The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-05-13
The success of Corruption.

OF the city may be, as far as practicable, COM
plete.
The Success OF Corruption.
We believe no citizen of New York outside
Of the insane asylum viii doubt that the ac-
ton Of the Legislature in Albany on the ques-
ton Of rapid transit was prompted by delib-
crate corruption. We have been told ever
since this question swas brought before the
Legislature that the lobby had been organ
lied so strongly that rapid transit could
not pass ; that money had been sent to
Albany by various combinations 10 de-
feat any measure, or if one should pass,
to strangle it in the future by some hid
den clause that would make it unconstitu-
tional. We have never moderated this dan
ger; but our hope was that the parties in
power-Governor Tilden, Mayo Wickham
and Mr.. Kelly-woull by the force of their
superior influence compel the Legislature,
in spite Of the lobby, to grant this
needed reform. 1t now seems that the rail-
road men are stronger than the democratic
party. Rapid transit has been struck fatal
blow There is hope that it may still be
hdNtN, Dub We nave llld5 IOLiAASnb5 ~
it. Men who should have done this must
answer to the people for their vote. They
must explain the reasons that led them to take
upon themselves the responsibility OF denying
to New York the measure 50 absolutely neces-
sary to its existence. They come back TO their
constituents with every presumption in favor
Of their having criminally sold out the city of
New York to corrupt and selfish interests.
We do not say, because we do not know, that
every man who voted against rapid transit re-
ceived money for his vote, but it would be
safe thing for the people to regard them as
having been openly purchased like cattle in
the shambes until they prove the contrary.
There can be no explanation Of these votes
upon any other theory than that Of absolute
and shameless corruption. Here was
measure demanded by the general voice Of the
people; all the statistics went TO show that
for ten years New York had been rcceding in
the march Of metropolitan greatness, while
the cities around it have been advancing with
tenfold rapldity. II was shown that the
future growth of New York had been diverted
into other cities and that from day to day we
were driving out Of our midst men who earn
their money on these streets and who would
be glad 10 spend il here. We endeavored to
show that the fear OF the street railway corpo-
rations that the completion Of a system of
rapid transit would diminish their franchises
was based upon an error; to chow that "a
London aud Paris, where there is a complete
railway system, the local traffic BY omnibuses
and cabs vas still profitable and large bust
ness, but all in vain Rapid transit was post
poncd and neglected and ignored by the lead
ers Of both parties, and finally, now, in the
last days Of the session, is strangled at the
bidding Of men who have no interest but their
own 10 serve and who care little for the
benefit Of the people if they can make money
out Of their mnfortunss.
We repeat, therefore, that the defeat Of
rapid transit Is to stamp upon the brow Of
the men who voted against it the stigma of
corruption. 1T the same time we think that
the responsibility falls largely upon Gov
ernor Tllden and lIr. Kelly. We know that
the Mayor has written an earnest letter and
has undoubtedly done his part. But the other
gentlemen held in their hands the democratic
party They control its organization and they
had the power to compel the passage Of a just
and wise measure Of rapid transit. They
have neglected their opportunity. Gov
srnor Tilden has been too anxious about
the Presidency, and has been too deeply
immersed in schemes Of elaborate statesman
ship. Mr Kelly has been too much con-
cerned with the petty quarrels about rings aud
patronage, about the State Committee and the
organization of Tammany Hall. So the great
duty has been forgotten, neglected and de-
stroyed The two lessons We learn from it are
that under our modern system Of legislation in
Albany the viii Of the people Is nothing in
the presence Of lobby with one hundred
thousand dollars in its pocket and the demo.
cratic party, which came into power with so
many assurances Of reform, is helpless to
attain any measure Of general welfare and is
simply what il was in the past, machine IN
the hands Of selfish and trading politicians.
WouLD IT Nor BE WELL for District At
torney Bayley, Of Albany, to investigate be-
fore the Grand Jury the truth Of the reports in
circulation AZ Albany to the effect that owners
Of certain railway interests have taken their
own way Of defeating rapid transit in New
York?
A CoEREsPoyDENT, who evidently has some
information which he j. not willing 20 diyulge
al present, asks rs if we know whether
any member Of the Senate Of Assembly Or
any partner or relative Of such member hrs
been retained or employed as attorney or
counsel for any railroad interest this winter
and il So whether such member has voted for