The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-01-08

Reform Measures for This City In the
| Legislature.
II is evident from the message Of Governor
Fenton that he has abandoned all ideas OF
general reform In the government Of this city.
Instead Of adopting or recommending measures
which would lead to that result he has &C
cepted the plan long in vogue with the hungry
politicians-such legislative action as will
provide places for an army Of political favor
ties. OF this kind of reform the least we
have the better it will be for our city and our
tax-ridden citizens It is popular with the
hungry politicians who hope to obtain fat
Offices under it, and the Governor seems TO
have more regard for the wants Of that class
than he has for people Of this city. This result
il not what tho public expected from the hands
| Of the Executive of this State, after his numer-
Gus promises and professions Of reform. 1t is
but little consolation for our citizens to urge
reformatory measures upon the Governor and
Legislature, and then see the steps which they
have taken in that direction made the basis
upon them with large salaries. This legislat-
ing one set OF officials out for the sake of pro-
viding places for another set is not the reform
which our people have asked for. The sooner
these gentlemen understand that fact the bet
ter it will be for all concerned.
That there are abuses in our city govern
ment, abuses of great magnitude, which call for
prompt action to correct, no sensible person
will deny. But it is equally apparent that we
never can secure the much needed reform from
the hands Of Governor Fenton, if his message
presents the mode that he intends to adopt to
bring it about. The duty of the Legislature in
this respect is very plain and simple. 1t is 80
plain that there is hardly room for doubt on
the part of the most stupid member in that
body, much less for person occupying the
position of Chief Magistrate of the State. 1t
can never be accomplished by abolishing one
set of offices and establishing new bureaus
in their place. The reform which we need
| can be brought about in much
easier way and great deal sooner
in another form. The complications which
| now exist render it almost impossible for US 10
get at the culpable party. No person is respon-
| sible. so extensive has been The iinkering of
| our charter and municipal laws. for the
benefit of the politicians under the very
policy which the Governor seems TO be
| anxious to continue. The evils of which
we now complain can be rcmedied by
| the appointment of Il commission, in whom
shall be vested all power Of removal and APP
pOintment of such officers are provided for
i'm nbor ,bo ola L., H.,
people. or this commission the Mayor should
be, ex oticio, the chairman. This system was in
existence in the State administration prior to
the adoption of the constitution of 1921, and
was known as "the Council OF Appointment"
What VIC now want ia the application Of this
| system. IN an improved form, TO this city, until
the abuses which now exist are removed.
| If the Albany philosophers desire and
| are anxious TO bring about q reform,
let them pass a law providing for the
| appointment of five commissioners Of whom
| tho Mayor shall be one and give them
! full power 10 overhaul the affairs of every
| department. to remove all officials who are
derelic, in their duties, and TO appoint capable
and efficient men in their places. They should
! have power to cut of all the sinecure places
| which are now so numerous. In order That the
| system may be made effective. the appoint
ments should be made without any reference
| to the Common Council. All voice or power
| that body. This will make The commission
! responsible for The faithful administration Of
| the city government. and furnish speedy
remedy for any abuse which may arise. The
| very best men that can be found should be
| appointed to these positions and IL they are
! clothed with the proper authority they can
ascertain where the blame rests. but can also
see what legislation will be necessary 10 pre-
vent repetition Of The abuses. In this way
an immediate reform can be secured which
| will he practical; al The same time evil
| dence can be accumulated thai will enable
the Legislature to adopt such measures NJ will
secure an efficient city government FOR all time
TO come This plan is Tar preferable 10 the sys-
TEN OF legislatiDg set Of men out OF Office TO
give place 10 another. M honest Official will
he disturbed; and if there IL an ofiiceholdcr who
is trying his bcs, to administer the duties of his
office honestly aud faithfully. hut il prevented
by some other Official, the facts necessary for
the Legislature to apply the remedy will he al
hand, and the evil can thus he corrected ii once.
The guilty person can be punished and the
honest odiceholder strengthened. Thece Is no
abuse in The city government which cannot be
| reached in this way sooner than in any other,
/ ana with far less expense. We have in the
person Of Mr.. Hoffman jus, the man for the
chairman OF this commission, aud Il seems 10
us that this 10 the opportune time to try the
experiment. This Is the only commission that
This city asks for OF requires from the hands
| Of the Legislature. Any other will increase,