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 cT the causes" V"Vi1 ':»h ^^f'^^ted 
 
 the
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 BRIEF INVESTIGATION 
 
 or THE CAUSES WHICH CREATED 
 
 THE L.ATE CONTROVERSY 
 
 ELECTION OF MAYOR. 
 
 BY 
 
 A DEMOCRATIC MEMBER OF THE COMMON COUNCIL. 
 
 LET ME EXHORT AND CONJURE YOU NEVER TO SUFFER AN INVA- 
 SION OF YOUR POLITICAL CONSTITUTION, HOWEVER MINUTE THE 
 INSTANCE MAY APPEAR, TO PASS BY WITHOUT A DETERMINED 
 PERSEVERING RESISTANCE." JUNIUS, 
 
 1830.
 
 ^iSii^^555?- LANSING 
 
 COLLECTION 1
 
 \830 
 
 BRIEF INVESTIGATION, &c. 
 
 TO THE 
 
 Republican Electors of the City of New- York. 
 
 As the Republican General Committee have volunteered 
 a denunciation of those members of the Common Council 
 who were opposed to the re-election of Walter Bowne, Esq. 
 and as the Courier and Eiiquirer has deemed it expedient to 
 echo the malediction, it is due to the consistent, undeviating, 
 and honest members of the Party, to be informed of the 
 causes which produced this unpleasant controversy. 
 
 If in the course of this investigation, I shall conclusively 
 fasten on the friends of Mr. Bowne, the charge of deviating 
 from the usages and principles of the Republican party, and 
 exhibit them as merely united together by the ties of individ- 
 ual interest and private advancement, guided by no promi- 
 nent landmarks of party discipline, but yielding solely to the 
 influence of personal preference ; I trust that you will be 
 convinced, that in endeavoring to sustetin them, the General 
 Committee have not only deviated from their proper sphere, 
 ^ but have attempted to force the current of public opinion 
 u from its legitimate channel, and make its course subservient 
 - to the designing views of interested politicians. 
 
 It is understood \hdXjive members of that body were oppo- 
 sed to the resolutions promulgated by the General Commit- 
 tee, and before the expiration of the present year, I am of
 
 opinion lliatall will be fully convinced of the impropriety of 
 courting the hostility of a majority of the people of this city, 
 by denouncing their representatives in tlic City Council. 
 While the great body of the Republican party, bow with due 
 submission to the proper edicts of their representatives in Ge- 
 neral Committee, they have sufficient independence to resist, 
 the encroachments of arbitrary power, and repel the male- 
 dictions of unauthorized proscription. 
 
 If the Kepublican members who are denounced by the Ge- 
 neral Committee, have strictly adhered to the known usages 
 of the party, and if their conduct has comported with its prin- 
 ciples and discipline, I can conceive of no excuse for those 
 who have endeavored to shield the deserters from its land- 
 marks, with the iEgis of their official approbation. 
 
 When it is recollected that Mr. Bowne endeavored at 
 the last Election, by his decision as Chairman of the General 
 Meeting at Tammany Hall, to force three individuals on the 
 party who were obnoxious to a majority of its members — that 
 he has recommended one of those persons for the responsible 
 station of Bank Commissioner ; and when another of those 
 very individuals was the author and presenter of the sweep- 
 ing resolutions which were adopted in General Committee, it 
 cannot be uncharitable to conclude that Mr. Bowne was 
 personally concerned in this political anathema, and that in 
 this instance private prejudice took precedence of public 
 good. 
 
 Educated in the school of democracy, and attached to its 
 principles by every tie of feeling, and every association of 
 friendship, 1 cannot but deprecate every attempt to destroy 
 its influence, and impair its unity. 
 
 It is a source of regret that individuals have crept into our 
 ranks, and attained stations of high importance, who having 
 origmally been associated with our opponents, and whose 
 views in joining the dominant party, being merely selfish, 
 have substituted personal advancement for purity of purpose, 
 and in their anxiety for men, have abandoned j^mczp/e. 
 
 For myself, I do not contemplate the sacrifice of any 
 known principle of the party, to gratify either the empty pre-
 
 tensions of boisterous converts, or the selfish clamors of de- 
 signing partizans. 
 
 Great eftbrts have been made to identify the success of Mr. 
 Bowne, with the triumph of Republican principles, but I shall 
 in my next number unfold the machinery which placed him 
 in the chair of office ; and am mistaken in your intelligence 
 and purity, if your decision is not in accordance with my own. 
 
 I am aware that a majority of the people of this city will 
 consider this exposition as unnecessary, but am unwilling 
 that the views that governed the majority of your representa- 
 tives, should depend solely on the evanescent record of oral 
 information. 
 
 A democratic member of the Common Council. 
 
 TO THE 
 
 Republican Electors of the City of New- York. 
 NO. 3. 
 
 Having in my first number, considered the prescriptive 
 resolutions of the General Committee, I will now proceed 
 to unfold the means which were resorted to by the friends 
 of Mr. Bowne, to secure his re-election. 
 
 In the early part of the month of December last, General 
 Arcularius and Assistant Alderman Jeremiah, issued no- 
 tices, which were severally delivered to the Repubhcan 
 members of the Common Council, convening a Caucus at 
 the Old Alms House. This notice was in the usual form, 
 and in the following words, viz. 
 
