New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-03-10

known, and fearlessly executed then indeed is II
a government of the people. No law can stand
except upon this foundation: and however much
other laws may be attacked however much the vio-
lation Of other laws may be deplored the violation
of this right strikes at the foundation Of our
American system Of government. This also is a
question that deeply concern every citizen OF
the State 1t IS because there are eyes directed
toward this Committee from every quarter of the
State that 1t eXpedient that this Inquiry
! should be first directed toward question which
will meet response from the hearts Of honest men
in all parts of the Commonwealth: therefore. to-
dav YOU will asked listen 70 evidence relating
TO interference OF the polfe with the elective
franchise of the city of New'forS1 Yor VIII be
shown that by reason of some motive. possibly 70
be guessed instead of proven. by reason OF some
command possibly not reduced 10 writing, but only
10 be inferred. the police in the city Of New-York
instead Of being the jealous guardian of the sover
eighty Of every voter in the city of Newly ork have
been active participants in attempts at every elec-
ton to overthrow the sovereignty of the citizens
OF New York. to bring about a result not that de
sired by the voters. but that desired by the masters
Of the police that in pursuance Of these attempts
they have gone 50 far besicge the voter with
In the sacred precincts Of the election booth. and
there where the law. drafted by one of the mem
bers of this Committee, has contemplated that the
sovereign of the State should be left alone with
his own conscience and the sovereign of us ALL
the voter 10 beseech the casting OF the vote de-
sired by the masters of the police.
We shall show that they have taken the votes from
the hands OF the voters and commanded that this
that ballot should be deposited IN the box. that when
voters have failed or refused comply with these
demands they have been taken by the neck and
hurled from the voting place. We shall show that
when honest men have sought. as did Robert Ross
in Troy the other day. prevent the operations
Of repeaters nonresident voters. and have been
assaulted by rians acting in the interest OF dis
honest vote the police have afforded protection
TO the honest resident. but rather have aided the
other side. We shall show where police officers
have taken the ballots after they have been count
ed after the close Of election. and under the pre-
text that it necessary to reduce the number
OF ballots then the box have taken ballots bear
ing names other than those in which they Were
interested and openly destroyed them. In other
words we shall show repeated acts Of personal vio-
lence OF intimidation. OF Interference Of unlawful.
| unwarrantabe and unhcard Of prostitution Of the
will Of the people by the active operations Of the
police Of New York. II is manifest that this sort
OF inquiry may be carried on in "A somewhat desul-
! tory manner; that Is, the Committee may sit to-
| day and hear a given number of witnesses.
| OTHER SUBJECTS OF INQUIRY.
II can adjourn for a week and come again and hear
| others without any harm to the result Of the in
quiry: but there is another branch which the Com
| mttee will be invited to consider which may not
| be thus investigated. There are subjects which you
| have been asked probe that Will require
| tinuous sessions. because il IS charged that the
police Of this city thrive upon the profits Of crime
that they coparners In the products Of offences
| against the criminal laws that for immunity given
| to violators Of law they levy tribute. taxes and
| backmail. When the Committee shall enter upon
that line Of inquiry II will doubtless be necessary
that sessions be continuous and protracted for
! which reason the Senators. now being Obliged to
| Albany.
| not give at present the requisite time and atten-
| ton: but the time VIII come. doubtless after the
Legislature shall adjourn. when this Committee
can enter upon that inquiry faithfully. diligently
| and fruitfnlly. When that time comes evidence
| will be produced before you with the degree
OF fearless impartallty that will be displayed in
the examination OF the offences against the bal
ot-box: and every known supposed source Of liz
formation will be probed TO the bottom to bring to
the surface whatever there may be 70 throw light
upon that inquiry. You Will be asked to give pa
! tent and careful and continuous attention 10
mass Of details that will be spread before you upon