The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-06-14

THE COMMON COuNCu. AND CLEAN STREETS
A Coup D'ETAT DEMANDED.-On Monday even
ing proposition was received in the Board OF
Councilmen, from John N. Genin, Offering to
keep the Sixteenth ward clean during the sum-
mer months, if that body would make sufficient
appropriations for the purpose. Instead, however,
of receiving the proposal in that spirit of cour-
tesy which gentlemen always display towards
each other the members of the Council, fearful
that there was some insult to their dignity intend
ed. sent Mr. Genin's communication back to him,
with instructions to the effect that the wording
of it must be altered before they could consent
to give it their consideration. Now, the fact
of the matter is simply this-the time of the
board is 80 occupied in the discussion of sub
jects of such vast Importance to themselves and
such trifing interest to the public, that they
cannot spare any for the consideration of SO
slight matter as the health Of the city 1t
was at one time generally believed that if the
reformers were elected, New York, SO far as
cleanliness is concerned, would become the
model city Of the Union; but few weeks ex-
perience Of the character of the new govern
ment dispelled the pleasing illusion, and now
we almost regret the demise Of the old govern
ment, when we think of the imbecility and
utter recklessness of the new.
Under the old regime we we're sometimes en-
tertained with the gratifying spectacle of clean
streets; but for the enjoyment Of such a luxury
we are now almost entirely dependent upon the
benevolence of private citizens. An appropri-
alton, it is true, was made some time ago, when
the city was almost overwhelmed by deluge
OF mud; but the remedy was only temporary
one, and although we are at present threatened
by fearful epidemic, no measures have yet
been taken for the preservation of the public
health. The question now arises, what is to be
done under these circumstances? The cholera
has already broken out in our midst, and such
is the reckless disregard which the Common
Council have shown for the fearful consequent
ces that may ensue, that they not only remain
passive spectators, but have actually refused to
act upon reasonable proposition rendered by
one of our most respectable citizens, because it
was not, in their judgment correctly worded.
1t would seem that the only resource now left
US is coup d'etaf, since every other means
have failed; and we know of no man who lie
better qualified to carry it into execution
than Genin. He will find numerous prece-
dents in history for it, too. julius Cesar had
his coup d'ftat; SO had Cromwell; SO had Napo-
leon the First and Napoleon the Third; and SO
had Faustin the black Emperor of Hayti, and
Santa Anna. Now, nothing could be easier
than grand coup d'etat in New York; and if
successfully carried out, he would be regarded
as public benefactor. Let him take clean
Streets and the health of the city" for his
watchwords, and he will give death-blow to
all pretended reformers. In fact the only
safety the city seems to have is in such move
ment, and we have no doubt that the people
would regard the extinguishment of the pre-
sent Common Council as blessing.
The Street Commissioner has, it is said
been endeavoring for some weeks past to clean
a few streets, or, at least he has made show
of doing so, and occasionally few street
sweepers are seen in the most frequented pub
lie thoroughfares. This display is considered
sufficient to satisfy the public mind; but those
who live in the by-streets know too well
that it is "a mockery, a deluson and a
snare" All this humbug must be stopped
at once, and an army of street sweepers set at
work. The necessary appropriation must be
made and the Comptroller, we have no doubt,
will be ready with the money. Let the
Common Council attend to this matter before it
is too late or beware Of q coup detaf. We
must have clean streets.
N. B.-Since the above was written we have
received a manifesto Of Genin to the people of
New York in relation to the Sixteenth ward
also the report of the Committee of the Board
Aldermen respecting the street cleaning con-
tracts and the conduct Of Mr.. Glazer, the
Street Commissioner. We are obliged to defer
the publication of the manifesto, bat we give
the report of the Aldermen, which is sufficient
to show the utter absurdty of the existing
charter. There is nothing but the coup d'ftat
left for us now. Let the people be prepared
The GADsDES TREATY--SANrA ANNA's
ANENDMENrs.-By the intelligence which we
publish this morning from Mexico, it appears
that Santa Anna has sent back the Gadsden.
treaty as modified by our Senate, with amend
ments which will require the concurrence of
the President and the Senate before the pre-
cious compact can become law. What the
amendments of his Serene Highness are we are
not informed-perhaps few more millions of
money for few more square leagues of desert;
perhaps little more ready cash; perhaps some
thing for the special benefit of the Tehuantepec
SPECTATORS; perhaps some express provisions
again. st future filibustering Cavaraals and Col.
walkerr and such like-perhaps some indem-
aity for Walkers depredations in Lower Cali