New-York tribune., 1909-07-12
1t Gives Rise to Certain Deductions and Also
Some Questions

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: The New York City mayoraIty election is
just about morths OF The political forces are
gathering about them "the faithful" and Tam
raany Hall is not found lacking Her first political
shotgun was fred IN a way that few citizens will
hear. but its echo resounded in the stone tiers OF
the prison up Monk" Eastman rs paroled
In April. 1894 New York City breathed a sigh Of
relief when Eastman, the East Side gang leader.
was sentenced to serve a term OF years in Sing
Sing for assault anu highway robbery. His release
at this time has the greatest significance TO the
citizens Of the CITY, who for nearly six years have
been compelled 10 submit TO the grossest malad-
ministration of this municipalty-to the widest
extrava gance and waste known the world.
It is not because the citizenry Of New York City
loved Tamnany well, or had faith in its leaders,
that the reins OF government were placed in its
hands II is because Tammany determined 10
elect its candidate by hook or by crock land they
chose both literally, regardless of code OF honor.
Armed forces Of repeaters were flooding the city
until vote for every dead live, alien and
resident citizen in district OF their activity
In this generous work Eastman was a leader. The
gang OF thugs. thieves and gamblers under the
leadership of Eastman could always be relied on in
case Of an election and in turn for this Kindness
TO the politician Eastman and his gang were free
TO terrorize the city Eastman was arrested
great number of times. once charged with murder
(sman matter him), ard often charged with
theft and assault. 1t is = strange fact that
many times as he was arrested he always
leased At one time Tom Grady. a Tammany
State Senator, appeared for the defendant and sue
cessfuly naaneuvred his acquttai.
Eastman and his gang could always be relied
10 supply goodIy number of repeaters Election
Day-it is estimat-d over six hundred at least
and il would DC foolish for Tammany to let such
an invaluable aid lahgush in Jail while the stump
speaker decries the administration Crather NAL
administrator of Tammany. If the moving spirit
of the gang-he who could make terms with de
feller higher up''-was absent, who could be relied
on to scare the respectable citizen from the cleo
ton booth 10 break up meetings and to aid Tam
many in its campaign Of shame? Eastman's mis-
sion is to reorganize the scattered forces of
peaters.
one OF the two members OF the Prison Board Of
Parole in commenting Eastnan's release. says:
HIS conduct in prison uniformly good and the
prison officials are united In their favorable reports
on his fitness for parole" That may be quite true
but is his past record good that you assured
Of his continued good behavior? Is it good public
policy to release g dangerous thug and thief be-
fore the expiration OF his term? Where were the
New York members Of this Board of Parole?
Notice of this mans (Iastman) appearance be-
fore the parole board under the law signed by
Governor Hughes last month to the Dis
trict Attorney OF New York County with the usual
request for his opinion his objections to such
prison. continues the statement Why did you
not object, Mr.. District Attorney?
New York July 5, 1909. EDWARD F. BROWN.