Year: 1876




There is something abject and pitiful in
the servitude of the democratic voters OF this
city to self-created political rings. AS soon
as one ring is broken or shattered another
equally selfish ard grasping springs up to
take its place, and the ring-ridden demo-
Gratis meekly pass their necks under the new
yoke New Tammany holds the people in
as much contempt as Old Tammany ever
did, and when portion of the slaves rebel
it is not to assert their independence, but to
yield up their freedom to a new master. The
recent unsuccessful dicker between the
Kelly clique and the Morrissey clique was
an attempt to traffic in the ballots of citizens,
ability to deliver it's chattels on the COM
pletion Of bargain. The mass of these
political vassals who are thus banded about
and exposed to sale ought to know that their
servitude is degrading to themselves and
inconsistent with democratic principles.
There is no reason apart from their pusilla-
nimity why they should endure this dis
graceful thraldom. The Tammany ring and
the anti-Tammany ring ought to be alike
toppled into ruins; but SO benighted or
besotted have the democracy of the city
become by long servitude that they seem
unable to form conception of local polit-
ical action except in subjection to a ring of
political traders. We have long urged upon
the democratic party the necessity of abol-
ishing Tammany, both the name and the
thing; but not certainly by the creation of
new ring to supplant it and appropriate the
spoils A Morrissey ring would be no better
and no worse than Kelly ring; both
pursue the same ends by the Same methods.
If they should succeed in uniting the old
business would be conducted in the old way
with new partners in the firm; if they fail
to unite the weaker side will sell out to the
republicans, and the city will be equally mis-
governed in either event


1t this local quarrel is again transferred to
the State Convention it will fatally weaken
the party and irretrievably damage its Presi-
Dental ticket. But very little do the ring
leaders on either side care for this. These
reckless men would rather see Mr.. Tilden
defeated than lose their own chances
for the city spoils. Ring rule never
thrived in this city as it has un-
der republican administration of the
national government With democratic
administration the Custom House and Post
Office would become potent elements in
local politics, which would be managed
with view to the general good CT the
party whereas under republican admin
istration the city is under the complete con-
troll of the prevailing democratic ring. This
is the reason why John Kelly so bitterly op-
posed the nomination of Mr.. Tilden.
Western President would be dependent on
local advice in making his appointments,
and with the ring for advisers the Custom
House would be run as an adjunct of Tam
many Hall; but Mr.. Tilden as President
would control the federal patronage in his
own interest and keep the local politicians
in subordination. Mr.. Kelly would rather
see Tilden defeated than elected he pro-
fesses to support him only to maintain his
standing in the democratic party for local
purposes. If the quarrel of local factions is
Carried into the State Convention, and the
claims of Tammany are rejected, Mr.. Tilden
will receive only a left-handed support from
its spols-hunting chiefs.


1t is in the power of the democrats of the
city to torestall such a result by throwing
both rings overheard and electing delegates
from each Assembly district in entire inde-
pendence OF either organization. But this is
a power which they will not exercise. The
Convention Is so near at hand that there is
not time for preparation, and even II there
were time enough the democrats OF the city
have not sufficient courage and indepen-
dencs. They are likely to have abundant
reason to rue their neglect to follow the ad-