New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-01-06

MAYOR Wood put before the new Common Cum
Gil Yesterday another of those rhetorical lOurishes
which precede his annual messages. The first doc
ument Of the kind was that in which be lamented
the departure from the charter of 1880, charging all
the evils that had fallen upon the city to that de-
parturc and ntimating in broad terms that We
could have no good government until the whole
power OF patronage, appointment and removal,
should be centered in him. That inaugural message
wound up with the announcement that he should
proceed 10 exercise general control over the whole
CITY Government even if he should be obliged to
- assume doubtful powers " for that purpose.
One year afterward Mr.. Wood INDUCED in
second prologue, in which lie set forth certain
grand views of commerce and international laws,
tariffs, and Kindred matters, heretofore supposed to
belong TO the Federal Administration. Coming
down 10 the city, he discovered that scarcely any
thing had been achieved toward good government
during bis first year, notwithstanding the free eI-
e7cise Of those doubtful powers. He still wanted
power; if be only had supreme control all would
be right. He complained that combinations had
been made against him, and mercenary designs and
subtle devices had met him at every step. Still he
abandoned him so would they be worthy or unwOr.
thy of selEgovernment. The charter of 1890 now
got another irstrate notice, though it was hardly
so good after all ss that Of 1856 inasmuch as the
older one allowed greater concentration of power.
Yesterday the third manifesto of his Honor, all
handsomely printed and labeled was sent forth.
Now he is indeed awake. He has discovered that
I L. =,
good government-and that there is but one in the
city; his name we reed not mention. But the
other departments are irresponsible. Dwelling
with much satisfaction upon the idea thathe ought
TO be sole executive, strictly responsible 10 the
people" lie finds that the responsibility of other
elective officers to the people is all humbug;
that the head of a department too often
"retires from his post with full purse,
Though, harisg no character 10 start riih witbOu.
"lOss of reputation" This must not be sup
posed 10 apply TO the Head Of the Police Depart
mtnt. Mr.. Wood patheticaly informs Us that he
has constantly devoted all of each twenty four
hour, not passed in sleep TO personal sacrifices for
the pubic veal, yet he has seen little or no return
TO satisfy the public or rsqute his own feelings.
But be is much alarmed at the rumOrs anoit that
the Legislature will be asked 10 reform the charter
and speaks Of those engaged in this reform, as
"designirg men, who cOyet official station He
proposes that the Common Council shall at once go
TO the Legislature AID these iDtIguers out; and if
they will do so, be is mOdestly pleased to announce
that he shall be happy to aid in framing such char
ter as required He is frightened a. the prospect
of osirg control Of the police, especially as he has
just got rid of the Only obstacle to uDq1estionej
sway. Yet one year ago-beiore he levied 9 tax
upon policemen to elect himsef-he argued strongly
against putting the appointment of policemen in the
haIds Of elective officers, liable 70 cOntinlsl
change, and ACKNOWLEDGED that the men, although
holding Office Os,ensbly during good behavior,
were, after al, dependent upon the prejUdices
or pleasure Of the Elective Commissioners. He
then especislly lsuded the Police of London, over
whose appointment or even management the city
authorities have 20 csn:rol whatever Mr. Wood
next returns TO the charter smenders. He vii
have the Common Council ask for charter. which
be will prepare; if the Legislature refuse il, le.
there'pcnsibi,y be upon then; he wllhaTe done hi.
duty ard vii struggle on. But be sadly continues, il
the Legislature "cary out the nefari3us schemes
"of tie corrupt interest which seek t. control and
absorb the revenues OF the city, and 70 strip tie
/" Chief Magistrate Of eTtn The limited power he
a now possesses, shall not r'main ~ tbs Office
" single day. l can take no part in the admins
" traiiOn Of this Government, ard BY remaining
" here sppear 70 betO the cas-. e1tentr iponsble IL
- in adj ton to the present want of authority, i.
q" added TIE schemes Of decentralization intended |
rpuLdsr sni partisan power, now "a the polti-
Is cal al lis q, Albany ard N-w-Y II the ship |
cu,t 20 Jew irt 'aNae Eho drive her on the rocks
- .lAs y as,,n "a c,u,glsL1-I S'9 at" Hersiss