 " New-York, Dec, '2d, 1829. 
 " Sir, 
 
 '' You are requested to attend a meeting of the Re- 
 publican members of the Common Council elect, on Fri- 
 day evening the 5th inst. at the Old Alms House. 
 
 « HENRY ARCULARIUS, 
 " THOMAS JEREMIAH."
 
 This call was made in strict accordance with the prece- 
 dent established last season, by the present leading friends 
 of Mr. Bowne, both as to the time and place, and the indi- 
 viduals invited. 
 
 Tiiat this assertion may be fully established, I will name 
 the persons who were called to this Caucus, viz. 
 
 The Recorder — Messrs. Nevius and Roosevelt, of the 1st 
 Ward— Messrs. Brown and Bryson, of the 4th — Mr. Arcu- 
 ralius, of the 5th (Alderman Rogers being absent) — Messrs. 
 Strong and Townsend, of the 6th — Messrs. Seaman and 
 Scott, of the 7th— Messrs. Brown and Bedell, of the 8th — 
 Messrs. Wells and Rogers, of the 9th— Messrs. Meserole 
 and Jeremiah, of the 10th— Messrs. Marsh and Dibblee, of 
 the 1 1 th — iMessrs. Lee and Cooper, of the 1 2th — Messrs. 
 Palmer and Lovett, of the 13lh — and Messrs. Woodruff 
 and Engs, of the 14th. 
 
 As it has been asserted by the friends of Mr. Bowne, that 
 the above call was " illegal and unauthorized," it will be pro- 
 per to revert to the last year's Caucus, which was called by 
 Alderman Lozier, at the instance of the Recorder and a few 
 leading friends of Mr. Bowne, without consulting a large 
 majority of the Republican members who were invited. 
 The invitation of Alderman Lozier was extended to the fol- 
 lowing Republican members, viz : The Recorder — Messrs. 
 Cebra and Roosevelt, of the 1st Ward — Messrs. Brown and 
 Bryson, of the 4th — Messrs. Rogers and Arcularius, of the 
 5th — Messrs. Lozier and Strong, of the 6th — Messrs. Coe 
 and Seaman, of the 7th — Messrs. Brown and Cowan, of the 
 8th — Messrs. Peters and Wells, of the 9th — Messrs. Mese- 
 role and Jeremiah, of the 10th — Messrs. Dodge and Pinck- 
 ney, of the 11th — Messrs. Lee and Cooper, of the 12th — 
 Messrs. Palmer and Lovett, of the 13th— and Messrs. 
 Woodruff and Engs, of the 14th. 
 
 It will thus be perceived, that the same principle governed 
 the selection for both Caucuses. 
 
 If it be urged, that the exclusive few who dictated the last 
 year's Caucus were not consulted, the same objection might 
 have been raised by a large majority of the Republican mem-
 
 bers the last year, who were not honored with a consulta- 
 tion. The RepubUcan members who gave the invitation 
 the present season, possess as pure Republican principles, 
 and have exhibited as great fidelity and devotedness to the 
 party as Alderman Lozier.) and I presume the fact will not 
 be questioned, that they possess at least equal claims to capa- 
 city and intelligence. These gentlemen had prepared a 
 statement to submit to the meeting, detailing the reasons 
 which governed thorn in this measure, and being both the 
 regularly nominated democratic representatives of the party, 
 they could not anticipate any reasonable objections to as- 
 semble at their call. 
 
 On the morning of the 5th December, the day at which 
 the first Caucus was called for seven o'clock in the evening, 
 rumors were afloat, that the friends of Mr. Bowne, to the 
 number of twelve, had met the previous evening at the house 
 of the Recorder ; and fearing the success of their favorite can- 
 didate, had deemed it expedient to call a partial Caucus at 
 the Street Commissioner's Office at five o'clock — two hours 
 previous to the general call. 
 
 For myself, I had serious doubts of the truth of these state- 
 ments ; more especially, as the Recorder had previously of- 
 fered a proper and religious resolution in Common Council, 
 calling on all good citizens to abstain from their usual avo- 
 cations, and recommending them seriously to comply with 
 the request of the Governor, in paying all due respect to this 
 day, specially set apart hi' prayer and tha?ihgiving. 
 
 That he should manifestly violate his own resolution, by 
 assembling his political friends at his house, o?i this day, to 
 devise schemes of disorganization, seemed totally at vari- 
 ance with probability. 
 
 The people of this city having by an overwhelming ma- 
 jority, deprecated his interference in our municipal govern- 
 ment, was an additional reason, which made me hesitate to 
 believe in his making this improper attempt to disfranchise 
 a portion of the Republican representatives of the people. 
 
 The vote in the Convention, which formed the new Char- 
 ter, to exclude the Recorder from being hereafter a mem-
 
 ber of the Common Council, or to participate in its mea- 
 sures, was almost unanimous. This fact speaks volumes, 
 in relation to the improjiricty of this corrupt interference on 
 his part. Yet such was the fact. 
 
 At the appointed hour, sixteen persons assembled at the 
 Street Commissioner's Office, when after the secession of 
 one of their number, who was not disposed to disfranchise 
 his Republican brethren, they entered into a resolution, not 
 only to support Mr. Bowne for the office of Mayor, but de- 
 legated TO THEMSELVES THE POWER TO CONFER ALL THE AP- 
 POINTMENTS IN THE GIFT OF THE COMMON COUNCIL UP TO THE 
 YEAR 1831. 
 
