the
street-cleaning department, invoked the same principle of
division.[1300] Several members of the State committee had themselves,
until recently, held profitable places by reason of such an
understanding without thought of their party fealty being questioned.
It was a recognition of the rights of the minority. As to the wisdom
of such a policy the committee did not express an opinion, but it
suggested that if members of the general committee or of district
associations, holding such city places, should be charged with party
infidelity, prompt expulsion would follow proof of guilt. It declared
itself as anxious to maintain party purity and fidelity as the State
committee, and for the purpose of investigating all charges it
appointed a sub-committee.[1301]

[Footnote 1298: New York _Times_, January 26.]

[Footnote 1299: New York _Tribune_, September 8.]

[Footnote 1300: New York _Times_, February 3.]

[Footnote 1301: New York _Times_, Feb. 3, 1871.]

It was manifest from the first, however, that no investigation, no
purging of the rolls, no compromise would avail. The charge had gone
forth that "Tammany Republicans" controlled the Greeley committee, and
in reply to the demand for specifications the State committee accused
Henry Smith and others with using Tammany's police, taking orders from
Sweeny, and participating in Ring enterprises to the detriment of the
Republican party.[1302] "These men," said the _Times_, "are receiving
the devil's pay, and consequently, it is to be presumed, are doing the
devil's work. Republicans under Tammany cannot serve two masters. A
Republican has a right to serve Tweed if he chooses. But he ought not
at the same time to be taken into the confidence of Republicans who
wage war against Tammany for debasing the bench, the bar, and every
channel of political life."[1303]

[Footnote 1302: _Ibid._, Jan. 7, 12, 25.]

[Footnote 1303: _Ibid._, Jan. 25.]

To articles of this character Greeley replied that the Republicanism
of Cornell and Smith did not differ. They had graced the same ticket;
they had gone harmonious members of the same delegation to the last
State convention; and they were fellow members of the State committee,
created by that convention, Smith being aided thither by Cornell's
vote.[1304] In the presence of such evidence the Fenton faction
declared that there was neither soundness nor sincerity in the
_Times'_ statements or in the State committee's charges. Nevertheles