June 5. A vigilance committee has just been triumphantly superseding the legal authorities of New Orleans. Very bad, for the transaction doesn’t seem to have been (like the memorable movement at San Francisco, which probably forms its precedent) a unanimous up-rising of the conservative men and property holders of the community, compelled in self-defense to put down rampant scoundrelism, even at the expense of violated formalities and legalities. It has been rather a struggle for power between armed political factions, a party insurrection and revolution, of evil omen to democratic institutions
We shall very soon be ripe for a similar outbreak. Had Fernando Wood been reelected mayor last year, it might well have occurred in this city before now. People are fast coming to the conclusion that democracy and universal suffrage will not work in crowded cities.
The Diary of George Templeton Strong, Edited by Allan Nevins and Milton Halsey Thomas
June 10, THURSDAY. Monday’s College meeting was harmonious and brief. The University committee reported progress and nominated Guyot, Dana, and Marsh of Burlington, on whom panegyrics were pronounced by Dr. Torrey and Mr. S.B. Ruggles, Betts purring acquiescence. Theodore Dwight, now of Hamilton College, was nominated, or suggested rather, for the Law School. Edward Jones was put on the committee, vice Van Wagenen, too busy to attend, a good exchange, and we adjourned to the twenty-first instant, then to elect professors. The university begins to look more hopeful; it may come to something after all, but as yet my faith is very weak, and I behold the post-graduate classes of the future as through a glass darkly.
The Diary of George Templeton Strong, Edited by Allan Nevins and Milton Halsey Thomas