 It is due to one of those gentlemen, however, to state, that 
 he opposed the sweeping resolution above alluded to, and the 
 next morning gave honorable notice of his determination 
 to abandon their self-constituted and interested combination. 
 
 If in reverting to the course which was pursued by the 
 friends of the Mayor, we even assume the position, that the 
 gentlemen who called the first meeting were not duly autho- 
 rized, what good reasons can be adduced, for their refusal to 
 extend their invitation to those Republicans of known fide- 
 lity, with whom they had associated during the past year, 
 and who, after an invitation to their deliberations, had ex- 
 hibited a faithful adherence to their Caucus pledges, in all 
 the various appointments to office ? 
 
 If these gentlemen pretend that they have been governed 
 by the principle of admitting those only who were regularly 
 nominated^ why, I would ask, was Aldermen Palmer, Mr. 
 Jeremiah, General Arcularius, and other regularly nominated 
 members excluded, while Mr. Lovett, Alderman Marsh 
 (who refused to attend) and others, not regularly nominated 
 representatives of the party, were invited ? 
 
 Or z/'the invitation was intended solely for the Republican 
 representatives, who were considered consistent and faithful 
 members of the party, why was Mr. Roosevelt and other 
 Federalists received, while Alderman Strong, Mr. Town- 
 send, Mr. Dibblee, General Arcularius, Mr. Jeremiah, and 
 other ^rm Republicans^ were expatriated ?
 
 Tiie conclusion is irresistible, that both in their refusal to 
 attend the Jirst Caucus, and in their partial selection for the 
 secojid, the friends of Mr. Bownc did not hesitate to repudi- 
 ate tliosc rules which they had prescribed the last season, as 
 Well as the usages which have ever governed the party ; and 
 in their adherence to incn, prostrated those barriers, which 
 have been considered sacred by all consistent Republicans. 
 
 At the hour designated for the general Caucus, the Re- 
 publican representatives, who ^^ ere disfranchised by the 
 friends of the Mayor, or who did not desire to assist in their 
 interested measures, assembled at the Old Alms House, and 
 after a short deliberation, adjourned to a future day, to de- 
 vise measures for sustaining their rights and privileges. 
 
 A democratic member ufchc CuiiiiiLuiv CuuuciL 
 
 TO THE 
 
 Republican Electors of the City of New- York. 
 NO. 3. 
 
 Having conclusively established the fact in my last num- 
 ber, that the friends of Mr. Bowne, in the commencement 
 of their operations, refused to recognize the known princi- 
 ples and usages of the Republican party, and their own pre- 
 cedent, 1 shall now proceed to the consideration of the course 
 pursued by the disfranchised members, after being so uncere- 
 moniously driven from all participation in appointments to 
 office, during their term of service. 
 
 At their first meeting, the members who assembled at the 
 Old Alms House, deemed it expedient to call another meet- 
 ing in a few days, with the expectation that the gentlemen 
 who met at the Street Commissioners Office, after having 
 time for deliberation, would perceive the impropriety of their 
 course, and offer to their Republican associates, that share 
 in their deliberations, which was their legitimate right.
 
 10 
 
 Being disappoiuleJ in this reasonable expectation, they 
 met pursuant to adjournment, and agreed to take all fair and 
 honorable means to sustain the rights delegated to ihcm by 
 their constituents; as they were left no alternative, but either 
 a tame submission to unauthorized usurpation, or unqualified 
 resistance. 
 
 In adopting the latter course, they were of opinion, that 
 while as individual members of the party, they might relin- 
 quish their personal rights, yet holding the responsible station 
 of the representatives of the rights and privileges of their con- 
 stituents, they would have forfeited all claims to public confi- 
 dence, if they had tacitly submitted to the assumption " of an 
 irregular and illegal combination," created in defiance of the 
 usages of the party, and bound together solely by the ties of 
 personal mterest. 
 
 The Republican members who assembled at this meeting 
 were — Alderman Nevius — Brown, 4th — Strong — Marsh and 
 Palmer — Messrs. Arcularius — Townsend — J eremiah — Dib- 
 blee and Engs ; and at a subsequent meeting, it v^as deemed 
 expedient to invite the representatives of the 2d and 3d wards ; 
 when it was expressly stated by a majority of the Republi- 
 can members, that having originally associated together in 
 conformity with the usages of the party, they could not 
 consent to compromise their principles in \\}e selection of a 
 candidate for the Mayoralty, and that no other than a de- 
 cided Republican should receive their support. 
 
 The gentlemen from the 2d and 3d wards, with a magna- 
 nimity which exhibits a striking contrast to the interested 
 course of the Assistant Alderman of the first ward, and other 
 Federal friends of Mr. Bowne, consented to u aive their per- 
 sonal preferences, and unite in support of the candidate of 
 the majority. 
 
 In accordance w ith these views, the members opposed to 
 Mr. Bowne, nominated Mr. Thomas B. Smith, as their can- 
 didate for Mayor ; and no other pledge was demanded, than 
 if any member should change his views, he should give no- 
 tice of the same to his associates.
 
