New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-06-02

in the Senate from the present Architect tolthe
effect that that appropriation would finish the
building On the faith of that statement the
appropriation was made, but since then $780,
600 in addition have been demanded, given, and
expended, and now, in 1868, by the new Tax
Levy, our people are to be taxed for SSOO,OOO
more on the same pretense of completing the
Courthouse This would be about two millions
and half moro than was required TO hnlsh
the lob in 1864 and it can readily be seen
what generous fund for a political campaign
against Grant and COlfax would be afforded by
this single item. s
But apart from the monstrousness of partic-
ular appropriations in the Leyies, we beg to
call public attention-the attention of Gov.
Fenton has already been called to ito one
provision in the City Levy which may enable
the Democracy of New-York to supply funds
with an unstnted hand to the opponents OF
Grant throughout the country. This clause,
which, if it become law by the signature OF
the Governor, Will expose the city to scheme
of plumber of unlimited and appalling magnl-
tude, is with cool and cOntemptuous irony
attributed to a regard for economy
whenever any clam is put into suit against the SAID
Mayor, Aldermen aud Commonaty, the said Controller
authorized, in order to save expense or litigation anu
interest arising on said claim 70 ADJUST inc same anu
when adjusted to duly provide for ITS payment.
The Controller is here vested with extra
ordinary powers as a single judge, hearing and
deciding all claims against the city absolutely
and without appeal. To make this power
instantly effective, the bill further provides;
And in case any Judgment adjusted CLAIMS shall be
recovered or er against the said Mayor Aldermen ana
CommOnalty Of the City OF New York at any time before
the annual taxes for the year next succeeding na nve
half Of the said Mayor Aldermen and COmmonalty ot
the CITY Of NewYors authorized to p1rTSw upon 3 1n0
time 90 time may be necessary Tor the payment VI
such Judgment or judgments or aSea e a ans s nv
REVENUE BONDS THEREFOR In the usual Ofn' tue slc
70 De payable at any S Of n se cpora appc
BILE TO such purposes for that year ana ho p4u ~
such revenue bonds issued with interest In the a-
Duaftax levy for said year. in addition to the amounts
provided In said levy for other purposes ana tue sane
shall collected in the provided by law Tor the
collection OF other taxes"
II will be seen at glance that these clauses
substitute the Controller for the Legislature,
the Common Council, and the courts, as the
one absolute dictator and judge as regards all
claims or pretended claims against the city;
that all governmental checks and guards
for the protection of our citizens are swept
away, and their property is placed at the
mercy of a single man. Such a power was
once, under different circumstances, aud for
brief time, most improperly given by our Legisla-
ture to Controller Halves, but they saw their
mistake and speedily revoked it.
1t seems absurd to argue that such law is
unconstitutional, for every man feels instinct
lively that it violates every principle OF con-
stitutional right and governmental propuety.
Pass this law and the Controller on his own
responsibility can issue city bonds III settle
ment of claims presented against the city, the
Controller adjusting the amount, without
the intervention of counsel or witnesses, OF
Judge or jury with facility that might excite
the envy of Francis Joseph or Louis Napoleon;
and with profusion that may rival the Con-
federate issues from the travelling printing press
of Mr.. Jefferson Davis.
The Legislature, in passing this bill, has not
simply transcribed every principle OF dccency
in legislation, but has usuIped powers not
given it by the Constitution, and violated
the duties imposed upon it by that charter.
Article WILL. Seetion o. of the Constitution.
touching the power of the Legislature over
cities and villages, says: " II shall be the duty
" of the Legislature" ito restrict their powers
" of taxation, assessment borrowing moneys.
" contracting debts, and lOaning their credit,
"so as 10 prerent abuses in assessments and
" in contracting debts 10y such municipal cor
"polation." If the clause giving the Controller
this autocratic, imperial, unlimited power TO
issue bonds is restricting power SO as TO pre-
vent abuses, what woud have been left for
the Legislature to do if the Constitution had
instructed them to enlarge his powers. Again,
Article VII, Section 10, Of the Constitution
l.. Nrlia a
{" shall distinctly state the tax and the object
"to which it is to be applied, and it shall not
abe sufficient to refer 20 any other law TO fix
"such tax or object" But this tax levy, so Far
from specifying the tax, its object and its
amount, leaves the whole matter in the clouds.
Not until the next tax levy is submitted will
the taxpayers of New-York know how many
millions or possibly tens Of millions are to be
added TO their burdens by the clause empOw-
ering the Controller to adjust and pay claims
against the City.
The startling magnitude of this matter
should arouse every taxpayer OF whatever
party to the new dangers that threaten the
city, The attention of the Governor has been
specially directed to these clauses by delega-
ton of the Union League Club. He knows the
profound anxiety felt in regard to ii, both here
and in the country. But this bill, like Others
far less Objectionable, has not yet been re-
turned by him unsigned, and every friend of
the Governor, and every citizen who feels an
interest in reducing our taxes, should unite in
denouncing q tax-lcvy which in its audacous
defiance of constitutional guarantees, and its
insolent disregard of ordinary decency, stands
amid the atrocities of recent legislation unap-
proachable, not alone in the improprieties of
it's provisions but in the lmitless plumber to