The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-01-06

TIE Mayors Messsgc-1he New City CAaste,
By reference TO the Mayors message, which
will be found elsewhere the arguments against
the proposed scheme Of the republicans to trans
fer the government Of the city from the citizens
to the State authorities, viii be found ably set
forth. The subject has been freqr0Atly treated
in these columns but when it 10 remembered
that The scheme is really likely to be put in force
this winter, it win at once be seer. that toe much
space cannot be devoted to it
We trace, without the least hesitation, the
whole Of the msgovernment and anarchy under
which We are suffering to the consequence of the
division of authority which followed the repeal
OF the charter Of 1880. When the frs. clique re-
seived to obtain possession Of department of
he city govern ment, 10 the detriment of the
Mayor, The first blow was struck at good govern
ment in New York. When that CLIQUE succeeded,
anarchy began. Their example was but too
, promptly and accurately followed. One by one,
| every department of the civic authority declared
| itself independent OF the chief head. The old
fable OF Agrippa Mcnenus was reacted at our
cost; we are at the present time witnessing the
suffering and hamilton to which rebellion against
the head has reduced the limbs Of government.
We desire to see this false step retraced We
| want 10 have the principle Of the old municipal
| gOye.nment-na namely, the Capitalization of au-
thori5y, and concentration Of responsibility-re.
vived without prejudice to such departmental
improvements as the progress of events has
suggested. This is, as we understand it, the
wish of Mayor Wood as well we commend all
WHO doubt the accuracy Of this view to peruse
carefully the paragraphs Of the message which
bear upon the subject
An Objectionable only One-has been raised
by certain of the republican presses, to the effect
that it might be unsafe TO confde so much au-
| tbority to the hands of a single man, who might
misuse it, or apply it to corrupt party purposes.
| That argument is on par with the reasoning of
| the old monks, who thought printing had been q
curse because bad books had been circulated Es-
| cry good thing is liable to abuse the lawyer may
abuse the privileges of the bar the clergyman
those of the pulpit; the newspapers those of
types and press. And il is Just as reasonable to
gag the former or to subject the latter to a cen
sorshp, for fear they should do mischief as it is
10 tie the Mayors hands for fear he should
do harm. If We want Mayor at all, let him be
real parsonage. with substantial authority in his
hands, with sufficient control over subordinate
executive officers to make him answerable for their
shortcomings, and with rope enough to hang OF
save himself as he is inclined. Let every precau-
ton be taken in his selection. Let every precau
| ton be taken TO provide for his impeachment
trial. and punishment, in case of misconduct or
| malversation OF authority. But, in the name of
common sense, let us not have puppet Mayor,
with no power to repress anarchy or insure good
government, and merely the privilege of carry
ing into effect some of the bebests of set vi
Proconsuls from Albany.
We are not afraid that we shall have very bad
Mayors, as a general rule. If the Office is remod-
elled to suit our view. On the contrary, il ap-
pears TO us that il will become a very desirable
Office for rising men, and stepping-stone to the
Go,Tnorship of the State and the United States
SeDatorsbip. At Rome, man always showed his
his capacity as 0sdle before he rose TO the Pre.
torship, or Proconsulate; and the practice was
obviously founded upon common sense. A man
who could, under the system We advocate. dis
charge the duties ofMayor of the city with credit
and satisfaction to the people, would be almost
certain, under ordinary circumstances of high
political prefcrment afterward and thus we have
no doubt the very best men in the State would
become candidates for the Mayoraty.
But at any rate, the public do not care by
whom the city is governed, whether by a demo
crat republican, or Know Nothing. All they
ask Is good government Of some kind That
cannot certainly be expected from the republican
scheme for DISTINGUISHING the city TO afford berth.
Tor certain country politicians.
RESURRECTION on THE ITALIAN OPrEA.-Nr