses of litigation, and not to BE
mentioned in comparison with the amount
stolen-only one man convicted and i'm
prisoned and he pardoned by Governor
Tilden, and the remainder quietly enjoy
ing lie anu spenuing Lneir ill-gOtten gains
abroad.
1t needs no particular proof, in addition
to what we already know, to show that
Tweeds escape was connived at and pro-
NOTED, if not desired, by the democratic
officials of New York. Even when con-
vict, and confined as such on Blackwells
island, he was treated rather as a distin-
guished guest than as convicted criminal.
Governor Dix and Mayor Havermeyer re-
monstrated in vain. The only republican
member of the board of charities and cor
rections resigned because he was powerless
to prevent extraordinary privileges being
granted Tweed, and because, seeing escape
was easy and intended, he did not choose
to be held responsible for the criminal re-
missness of others. The public press has
vainly protested against his being allowed
to ride about the city and visit his home,
but their protests have been treated with
silent contempt. But the democratic gov
ernor and mayor of New York have been
silent. They, at least, have winked at the
action of subordinate democratic officials.
A democratic sheriff, warden and police
commissioners have knowingly placed the
way of escape before Tweed, and he has,
as they expected, taken advantage thereof.
1t the story of the warden, who had him
in charge. is true, then the escape was but
a repetition of that of Prince Harry Genet,
and, In both cases, it was doubtless in
tended that advantage should be taken OF
the opportunity 80 graciously offered
However the escape may have occurred.
whenever it was made, whether it was
aided by the officers or resulted from their
criminal carelessness, the fact remains that
he has escaped and that only democratic
officials are responsible therefor. Such is
administrative reform under Tammany rule
in New York city, and such is the reform
which Governor Tilden and the democracy
invite the country to and them in CARRYING
out,