New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-03-26
MP. MORRLSSEYiS SATIRE.

That WAS n very clever bit OF satire which
Mr.. John Morrissey gave the general public in
the neighbOrhood of MadisOn-square a day or
two ago. Mr.. Morrssey is understood to be
an influence and power in the Democratic
party of this city and State. He has repre-
sented that party two terms in Congress, is an
active and prominent member of the Tam
many organization, is understood to have a
considerable gift in the management OF pri-
maries, and is not without talent in distrib-
uting places and providing for friends. 1t is
reported that under the present City Govern
ment Mr.. Morrissey has suffered n shrinkage
of influence and diminutiOn of power. Some
of Mr. MOrrssey's friends believe there has been
a studied effort on the part of certain municipal
magnatcs to ignore that gentleman in the
matter of appointments and patronage. This
is almost incredible. And yet the fact re-
mains and cannot be cOntroverted that some
of Mr.. Morrisseys wishes with regard to the
distribution of patronage have been disre-
garded. 1t is reported-with how much truth
we know not-that sundry unusual and extra
ordinary tests have been set up by the ap-
pointing powers which have served as pretexts
for non compliance with bis requests. 1t is
said that these relate i'll part to personal
character, and are not wholly unconnected
with reading and writing.
Against these requirements, so cruel and
unusual that thousand barrooms cried aloud
against them, Mr.. Morrissey is said to have
earnestly protested. His arguments, which,
though eloquent enough, somewhat lacked the
force of those with which be began his public
career, were UNDECIDED And so he is reported
to have said that "as these men would not
"listen to reason, he thought he would try
" the effect of ridicule." In accordance with
this purpose, he attired himself fashiOnably
and gOrgeously, as for q dinner party of
gentlemen-complete from kid to necktie-
and with French dictionary under his
arm sailed forth into MadisOn-square.
To repeated inquiries as to the mean
ing of this demonstration his constant
answer was that he was going down to ask
Mayor Wickham for an office, and nobody
could get an Office now unless they wore kid
gloves and could speak French 1t is very
probable that Mayor Wickham has required
of candidates for Office that they should be
gentlemen instead of loafers, and that they
should be intelligent instead of ignorant.
Both these absurd requirements were very
neatly satirized by the gentleman's full dress
and the French dictionary. 1t was an I'M
commonly clever thing on the part of Mr..
Morrissey, and afforded infinite merriment to
the statesmen in the uptown hotels who de-
vote their time between drinks To the discus
sion of great political questions and the Wig
orous denunciation of such innovations as this
of the Mayors.
Magnificent satire, well carried out Full
of humor, delicate and suggestive, pointed
and keen. And yet-and yet. Mr.. Morrissey,
it is dangerous weapon. All, John Honor
able John Did it never occur to you while
you we're getting yourself up in this remark
able manaer as q satire upon tho absurdity of
requiring something Like clean and honor