The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-01-12

MUNICIPAL RKFoRx We have for a long time
commended tor the urgent necessity which exists Tor
thorough and radical reform in our city govern
ment The loose. unguarded and slip-shod manner
IN which the monetary affairs of our city are con-
Quoted, have given much and increasing cause for
complaint. Under no former administration has
there been such universal cause for murmuring as
at present exists. When see the President OF
the Board OF Aldermen leave his place, and enter
into spirited discussion upon the enormity of evils
which have presented themselves to his immediate
acquaintance we may be permitted to urge still
farther our consciousness that we need practical
and thorough city reform. The Augean stable must
be cleansed purified, aud rendered less excepona-
able. Our taxes are being multiplied with fear
fu rapidly. All pledges and promises are forfeited
IN breath, and the doors of our city treasury are
thrown open to the "mercy Of the designing and
crafty" Such were the sentiments which seemed
to prevail among the members of the Board of Al
dermen at their last session.
Alderman Charck submitted his views at much
length, and commented with an undsguised seve-
rty upon the manner in which our Aims House
Department was conducted He stated that the sup.
pesurnshedto for the use OF this department were not
only short weight and measurement but were of the
most indifferent quality, and untitled for use. He
had heard many floating rumors rejecting upon the
Aims House Commissioner, which he had dsre-
garded. The unquesuoned and admitted purity OF
this geRteman-his business capacities and I'M
doubted integrity, seemed to forbid the idea of his
being in any way implicated in transactions other
than OF the most honorable character He must.
however, be permitted to state, upon the RESPONSE
bility OF his present position, that from per-
sona and critical examination of the last Two
or three days, that his feelings had undergone
a perceptible change. He had found that abuses
had crept into this department. that in the article of
teas, soap and molasses, he had found deficiency
IN weight and quality of more than thirty per cent.
and which was only chargeable either to wilful or
the most stupid neglect Aldermen Brady and Mes
seroe sustained these positions, from the convic-
tons OF their own judgments, and personal exami-
tons An investigating committee was appointed,
who will report at an early day.
In connection with this matter, il may be proper
TO observe, that appropriations asked for by the
comptroller, exceed in amount those of last
year, something over $500 600, being equal to nine
weight cents on one hundred dollars, upon real and
personal property This, in ITSELF quite sufficient
to justify US In the position, that immediate
need OF some positive measures of reform
Notwithstanding the large appropriations placed
at the disposal of the Street Commissioners, look
at the condition of streets. Do not the
'stones pirate of their whereabouts Are they not
covered with filth ankle deep, and are not our streets
virtually impossible!
There are still other causes, of equal Importance,
which we may again recur to, Notwithstanding cur
''neasury is at the mercy of the designing and Graf
ty."
Reformers, marshal your hosts-be earnest in
your efforts, unceasing In your vigilance, and your
cause must conquer