The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-10-13
The Age OF Mystery.

We have been interested during the last
few weeks in observing the sense Of deep
mystery and secrecy which has fallen upon
our generation. Americans in times past
were always a frank open, conversational
people, willing to talk about their affairs,
discussing public men and events with can
dor and without reserve. We have never
been disturbed by a police system like
what we see in France lowering over every
mans life and taking diligent note of the
minutest events in his conduct. Nor have
we been oppressed by any sense of caste or
distinction between social classes like what
we see in England. This recent spirit of
secrecy and mystery and reserve is envelop-
ing the country to such degree that we
really seem to be little more than con-
federation of Masonic associations.
Nothing interested the people for some
time more thoroughly than the probable
action of the Tammany Convention. The
people were anxious to know who were to be
their judges and rulers for the next term.
Our reporters went to John Kelly and
other leaders-nothing but shake Of the
head, silence and mystery Politicians were
naturally very anxious to know what the re-
publcans and democrats meant to do in the
canvass, whom they would nominate and
what steps they would take for victory Our
reporters visited Collector Arthur and Mr..
Shafer-n nothing but shake of the head,
silence and mystery A day or two since it
was reported that the Mayor had asked the
Board Of Police Commissioners to resign.
The fact that we were no longer to be hon
ored with Matsell and Disbecker in these
high stations naturally enough alarmed the
people, and as public servants we sent our
reporters to the members of the Board to ask
them how true it was that they had been
asked to resign-nothing but shake OF the
head, silence and mystery Disbecker knew
nothing, Voorhees, would say nothing, and
our reporter sought the august presence of
the Mayor-all was silence and mystery
For two or three weeks we have been with
out Secretary of the Interior. All we know
is that the Assistant Secretary is, according
to the newspaper dispatches, reforming
everything" Naturally enough the country
is anxious to know who is to preside over
one Of the most important departments Of
the government. The President is off study
ing the geology of the Rocky Mountains.
Correspondents seek for information as to
the name of the new Secretary-only silence
and mystery Jewell don't know, Fish
won't speak, and Grant, as is lis habit, says
nothing. Rumor flies from name to name
L. I. H.. 4
thentic intelligence is that the mysterious
person who is named for this Office will be in
Washington and take his oath this week
If this were an Oriental country if our gov
erning powers were sultans, we could under
stand the reserve which is shown by the men
who have influence and authority But is it
not, after all, an insult to the people, this
affectation of secrecy this declining to talk,
this silently, sullenly agreeing upon names
for public places and tossing them to the
people at the last moment as though bone
were tossed to beggar? Have we not the
same rights in the government of the nation
Has not the humblest citizen in the country
the same concern as the President in the
name of the new Secretary of the Interior +?
And has not the modest taxpayer in New
York as much right to know who is to be the
next Recorder as John Kelly or John Nor
rissey? Is not this feeling Of reserve, this
affectation of secrecy and silence, an evidence
of the growth of that spirit of Casarism or of
the few ruling the many irresponsible and
for their own gain, which we have observed
with pain in our country for the last few
years?