The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-11-28
nrhe Prsspests Or = New City Charter.


We-epublish this morning two articles on mu-
nioipel reform-the one from the New York T's-
,Ie.ss,s the other from the Daily Tines Both are
addressed to the Legislature which meets this
winter at Albany, with view Of influencing the
action Of that body in reference to the amend
ment of our present charter or the grant of anew
one.
Unquestionably, this charter business viii be
among the most important if not the most impor
tant matters that will be brought before the re-
publican Legislature. When this great city is
misgoverned, the mischief is felt as far as the
State line extends; the fever thrObs in the State
veins from the shore of the Atlantic to those Of
the lakes Corruption, imbecility, misrule, not
only infict direct positive injury upon the in
eterests aggregated here, but. spreading from
hence infect the whole State, and work mis-
chief of enormous magnitude to the common
wealth at large. We have right therefore to
expect that the forthcoming Legislature will be-
stow upon the topic the attention il deserves and
not decide upon anything without the fullest in
guiry and most careful thought.
1t is in order to enlighten their minds by pre-
senting various views of the reform needed, that
we republish elsewhere the articles in the
grtane and Times In the former they will
! fird plan, no doubt but if they under
staDd it, they viii be more successful
than readers in this meridian. 1t is in word
confusion worse confounded: retention of all or
nearly all the injurious features Of the present
system, with an addition of new features equally
foolish and mischievous; further attempt to Grip
pie and paralyse the hands OF the executive SO as
to purchase freedom from tyranny at the cost of
certein anarchy; in fine, a scheme, like unto no
thing in heaven above or in the earth beneath
or in the waters under the earth, which no one,
not even the original framer ever clearly under
stood, and which the highest administrative
genius could never put in practice This mon
strocity, we make bold to believe, did not erlgi-
nate in tie Tribune Office. 1t is Of Albanian birth,
and springs Enthusiastically from that prolific
source OF intrigues and impracticable schemes,
the cabinet of Tburlow Weed and Seward; whence
it has been cent to our colaborer, the editor of
the tribune in order that he, with his usual
Christian charity, should re1uite the Albany
Clique of politicians for their contemptuous re-
lection of him at the Syracuse Convention, by
putting his columns at their services and letting
then use his paper for the promotion of their
private interests. We feel the more confident
that this is the history Of the project, as it bears
marks of Weeds well known hand,
and as VIC remember that the editor of the Tri-
tune has already proved how superior he rises to
personal considerations by surrendering his jour
r. IN 10 Vic nf Mr. yorI H.
that politician was justifying Rusts murderous
attack upon him.
We refer with more pleasure to the article in
the Tines, which in the main IL sound and worthy
Of attention. The editor of the Times, we are
happy to see, has devoted some attention to the
snhject and in a right spirit He comes, Of
course, to the conclusion which is familiar to the
readers Of the HERALD-namely, that the care
FOR our present evils il the Capitalization of
power ard responsibility in the hands of the
Mayor, who should have the appointment of all
The heads of departments and with whom should
rest the sole control of the executive branch of
he municipal government. 1t viii be for the
people to select such man for the Office OF Mayor
Is may safely be entrusted with this large mea-
ure Of authority; and further, to keep him in
heck, In respect appointments, by constituting
he Aldermen sort Of Senate. This is the plan,
md the only one, to meet the present Gaze. Aud
We are the more pleased 10 see the Tiacs adgo-
ate it, as from its editors connection with poll
iclans, so much independence was perhaps hardly
o be expected from him. The fact revives the |
DquiIy whether he would not be suitable sue
lessor TO Senator Fish. He would certainly
make better Senator than that humble follower
If Mr.. Seward, or than Preston King. We shall
,ear it in mind.