 11 
 
 While I am disposed to render ample justice to JVlr. 
 Bowne, for his political consistency since he has joined the 
 ranks of the Republican party, it will not he considered in- 
 vidious to remark, that Mr. Smith, was a firm and undevi- 
 ating Republican^ while Mr. Bowne was an uncompromising 
 Federalist ; and that whatever may have been the claims of 
 JNIr. Bowne on the party, since his conversion, he has been 
 amply rewarded by his elevation to some of the most impor- 
 tant offices in the gift of the people of this State. 
 
 The friends of Mr. Smithy therefore, on party considera- 
 tions, have equal, if not paramount claims, on the confidence 
 of their Republican fellow citizens. 
 
 In the frequent deliberations of the disfranchised members, 
 it will not be improper to state, that it was distinctly under- 
 stood and agreed, that in the event of success, no attempts 
 should be made to remove the friends of the Bowne party 
 from ofiicc ; but that if they were in the majority, they would 
 not imitate their opponents in their proscriptive course. 
 
 In speaking of the merits of the rival candidates for the 
 Mayoralty, it may be proper to remark, that it is a fact with- 
 in the knowledge of every citizen who has visited the Com- 
 mon Council during their meetings the past year, that Mr. 
 Bowne has exhibited a manifest lack of capacity and deci- 
 sion, as President of the Board. 
 
 Some of his present leading friends have borne frequent tes- 
 timony to his total unfitness. 
 
 An attempt has been made by the friends of Mr. Bowne, 
 to fasten on their Republican opponents, the charge of a cor- 
 rupt coalition with the Federal members of the Board. 
 
 Satisfied of their utter inability, to give even a shadow of 
 apology for their open abandonment of the usages and prin- 
 ciples of the party, these gentlemen have endeavored to 
 drown the indignant voice of their Republican fellow citi- 
 zens, by raising the hue and cry of Federal influence. 
 
 While the apologists of Mr. Bowne and his friends are 
 dwelling with such manifest emphasis on Federal men and 
 Federal measures, it will be proper to notice the fact, ^-iat 
 these exclusive Republicans have not hesitated to make over-
 
 J0. 
 
 tures to some ol these name Federal gentlemeu, to induce 
 them to join their ranks ; and in their zeal to create prose- 
 lytes, have resorted to concentrated and organized efforts, to 
 shake the constancy of those whom tliey supposed accessi- 
 ble to conversion. 
 
 The firmness and decision exhibited by the opponents of 
 Mr. Bowne, stands in bold relief, when contrasted with a 
 portion of his Federal friends, who onli/ opened their eyes to 
 the incorrectness of their political course, when in full con- 
 tact with the loaves nndjis/ies of office. 
 
 A democratic member of the Common CounciL 
 
 TO THE 
 
 Republican Electors of the City of New- York. 
 NO. 4. 
 
 Having in my previous communications disclosed the ori- 
 gin of the Bowne Caucus, and exhibited their claims on the 
 Republican party, I shall now change the scene to the Com- 
 mon Council Chamber on the 28th December, when the new 
 Board was organized. 
 
 Although at the different meetings which were held by the 
 disfranchised members, it was understood that the friends of 
 the Mayor had promulgated his intention by voting on the 
 ballot for Mayor, to elect himself to office ; yet it was suppo- 
 sed that in this community, which has ever manifested a laud- 
 able jealousy of self-constituted and self-appointed power; 
 no such attempt could be reasonably anticipated. 
 
 While a portion of the members honestly doubted whether 
 this course might not be pursued, it w as determined to offer 
 an amendment to the resolution to proceed to ballot ; which 
 by testing the Mayor's decision, would resolve doubt into cer- 
 tainty, by compelling him to vote for or against the resolution. 
 
 An amendment was accordingly submitted in the following 
 vvoi^s:
 
 13 
 
 '• But whereas, Walter Bowne, Esq. the present Mayor, is 
 a candidate for tlie office of Mayor at the present election, and 
 thereby interested in the question: — hik\ whereas, the 1 3i\\ 
 rule of this Board declares that 7W member shall vote on a ques- 
 tion in irhich he is interested : — and whereas, it is necessary for 
 the free discussion of the qualifications of the candidates, that 
 they should not be present : — therefore Resolved, that his lie- 
 nor the Mayor be requested to vacate his seat, and that the 
 Recorder preside during the election." 
 
 His decision on this amendment exceeded even the antici- 
 pations of his most determined opponents ; for refusing to put 
 the question on tiie amendment, he in violation of an absolute 
 rule of the Board, which has ever been held sacred in all de- 
 liberate assemblies, prostrated the invaluable right of amend- 
 ing a motion, until by the main question being decided, the 
 amendment was placed beyond i!ie pale of consideration. 
 
 This decision was a melancholy evidence of the correct- 
 ness of the statements made by the friends of Mr. Bowne, 
 that he intended to vote for himself; for in quashing the amend- 
 ment, he not only proceeded in direct opposition to the rule 
 governing amendments, but openly violated the 13th rule of 
 the Board, which deprives a member of voting on a question 
 in which he is personally interested. 
 
 In Clarhe'^s abridgement o{ Jeffersonh excellent Manual, it 
 will be perceived that both of the above rules are considered 
 of vital importance •, and that they are based on the immuta- 
 ble principles of propriety and justice. 
 
