New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-09-29
REPORT or the CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

! REPORT or THE CITIZENS ASSOCIA TON
New-York, Tie worst governed city IN the world,
has deep reason 20 be grateful TO the Citizens Asso
CATION tie object OF which is to enforce the Jaws and
protect the people from tbs mon who in Official posi-
lions punler tie treasury and outrage the rights Of
tie community. The report Of tie Executive Coun-
Gil, which has just been ued, shows that the Asso
citation has so far succeeded in its work that every
honest citizen is bound to support It's efforts and that
there is good reason to hope that NewYork will be
eventually rid other tyrlnts.
Most of the reforms urged by the Association have
been advocated in these columns, and We are glad
that the spirit in which we have labored is so fairly
appreciated. "Our Association, says the report sis
under great obligations 10 The NEW-YoRK TRIBUNE
for its uniform readiness 20 cooperate with the Assoc
/ alton in the work Of municipal regeneration. The
/ articles it has published have done much toward
| sowing far aud wide, the seeds Of reform. The
most cuIsory glance at the articles in that paper will
/ convince any one that they are not tinctured with
politics actuated by party bas-or in City Reform
TIE TRIBUNE has spared neither political friend nor
| ioe-but has always exposed corruption and dragged
/ the offender to light, not caring whether he was
/ elected as a Republican or % a Democrat" Other
papers, the report AYERS "Lave been established by
corrupt men, in the interest Of corruption, end this is
not the least obstacle TO reform.
While the Association reports strongly in favor Of
/ the paid Fi-o Department, t has preferred charges
against its administration which it claims 20 be inef
| Gent. The vretched wharf accommodation Of the
city, which asonisbes al travellers who compare with
it our commercial greatness receives full attention,
and circular has been sent 20 Che merchants asking
| them to aid in suggesting au improved system. No
plas has vet been decided, bat the Association will
present The matter in some definite shape, tothe Legs
lature next Winter The outrageous Gas contract by
which the Common Council would have delivered the
/ people into the power Of q monopoly for twenty
wears has been bravely fought By the Association,
/ and an injunction was granted upon their suit. TIE
matter Is now before Judge Barnard, whose decision
may be soon expected. The Street Commissioner is
also charged with violation Of the laws and extra
ordinary extIayGgance. aud as Tor the Common Coun
Gil, he proof OF is Iascaty is so irresistible that We
agree with the Association in believing that It's aboi
ton By the Legislature would be better than its con-
tnuance a. az presen: organizsi King Log is better
than King S,orki tie people can do better without
any government than with government which is bat
/ another name for robbery.
The Citizens Association in three years has OBJ
tanned "a Paid Fire Department, Board Of Health,
e Board Of Excise the cleaning Of our streets, the
passage Of stringent laws removing dangerous power
from tie Common Council and officials, a greatly
improved Registry law large reduction in taxes and
the reduction Of the funds Of corruption large and
fraudulent claims shut out Of tie Tax Levy and
defeated and other numerous important advantages
It's immediate efforts VIII be 20 secure this Winter
Board Of Public Works and a Boa1l OF ReyiSion-the
one to prevent the frauds and eztTayagances to which
We are 1ow subjected in the construction Of streets
roads vharyes and public buildings, ard the other to
supervise the expenses Of the city government By
these means the Association trusts that if il is not
able TO destroy The form, it viii yet be able destroy
the substance Of the Common Councils power. There
is difference OF opinion upon the necessity Of this
method Of reform. but tie Association despairs Of
correcting abuses by the baliot-t5z IN this city mo
peaceable election" Gays the report "can take tie
goTg.alcu. OF ,-s city from The clutch Of the RING