TAMMANY AT BAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1932, Page 6

TAMMANY AT BAY.

To those who have read the findings of the committee set up to inquire into the civic administration of New York the resignation of the Mayor of that city (Mr. James Walker) will cause no surprise. Had a similar report been made of any British local authority it is certain that the impeachment as well as the resignation of all parties concerned in corrupt practices would have been demanded. The committee found that “graft” existed, from the Mayor to the humblest of the city’s employees. Even some of the minor “courts of justice” were involved, and etories of innocent people being found guilty of “crimes” they did not commit bub in regard to which perjured evidence secured their conviction have been amongst the charges the committee has found proven. The Mayor of New York, who the committee finds was associated with corrupt practices, owed his municipal office to the assistance given by Tammany Hall, the headquarters of those who believe that “every man has his price” and by the manipulation of block votes are able to sway elections. At one time the right to establish transport and other public services was the spoil Tammany sought for its nominees. They paid tribute, of course, and the public was fleeced to make up the funds, but, judging from the committee’s findings, Tammany’s methods in. later years have been more subtle. The State Governor of New York, Mr. Franklin D. Roosevelt, was responsible for the civic Inquiry. He is opposing President Hoover at the coming Presidential election, and it is said that Tammany will marshal its forces against him. Meanwhile Mr. Walker is appealing to his electorate for a renewal of confidence, and it will be interesting to see if Tammany Hall is strong enough to bring about his re-election as Mayor. If Mr. Walker is returned the prospects for cleaner civic administration will not be very bright.