 In this standard work, page 146, speaking of the rule go- 
 verning amendments, Mr. Jefferson observes : '' If an amend- 
 ment be proposed inconsistent with one already agreed to, it 
 is a fit ground for rejection by the house, but not within the 
 competence of the speaker to suppress, as if it were against 
 order,'''* 
 
 " For were he permitted to bring questions of consistence 
 within the vortex of order, he might usurp a negative on im- 
 portant modifications, and suppress instead of subserving the 
 legislative will."
 
 M 
 
 Again, "ainendmeiifs may be made so as totally to alter 
 the nature of the proposition." 
 
 On the question o{ personal interest he justly remarks, page 
 ] 14 and 1 1.5 ; "where the private interests of a member are 
 concerned in a bill or question, he is to withdraw ; and where 
 such an interest has appeared, his voice has been disallowed 
 even after a division. In a case 50 contrary not only to the 
 laics of decency, but to the fundGinenial principle of the social 
 compact, ivhich denies to any nan to he a judge in his own cause, 
 it is for the honor of the house, that this rule of immemorial 
 observance, should he strictly adhered to." 
 
 But the arbitrary measures of the Mayor did not conclude 
 here, for after giving the casting vote to proceed into the elec- 
 tion, and after declaring in the most explicit lerms, " that he 
 had a right to vote on all questions, and that no vote of the Com- 
 mon Council should deprive him of that right,'''' he totally refu- 
 sed to notice a motion for re-consideration, although in a like 
 instance in the early part of the last season, he had positively 
 decided in favor of being bound by the motion to re-consider. 
 
 Under this state of things, during the pendency of a motion 
 to adjourn, iha seven Assistants being firmly convinced of his 
 intention to elect himself, according to previous arrangement 
 made at a meeting of the opponents of Mr. Bowne, vacated. 
 their seats ; and by destroying a quorum, prevented the intend- 
 ed prostration of principle and propriety. 
 
 By the following minutes of the meetings of the Common 
 Council, it will be perceived that his predecessors have ever 
 vacated their seats during the election for Mayor, while they 
 were candidates ; and that Mr. Bowne had not even the sha- 
 dow of precedent for his determination to preside during the 
 
 ballot for his re-election. 
 
 "January 26, 1823." 
 
 '• Alderman Zabriskie moved that the Board now proceed 
 to the election of Mayor, which was carried in the affirma- 
 tive. Mr. Allen, the present Mayor, then left the chair, which 
 was taken by the Recorder, Mr. Riker." 
 
 "January 17, 1825." 
 
 " Alderman Mann, agreeably to notice of last meeting, 
 moved that the Board now proceed to the election of Mayor
 
 15 
 
 for the ensuing year, which was carried in the affirmative. 
 
 His honor the Mayor, Mr. Paulding, requested that he might 
 
 be permitted to leave the chair, which was agreed to; and he 
 
 accordingly retired from the Common Council Chamber." 
 
 "Januarys, 1826." 
 
 " The Mayor, Mr. Paulding, then observed, that with the 
 
 permission of the Board he would leave the chair, which he 
 
 accordingly did ; and it was taken by the Recorder, Mr. 
 
 Riker." 
 
 "December 25, 182G." 
 
 " Alderman Taylor's motion to proceed to the choice of a 
 Mayor, was then taken into consideration — 1 3 affirmative — 
 12 negative. A member observed that as there were 26 
 members present, 1 3 was not a majority, and he considered 
 the Board as entitled to ask the Mayor to vote. The May- 
 or (Mr. Hone) stated that he felt himself so situated on the 
 occasion, that he begged the Board would excuse him from vo- 
 ting. The Board having assented thereto, he then declared 
 the question carried, and requested the members to prepare 
 their ballots." 
 
 "December 27, 1827." 
 
 " Alderman Ostrander moved that the board now proceed 
 to the election of a Mayor for the ensuing year, which was 
 agreed to. The Mayor, Mr. Paulding, requested to be per- 
 mitted to leave the chair and retire, which was assented to. 
 The Recorder, Mr. Riker then took the chair." 
 
 " December 29, 1828." 
 
 " The Mayor, Mr. Paulding, then observed, that on a for- 
 mer occasion, when his name was mentioned as a candidate 
 for the office of M ayor, he had requested permission to leave 
 the chair ; but as at this time he was not a candidate for that 
 office, he would do himself the honor of presiding at the elec- 
 tion." 
 
 It has been asserted in the public prints, that Mr. Bown« 
 never intended to vote for himself; but if any injustice has 
 been awarded him in the imputation, it will find an excuse 
 in his conduct during the different votes on this subject, inde- 
 pendent of the assertions of his friends, that such was his 
 intention.
 
 For niyscdf, iiis refusal to alKlicatc his seal ; liis declarations 
 in the Board ; his votes on the question of interest ; and the 
 fact that he refused to make the explanation which he was 
 subsequently compelled to, in his letter to the seven Assist- 
 ants ; are in my mind, the most conclusive proofs of his origi- 
 nal intentions. 
 
 A democratic member of the Common Council. 
 
 TO THE 
 
 Republican Electors of the City of New- York. 
 NO. 5. 
 
