Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-02-22
HONE RULE IyEEW YORK.

HONE RULE IN NEW YORK.
The Costigan bill for the reorganization
of the government Of New York City
brought into discussion in the legislature
of the State the merit of Home Rule
and made evident that there is wide d.
vision of opinion upon this matter among
the leaders of the democracy. The bill
was supported by the Tammanyites. and
opposed by some of the country members,
who saw in it another scheme tor second
William Tweed. Tammanyites raised
the flag of Home Rule" and under that
banner forced the honest men of the par
ty to yield. One of the latter. however,
opposed the project in very spirited
manner, and intimatod that Governor
Tllden was also opposed to ii. From a
report of his remarks we cut the follow
ing, which our readers will find interest
ing:
As said before in my remarks have failed to
hear any reasons given why this bill should pass
cave the simple reason that the democratic party
Last fall Endorsed as part of their platform the
principle Of Home Rule-when the gentleman
from New York (Mr. Campbell) was asked his in
depreciation Of the meaning Of the term bone rule
10 iAiled to give satisfactory reply. My under
standing Of It il that the majority Of the people
Should control their own local affairs Now, sir,
hae 4 been shown to the satisfaction of this House
tha& The people Of New York are dissatisfied with
the present management Of its affairs. Is 1t
claimed that the citizens Of New York city are
susriag for the reason that they cannot apply the
power which il to be obtained by the passage OF
this bin to remove certain persons holding office in
that city, whose administration OF the affairs OF
their Offices are injurious to the interest OF the
people have failed to hear any such argumeent
advanced By any member on this floor during this
discussion. If the gentlemen will put the passag Q
Of this hill on this ground and show me that it
viii be for the interest Of the people that this bill
shouldPa l am heart and hand with them, 9th.
Gentlemen talk here of the duty we owe to party.
ask for none of their advice in thst regard
have supported and voted the democratic ticket
for the past twenty five years, and take no coun-
sci in that direction from members on this floor
scarce out Of their majority, aud whose naturaliza
fal time in the courts where issued. am asked
what business have to interfere in matters which
solely belong to New York city beg the gen.
tlemans pardon. New York city does not belong
solely to herself There is no city or State in the
Union whose internal affairs so affect and control
the interest Of the whole country, and it is my
greatest wish that may never by any act of mine
do anything detrimental to her interests. But
hsve said much more already on this question that
intended, and perhaps more than should have
been said BY an humble member coming from one
Of he rural districts of this State but felt that in
justice 70 myself should reply to the attack made
upen NJ By the honorable gentleman from Che
mang for honestly opposing this bill. And now,
in eonclusiou, ask the House to indulge me a
moment longer, and an DONE
PITY the sorrows Of poor old man,
Who once with honor crowned,
He fame was known throughout the land
Scarce one was more renowned.
Thousands obeyed his slightest nod,
And did him homage pay;
He ruled his party with rod,
Omnipotent was his sway.
With million on million at his command,
Our commerce he controlled.
For many miles on our broad land
The Iron Horse he rolled.
Our Legislative halls he filled,
And statesmen of his kind
We're led about just as he willed,
Subservient to his mind.
Party nominations of the State
He held them in his hand.
Those who opposed insured his bate
And were driven from the stand.
His city officers he controlled,
And every place he filed
With thieves who never were more bold
Than when stealing as he willed.
With wealth and power, thus combined,
He thought his will supreme.
Alas! the folly Of mankind.
On such support to lean.
A Judge, at last, who undismayed,
Disdained to be his tool,
Convicts the felon thus portrayed,
The Champion Of Home Rule.
On Blackwell's Island now he dwels,
In punishment and in shame.
ask the gentlemen here to tell
Shall the like occur again.