The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-08-25
THE NEXT YOR.

MEsSRs. EDITORS There is an impression on the
minds OF some of our citizens, that the new Police
law does away with the chief reason for an anti
party Mayor. Before the passage of this act, the
selection ofpolicemen, all know, was based on
strict party grounds; and it the results of this
| system that led the Legislature to change the APP
pointing power. In this change however, the con.
currence of the Mayor in epoice regulations was
not altogether disregarded. by the first section
of the statute he is made er-obcio member of
the "Police Board;' and although not clothed
with any powers superior to the Commissioners,
yet his position will most likely, serve to increase
his personal influence. He is titus intimately as
ISOLATED with branch of the city government that
we have long sought 10 relieve from political obi
| cations. A few facts must convince every one
who reflects upon the Importance of an indepen-
dant and reliable police force, and upon the rela-
ton the Mayor of our city is expected to hold to-
wards it, that the entire system, and all connected
with it, must be kept free from party trammels.
The citizens of Baltimore are entrusted with the
election of one member of the Board in the person
of the Mayor, and the Legislature of the State
with the election of two members at each biennial
session. 1t can hardly be expected that party dis
cpne will be so far violated by the Legislature as
to elect one or more persons to lucrative offices
who may differ in opinion from the majority of that
probable. Taking it for granted, therefore, that
the persons to be chosen in 1862, as successors to
the two Commissioners whose term of office will
then expire, will be of party and part men, the
danger of political contamination, in we elect
any other than an Independent Mayor, will be i'm
| minent. lie and they would constitute majority
of the Board, and by reason of the frequent changes
caused by dismissas, designations and death, could
| soon give party bias to the entire force. This
view is based, of course, upon the assumption that
they will agree politicaly-an event which should
be guarded against, although it be only possible.
Again, let us suppose there should be no division
among the Commissioners, there are strong reasons
yet why we should have an independent witness of
what is done. Then, in any light we view the mat
ter the influence for good Of an honorable and in
dependent Mayor is beyond controversy, and the
effects we have to dread from the election of any
other-I not of what name or shade-are
equally apparent Nor is this all. Do our people
reflect that the Police Bill can be repealed bv the
very next General Assembly, and the patronage
and power that are so essential to the success of
politicians be again returned into the hands
of the city government Need we stop to ques-
ton the Importance of independent action and
clubs, If such should be the case? 1t nay be
said, however, that this will not be attempted
Citizens of Baltimore, beware; the conduct of
Mayor Swami in this matter springs from a
settled purpose to wage the same war upon the
metropolitan bill' that assaed it from the Amer
lean side of the Legislature. In a communication,
dated February 4, 1850, addressed by Mr.. Swaun
TO the commissioners under the new bill, he saws
1.-The whole subject having been referred to coun-
sci, measures will be taken to bring the questions
involved before the proper tribunals, and in the
event of a decision adverse to the opinion have
expressed and to the claims of this city, it will be
my duty to yield prompt submission to the law,
whatever it may be-" His duty under the law,
which has been "before the proper tribunals and
decided against the "opinion he expressed" is to
meet and confer with the Commissioners, overlook
and represent the eitys interests there, and thus
instit ute harmony throughout our local govern
ment. Has he dore it? No 1t is notorious that
he has failed to attend single meeting to parti-
cipate in the remotest degree in its affairs and in
this course he is sustained by his party. Their de-
SIGN can readily be discovered. They will act con
but forced 0Ughont.. First refuse to give my
when they have the power, rep9al ara eventually
pore this? Our duty is to avert its repeal, but at
minish the evil by securing an independent appoint
American party, whose hostility to the measure is
an avowed one, should gain the power in the Legis
ature in order to effect its repeal The divided
and embitered feeling existing among those who
secured us the great measure, is such that have
build upon new parties, one the other wing may
scarcely able to accomplish when united Let us
solely for the continuance of peace and prosperity
in our city. If this determination is already ar
rived at on the part of majority of our people, the
course we should pursue in selecting the next Mayor
is too clearly defined to be mistaken.