 It is a maxim which has received the sanction of succeed- 
 ing ages, that excessive desire for power and distinction can- 
 not remain long concealed from observation ; and that, al- 
 though the accomplished politician may be an adept in those 
 arts of refined deception, which bid defiance to common scru- 
 tiny; yet like the heel of the fabled Achilles, he is here found 
 vulnerable. 
 
 This axiom was manifestly exemplified in the case of Mr. 
 Bowne and his friends, in the Common Council Chamber, 
 after the departure of the seven Assistants. 
 
 His honor the Maijor, trembled with rage and disappoint- 
 ment — the wily and courteous Recorder exhibited a degree 
 of passion which his uniform caution seldom admits — the 
 Federal Assistant from the First was absolutely unmanagea- 
 ble ; and even the sweet-tempered Aldermen from the 1th and 
 12///, evidently lost their usual equilibrium. 
 
 The Mayor in the ardor of his desire for the public good, 
 (i. e. his own re-election) dispatched that able negociator 
 Hays, to beseech the absentees to return ; and when it was 
 found that these gentlemen had adjourned to Bellevue, to 
 dinner, he courteously proposed a recess until 5 o'clock, that 
 these obstinate deserters might, by quieting the demands of 
 hunger, feel more favorably disposed to further his preten- 
 sions.
 
 17 
 
 Finding his condescension unavailing, after pemiitting the 
 Recorder, the federal gentleman of the First, and others, to 
 abuse these gentlemen informally, in their absence, he reluc- 
 tantly adjourned the Board (notwithstanding his previous as- 
 sertion that they must sit till dooms-day if a quorum was not 
 formed) until the ensuing day at 1 o'clock. 
 
 The next morning orders were issued to the various depen- 
 dants of the Bowne party, to swell llie clamor of denuncia- 
 tion against the Assistants ; and accordingly the hue and cry 
 was raised, and every whipper-in echoed the sound. 
 
 It was most learnedly concluded that the Republic was in 
 danger, and that in the downfall of Mr. Bowne, there would 
 be a total shipwreck of Republican principles. 
 
 The hour of meeting arrived, and notwithstanding the din 
 of preparation, the seven Assistants were still absent. 
 
 During an explanation, by the friends of these gentlemen, 
 of the reasons which governed them in their absence, shouts 
 of applause resounded from the assemblage of spectators ; and 
 it was evident that the popular voice failed to sustain the 
 Mayor's pretensions. 
 
 So convinced was Mr. Bowne of this, that after adjourn- 
 ing the Board to the next day, it was deemed expedient on 
 reflection, io further adjourn to a more distant period. 
 
 During the vacation, the seven Assistants addressed a let- 
 ter to the Mayor, explaining the causes of their absence, and 
 desiring of him the information whether it was his intention 
 to preside, and vote for himself. 
 
 In his answer he admits that the public good (i. e. pubtic 
 sentiment) demands the avowal of his determination to not 
 vote for himself; and accordingly at the ensuing meeting of 
 tlie Board, they attended at the tea room for the purpose 
 of assisting in the deliberations of the Council ; when during 
 a request from Alderman Strong, that their letter and the 
 Mayor's answer might be read, Mr. Bowne unceremonious- 
 ly adjourned the meeting, without giving the Assistants time 
 to appear in the Council Chamber, in obedience to his re- 
 quest transmitted by the High Constable. 
 
 c
 
 18 
 
 This abrupt adjournment was deemed a breach of the or- 
 dinary rules of politeness, being made while the seven As- 
 sistants were on their way to the Board, in obedience to the 
 Mayor's request. 
 
 The long wished for consummation of the Mayor's hopes 
 approximated, however, too near fruition, to be long delay- 
 ed ; and accordingly, on the second day after the preceding 
 meeting, he again assembled the Board, and on the first bal- 
 lot, Mr. Bowne announced that he had received^f/Zeen votes, 
 and therefore declared himself duly elected to the office of 
 A'layor for the ensuing year; and immediately adjourned the 
 Board. 
 
 The Mayor's undue anxiety for office, and want of deco- 
 rum, was fully exhibited in his conduct at this election ; for 
 he not only announced his own elevation, but in his extreme 
 haste to grasp the reins of power, refused even to delay for 
 the tellers to declare the result. 
 
 His conduct in the early part of this meeting, by his arbi- 
 trary decisions on every motion which was offered by his 
 opponents, declaring every thing which did not tally with his 
 views out of order, and refusing to hear any remarks from 
 the disfranchised members, was in perfect keeping with the 
 uniform tenor of his career. 
 
 The result oiihc first ballot was certainly a shock to the 
 friends of Mr. Smith, for they justly considered a breach of 
 faith on the part of one of their number, when no pledge was 
 demanded, except the annunciation of any individual mem- 
 ber to his associates, if he changed his views, as in the high- 
 est degree disingenuous and dishonorable. 
 
 The additional {<ic{, ih?iii\\e fourteen members had met 
 together, a very few evenings previous to the Mayor's elec- 
 tion, and had individually expressed their determination to 
 sustain Mr. Smith, exhibited the baseness of the deserter in 
 more glowing colors. 
 
