New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-04-01
SELECTIONS FROM THE NAIL.
4 NEW-AMsTERDAM BOSS.
DIR. PARKIIURSTS CAMPAIGN AGAINST OFFICIAL
CORRUPTION PARALLELED IN THE ClTY'S
EARLY HISTORY.

DIR PARkIIIRST'S iAMPAlbN AtAlNoI OfflNlaL
CORRUPTION PARALLELED IN THE cITYs
EARLY HISTORY.
To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: An ancient author. faTed not only as a
profound philosopher. but also man Of large
practical experience in public affairs has said
as a result of his experience and observation: rs
there anything whereof It may be said, See. this is
new? 1t hath been already Of old time. which was
before us" In other words history repeats itself
apt illustration of that fact may be found In the
history Of the city of New-York. The outrageous
and unustihable Of the machinery of govern
ment by those in authority for their own per-
sonal enrichment and advantage is not matter OF
recent invention or without precedent In It's early
history Nor is 1t at all a new thing for a prominent
and highly respected clergyman of the city, both
in and out Of the pulpit, boldly to robuke upright
officials and by personal effort to labor to ac-
complish a reform of their niquitous methods.
Two hundred and fifty years ago, while New
York was still a Dutch colony, 1t was for many
years despotically ruled, or rather misrued, by
officials as avarcious. INSCRIPTIONS ana regardless
Of Justice and decency as any OF It's modern bosses
In 1863 Wouter Van Twiller was sent from Amster-
dam by the Dutch West India Company under
tho sanction OF the States-Cieneral Of Holland. as
its Governor. Quick to discover opportunities 10
acquire wealth by the INSCRIPTIONS use OF his
power as Governor, which was practcahy auto
cratic since there was no superior authority on
this side OF the AtllNtlc 10 WHICH d toiipiiiiN VI
appeal could be made. he very soon commenced
a career OF oppression and unlawful exactions
which bore with crushing weight upon the coonistS.
Some interesting details Of what followed are graph
icay related in "The History Of the city of New
York" by Martha j. Lamb. VINO says
In the same vessel which brought Wouter Van
Twiller to Manhattan, Dominic BosafauS, tne ,fS'
clergyman Of New Netherland was passenger:
Fearless in the performance of his own duties. ne
never allowed any failure on the part of others to
pass by nreproved In several Instances the 10y, 10y,
rrnors in authority were severely casugated from
the sacred desk.
After recitins many unjustihable proceedings on
the part of the Governor the narrative proceeds:
Van Twillcr displayed less and less adaptation TO
his field of labor as the months wore on, ana ms
MANAGEMENT was the topic of conversation among
Tho intelligent mon of the colony. Dominic Bo-
arIus wrote him several letters on the subject
and {. said tC have once called MN "A chll Oh ,'
mint Urgent demands for his recall were re
peatedly forwarded to'Amsterdam and ne charfes
preferred were Of 50 grave character that nniily
i was decided recall him and appoint Wilhelm
Kicft IN his place.
Governor Kicft landed Manhattan Island
March 2s lG3S and. in the language Of the history
above referred to.
lie seized the reins OF authority with the air Of
a master the will ~ a tyrant and determination
consrted no one lie showed no Difference to the
opinions Of the intelligent who were already rH-
ueriencel IN tho matter Of treating WIN thG I'M
nns. lie placed himself on pedestal ana looked
is:cd in every department: Of the public service
His best fricnls-lf. indeed ne had any friends
could not restrain him from the most injudc.ous
acts. Dominic Bogardus. while demonstrating with
him one day was accused by him Of drunkenness
and alliance with the maIcontonts. The next sab
BATH morning tho eooi divine" standing In his
cheaply cinopleI pulpit. said: What are the great
men OF our country but vessels OF wrath and foun-
tains OF WOO and trouble? They think Of nothing
but 20 plumber the property OF others, 10 dismiss,
To Danish ana 20 transfer to Holland" Whereupon
kicG who had been up TO that time noted
ehurch goer. absented himself from the sanctuary
ami oaloI band N soldiers % practise all sorts
oS noisy amuscmcnts. such as beating Of drums
and the nring OF cannon under the church Windows.
The dominic did not. however relax his censures o.
the Governor and just after the following New
Years day he vas arrested and required to answer
. long list OF charges
Tho sequel 10 the long conflict between Dominic
Eoeardus the ludomtab.c Zoe of unrightc0us Of
ncllls mo matter how hiFh in authority" and Gov
cruor Kict. who. by reason OF ms shameless abuse
of his official power had al length been dismissed
ga utter disgrace. s graphically related by the his
torian above referred 20 As follows:
The Princess was about 10 sail Tor Holland. and
Dominic Eo,arlus. Who had been disturbed hy
kcu Zoo his ministerial lnbors that he had resigned
hiF 'hdffc Hui Obtained permission 10 defend MN
.rlf h.f.r. th, flt~sls 90 Amsterdam. took passage
iu a. klsN sailed In the Princess with the minister
HuI The eAil.S flut ~, Inflated vessel never
rocky coast of Wales and only about twenty per
sons saved ki"ft Dominic Bogardus and
eEhty-one others persisted The sorrowful tiings
% The death ~ Dominic Eogardus fcll on the com
muuity Ike pail There WAS universal sorrow.
Hs Niic and children. who had remained behind.
were the recipients % The most heartfelt sympathy
anl consideration. Hut Kieus fate excited very
Troy. \ s. March IS Isg5