New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-06-02

referred to- are not 10 any way TO take the alarm, as
this would disturb and perplex the public mind
When our late Legislature, among It's many good
deeds relieved our streets and City treasury OF
that fearful visitation. Ebling, rejoiced IN the
prospect Of cleany ways and more moderate bur
dens. When contracts duly made for the
STRENGTHENING Of our City twice week through
the ensuing year for the reasonable Of ISL 900
per annum, our joy was doubled. We gave the
contractors our confidence in advance; We solicited
for them the good will Of our fellow citizens: we
craved a generous forbearsnce on all hands uutll
they should have time to furnish themselves with
all the implements and cOnyeniences required by
their novel and arduous undertaking; we clung to
the hope that they would perform as they had
promised until long after they evidently had secuted
the idea But faith however fanatic, has tslimits;
and We have been obliged slowly and painfully to
tear away the tendrils which it had wound around
our heart the foliage with which it had Obstructed
our vision Gradually, painfully, we we're forced TO
see that they belonged 10 the great conspiracy
which is constantly deysing How Not to Do 1.-THE
Barnaces of this evil world. 1t cost US struggle,
but we threw the contractors overheard, though we
still believe and can demonstrate that the contract
principle is the true one, aud must yet be perfected
and adopted.
What is the reason, good men ask, " that the
- Streets cannot be cleaned somehow or other
We answer Because the men to whom the work is
intrusted study how to get the most money for the
least work possible. That is the whole story
Elect functiOnary on purpose, and, instead oil
STUDYING how to get the streets frequently and
thoroughly cleaned at the smallest cost to the city
be conspires with other scOundres to put the work
into their hands in such manner that they shall do the
work as sghtingy as possible, yet be literally paid
for doing il well-the difference between what they
do and hat they should receive being divided and
apportioned oil a scale and in manner known only
to the parties Immediately interested. Give it to
the several Aldermen, and they proceed to make
job of 1t, for their own political and their crOnes
pecuniary benefit. Give it out by contract, and the
contractors cOnspre to get the stipulated pay with
out doing half the stipulated work. No one ever
thinks of cleaning according to the express terms
of his contract, though compelled to swear that be
has done so whenever he sends in his bill. The
end is the same in either case-Nluch stealing and
little sweeping.
But cannot contracts be enforced Certainly
they can; but they must first be made. Every
contractor should be required to deposit in the
City Treasury an amount equal to three months
pay; and, whenever lie fails to fulfil his spulations,
the City Inspector should be authorized to do the
work he has neglected, and draw on this deposit
for the cost Whenever he fails TO clean every
street in his district thoroughly at least once in the
course of week, his pay for that week should in
hexibly be stopped. There is difficulty in draw
ing contracts which in connection with efficient
Police supervision shall compel their own faithful
fufment.
Our Common Council has behaved as badly as
possible with respect to the contracts for 1857, IS
was to be expected. by refusing TO confirm them,
the two Boards have deprived the City Of all power
legally to enforce them Technically, the City has
made no contracts, and of course can compel the
fuflment Of none. Had the contracts been per-
fected our City would this day have had good
case for heavy damages against the defaulting con-
tractors.
The City Inspector is the next hope for clean
streets He says frankly, Il cannot clean the
" streets, ana Keep Ineih cledn, LOT less IMAM
$500, 900 year; but if the duty is fairly de-
"yolyed on HE, il shall be done" Mr.. Morton is
energetic, experienced and ambitious and, if the
Common Council tells him to 60 ahead the work
will be done. The Councilmen have already bid
den him proceed; but the Aldermen hang back,
and put the matter over though the necessity of
instant action is fearfuly imperative. Should pes
thence fasten upon us, those 4 dermen who hold |
back. hoping, doubtless, to get their own fingers
into the pie, will deserve TO be held TO stern ac
countability.
Should Mr. Morton be finally intrusted with the
public broom We beg him to remember that the
City will expect him. first to clean the streets and
keep them clean at all events; secondly, to clean
them as chesply as possible Let him do the work
thoroughly and at q moderate cost, and he will be
az popular rs Wood might have been by fulfilling
the brave promise Of his first quarter as Mayor.
Let Mr. Morton succeed in vanquishing our City's
reputation of being the filthiest either CONT
nent and be may name his reward at the hands Of
grateful and astonshed people.
..8