 Impressed with this feeling, almost every individual in his 
 turn became the object of suspicion, until one of the number 
 who had been openly denounced, while coming from the 
 Common Council Chamber, as the political Judas, declared
 
 19 
 
 his determination to make an affidavit of his having voted for 
 Mr. Smith. 
 
 This led a number of others to pursue the same course, 
 until by calling on the different friends of Mr. Smith, the 
 astonishing fact was ascertained, that the fourteen members 
 had all voted for that gentleman. 
 
 At a subsequent meeting of the fourteen members, each 
 was separately interrogated as to his manner of voting, and 
 the most perfect conviction was impressed on their minds, 
 of the impossibility of any mistake. 
 
 Under this state of things, I leave the public to conclude, 
 how fouTleen votes for Thomas R. Smith, which were depo- 
 sited in the ballot box, were reduced to thirteen, when they 
 were opened by the tellers. 
 
 A democratic member of the Covimon Coiincil. 
 
 TO THE 
 
 Republican Electors of the City of New- York. 
 NO. 6. 
 
 Having now presented an impartial statement of the ori- 
 i^in, progress and consummation of the contest which has agi- 
 tated our city for the last month, it will not I presume be con- 
 sidered "inappropriate, to indulge in a few remarks on the 
 consequences which will follow this departure from princi- 
 ple, by the friends of Mr. Bowne, and the attempt to legal- 
 ize their measures by the General Committee. 
 
 In this free and enlightened community, where all power 
 is centred in the people, it is fortunate for those who have 
 been the victims of illegitimate proscription, that in their ap- 
 peal to the tribunal of public opinion, they can repose with 
 confidence on the intelligence and impartiality of their peers. 
 
 Before this cautious, scrutinizing and virtuous court of ju- 
 dicature, the fallacy of deceptive pretensions will not fail to 
 be exposed, and the arbitrary departure from sound princi-
 
 20 
 
 pies, will invariably meet the righteous verdict of unqualified 
 condemnation. 
 
 If any member of Ihc Republican party is of opinion, that 
 the opponents of Mr. Bowne liave too sirenuously persisted 
 in their opposition, I will only reply, that it is necessary for 
 the security of our rights, to resist the earliest aberration 
 from principle ; before success has legalized usurpation, and 
 ill-gotten power, arbitrarily obtained, has assumed the place 
 of legitimate authority. 
 
 Since writing my last number, a Committee has been ap- 
 pointed to investigate the discrepancy which occurred in the 
 result of the ballot for Mayor, but by the complexion of the 
 majority of its members, I do not anticipate a satisfactory 
 report. 
 
 Independent of the fact, that the Mayor has appointed on 
 this Committee of investigation, a majority of his own 
 friends ; he has chosen two of those from the legal gentlemen 
 of the Board, while the minority are selected from members 
 who are least versed in legal subtleties. 
 
 It is tlierefore obvious, that all the skill and adroitness of 
 these gentlemen " learned in the law," will be resorted to, to 
 shield the Mayor and his friends from censure. 
 
 Indeed, the Chairman of the Committee, who was the 
 author of the resolution to go into this investigation, has al- 
 ready exhibited his desire to retreat -, for after summoning the 
 fourteen gentlemen who voted for Mr. Smith to attend the 
 Committee, he absolutely refused to allow them to be exa- 
 mined. 
 
 It is probable that the gentleman from the First, offered the 
 resolution without consulting the leaders of his new party ; 
 and having been advised of the impolicy or danger of further 
 investigation, has wisely concluded to suspend all proceed- 
 ings. 
 
 Mr. Bowne having exhibited an undue anxiety for his pre- 
 sent office, I do not apprehend that he will abdicate his seat, 
 except in obedience to the authority of a legal tribunal. 
 
 For myself, I do not covet the honors which the Mayor has 
 obtained, in opposition to the wishes of a majority of the peo-
 
 21 
 
 pie's representatives ; more especially when they have, on 
 oath, volunteered the declaration, of their conviction of his 
 incapacity to perform his official duties. 
 
 If Mr. Bowne wishes to hold his situation, in defiance of 
 the evidence of fraud, or error in the ballot, 1 am not dispos- 
 ed to snatch from his brow the tarnished diadem of office, sur- 
 reptitiously received and dishonorably retained. 
 
 The course which the General Committee has pursued, 
 is a source of regret to many of the most able, experienced 
 and consistent members of the party. 
 
 The experience of the late election has conclusively 
 shown, that improper selections of candidates for public 
 office, will not be sustained by a majority of the party ; and 
 the different secessions frem its ranks which have recently 
 taken place, admonish our representatives in General Com- 
 mittee, to beware of hurling defiance at public sentiment. 
 
 In entering into this investigation, I disclaim the intention 
 of endeavoring either to create or perpetuate a public ex- 
 citement, but should be deficient in a proper sense of the ob- 
 ligation which I owe to my Republican fellow citizens for 
 their renewed confidence, did I not relieve my associates and 
 myself from the imputations which have been heaped upon us. 
 
 Had these attacks been confined to our own city, I should 
 not have deemed it necessary to reply; but powerful and 
 concentrated efforts having been made to prejudice the offi- 
 cers of the State and General Governments against the op- 
 ponents of Mr. Bowne, it became a duty to exhibit the con- 
 sistenaj of Yns friends in Us proper colors. 
 
