The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-02

The news OF Mr. Morrissey's death will
make deep impression, not merely on the
classes in this city with whom he has
been most accustomed to associate, but on
politicians in every part of the State. He
was widely known by public men, and it is
creditable to his character that, in spite OF
his pursuits, he gained the respect of those
who were best acquainted with him. There
is, perhaps, no other example in our history
Of man having risen to SO much political
distinction against such formidable OBJ
stac!es. Our country has furnished innu-
merable instances Of men born in poverty
and deprived Of education struggling into
political distinction but there is no other
example Of man who first became noted
MS prize fighter, and advanced by not
unnatural progress to be the keeper Of
gaming establishments, making a not dis
creditable figure in the public life of the
country. We suppose this could have been
possible only with New York constitu-
ency. The marvel is not SO great that n
man of Mr.. Morrissey's antecedents and
pursuits could secure elections to Con-
gress aud to the New York Senate from GER
tain districts in this city, but that, by
steady growth Of confidence in
his integrity and ability, he at last
achieved the honor of an election
from one of the most wealthy, respectable.
moral and refined districts in the metfopo-
lis without renouncing the business by
which he gained his property This is, on
the whole, the most singular phenomenon
of our political and social life.
The qualities by which this strange sue
cess was achieved came to be very fully ac-
knowledged in the election last autumn,
when his competitor for the SURFACES of q
wealthy district was a well known citizen of
the highest standing. His signal victory over
such on opponent in such district proved
that Mr.. Morrissey was no ordinary and
vulgar keeper Of places for making or
losing money on games OF chance.
1t may seem paradoxical to mention
honesty as the strongest attribute
of such a man but we think it would be
the general verdict of those who knew him
| best that confidence in his honesty was
| the chief ground OF MS political success.
Mr.. Morrissey was man who never for
feited his word, who never sold his vote,
who never traflicked in legislation, who
was unapproachable not merely by bride
but by every kind Of improper influence
| Considering his education and associations
this is saying great deal. 1t implies that
| he was man Of strong character as well as
| honorable impulses. 1t must be added that
he possessed sense and penetration, which
made it impossible for the shrewdest minds
to practise upon him and use him without his
knowing it. He was pre-eminently endowed
with the quality which is vulgarly called
''horse sense. and as q penetrating Judge
| OF character and motives he had few EQUALS.
II must have been priceless solace to him
during this trying winter and spring, when
he has so often felt himself TO be Mt the
point of DEATH that his life was spared until
his real character was appreciated by one
Of the most select constituencies in this
metropolitan city. Mr.. Morrissey was u
remarkable character, and, take him for
all In all, we shall not look upon his like
again."