The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-28

the Senate. The controversy between the PARK
Bank and Mr.. Devlm remains in st0tu quo. the lat
ter retaining the moneys deposited with it by Mr..
Platt Mr. Plat, we believe, still asserts his riahts
TO the Office of Chamberlain, and IL sustained by
the Mayor. Mr.. Devlin as stoutly claims to be the
only rightful occupant Of the Office, and il upheld
in his pretensions by the Comptroller and the Com.
mon Council. While these two gentlemen arc -
putting, the city moneys are unavailable for the
public wants. the city lsborers unpaid, and the
Trust companies refuse to acknowledge either Of
the rivals as the rightful Chamberlain, or topay
over to either the money deposited in their hands.
Every day renders the position of affairs more
complicated and more embarrassing; If the
present imbroglio lasts much longer the city
credit will receive as fatal q blow %
Messrs. Cobb and Thomas inflicted upon
the credit Of the general government. It b Of tho
utmost importance that the Legislature shsald
lose no time in acting in the matter and settling ii
in Q definite shape. The appointment Of Cham
berlains is now the most lucrative perquisite Of
the office Of Alderman; If matters remain a. they
are it is pretty certain that we shall have new
Chamberlans appointed three or four times .
year, and that the city funds win be forever in
court. It is to be hoped, however, that any ac-
ton taken by the Legislature may be based upon
an honest regard for the public interests and not
upon desire to further individual schemes. To
legslate this or that man into office will be NO i'm
provement upon existing evils. We have had oc-
casion already to alude to the sub-treasury
scheme, which we notice has been proposed In
the Legislature. The objection to this plan-which
people here generally consider fatal one-is that
in the present condition of civic virtue and NUM-
cipal morals the city sub-treasurer would proba-
bly, walk of to Havana some fine morning with the
entire sub-treasury. It would be undoubtedly
safer to confer the right of appointing the Cham
berlain on some public official whose character
and position might serve as guarantee for his
integrity of purpose to take the matter complete
ly out Of the hands of the Aldermen; to require
the Chamberlain to give security for twice as
much as the largest amount usually drawn from
the treasury in . single day. to encompass the
drawing Of checks with all proper safeguards, and
TO render the Chamberlain net removable except
for cause. Questions would arise, in drafting q
bill on these bases, as to what official should pos
sess the power Of appointing the Chamberlain.
Senator Manierre's bill conferred the power on the
Comptroller, the official most directly RESPONSE
Supreme Court Judges, the Governor Of the State,
have been mentioned in the same connection. A.
choice may be readily and safely made il the Le-
gslature will consider the matter in the light OF
the public interest alone, and without partisan or
personal predictions And Whatever is done
should be done quickly, II the credit Of this city n
to be preserved and its obligations to its creditors
duly honored.