 The great majority of the supporters of Mr. Smith were 
 warm friends of General Jackson, while a number of the 
 friends of Mr. Bowne were hesitating in their course between 
 opposition and approval ; but success having now crowned 
 the man of the people, these worthy patriots claim the honors 
 of a victory which they had no share in obtaining. 
 
 If we take a brief review of the character of the leading 
 supporters of Mr. Bowne, we shall be convinced that they 
 are not such exclusive Republicans as has been asserted.
 
 22 
 
 Tlie Recorder has been long known, as one who has veer- 
 ed to every point of the pohtical compass; and has never ex- 
 hibited any stahihty of purpose, except in an ardent attach- 
 ment to his individual interest. 
 
 Mr. Roosevelt, from the First Ward, who assumes to be a 
 leader in this Republican Caucus, has but very recently 
 emerged from the shell of high-toned federalism, and his 
 sounding professions and ultra career, are stamped with that 
 improper violence, which new made converts are so prone 
 to exhibit. 
 
 Alderman Seaman, from the 7th ward, has been friendly 
 to regular nominations but a very few years; and 1 well recol- 
 lect the time when it was his pride and pleasure, to prostrate 
 those candidates who were nominated at Tammany Hall. 
 
 Several other friends of Mr. Bovvne could be mentioned, 
 whose names were, until recently, unknown in the ranks of 
 the party ; and whose attachment to the Mayor, constitutes 
 their sole claims to the confidence of their Republican fellow 
 citizens. 
 
 To Mr. Bowne, personally, I entertain no hostility. 
 
 In contending for princijjle, 1 have no disposition to be- 
 come the assailant of men, further than is necessary for a 
 correct decision on the merits of this controversy. 
 
 In the different offices to which Mr. Bowne has been ele- 
 vated by the Republican party, I have extended to him my 
 feeble support ; but cannot recognize the authority of even 
 celebrated individuals, when they desire to cover a derelic- 
 tion from duty, with the mantle of past honors. 
 
 Having continued thus far to pursue the polar star of Re- 
 publican principles, I shall not now be tempted to follow 
 those ephemeral meteors of faction, which are dependant on 
 time and circumstance for their brilliancy or extinction. 
 
 I trust that in this examination, 1 have convinced the 
 public : 
 
 1st. That in the attempt to sustain the friends of Mr. 
 Bowne, the Republican General Committee have deviated 
 from their proper sphere, and improperly interposed their
 
 23 
 
 official authority to screen desertion from principle, and ana- 
 thematize the supporters of party usage and pure democracy. 
 
 2dly. That the call for the first Caucus was proper and 
 regular, and in strict accordance with the precedent establish- 
 ed by the friends of Mr. Bowne ; while the meeting at the 
 Recorder's house, where a minority was entrapped to pack 
 a majority, and the subsequent assemblage at the Street 
 Commissioner's Ofiice, was unauthorized by party prece- 
 dent — not being confined to those members who were regu- 
 larly nominated, or who were consistent Republicans — while 
 it indiscriminately excluded Republicans who were last sea- 
 son admitted, and received Federalists who were unknown 
 in the ranks of the party. 
 
 3dly. That the opponents of Mr. Bowne, subsequent to 
 their exclusion, proceeded in strict conformity to Republican 
 principles, in nominating a consistent Republican and friend 
 of the administration, as their candidate for Mayor, and in 
 all things abiding by the usages of the party. 
 
 4thly. That Mr. Bowne and his friends prostrated the 
 known rules of all deliberative assemblies, in their anxiety 
 for success ; and that in vacating their seats at the Board, 
 the seven Assistants were fully justified, by the preceding vio- 
 lation of rules and orders of the Bowne party. 
 
 5thly. That in their return to the Council Chamber, after 
 compelling Mr. Bowne to state his intention to not vote for 
 himself ^ while he 5//// refused to vacate his seat, they evinced 
 their desire to further the pubHc interest : 
 
 And 6thly. The mystery which enshrouds the ballot for 
 Mayor being still unexplained, and the Committee which 
 was appointed to investigate this subject having refused to 
 perform their duties ; the inference is irresistible, that Mr. 
 Bowne, in retaining his office, has determined to brave the in- 
 dignation of this community, and that in his desire for power, 
 he cares little for the means by which it is obtained. 
 
 If the above conclusions are legitimately established, it 
 affords a melancholy evidence of the proneness of human 
 nature, in grasping at office and distinctions, to discard the 
 pure attachment to first principles.
 
 IN'^'F 
 
 OF C 
 Los 
 
 FOT?' lA LIBRARY 
 
 zi4 
 
 As the friends of Mr. Bowne have thought proper to be- 
 come the assailants, and have brought to their aid tlie official 
 power of the General Committee, they cannot murmur at ;i 
 fair exposition of their career. 
 
 If in this investigation, 1 have failed to exhibit that power 
 of persuasion and richness of intellect, which a more culti- 
 vated mind, or classic pen, might have summoned to its aid, 
 I trust that the veracity of my statement may somewhat 
 atone for the simplicity of its style, and that the public will 
 not, in their verdict of approval or disapproval, merge the 
 purity of the cause in the incapacity of its narrator. 
 
 A democratic member of the Common Council, 
 
 rrXZV. lAASE* '
 
 '^Ji^jkiS-^ 
 
 '^^■^