The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-01-23
InPERFECT,oSs OF OUR CITY GOVERNMENT,

Tho following communicable relative TO the impcr.
fections Of the city government Of New York has just
been forwarded TO the President Of the State Consitu
tionai Convention BY Peter Cooper President OF the
Citizens Association
To Mr. WILLIAM A. WHEELER, President OF the Convsn-
.on TO Revise the Constitution OF the State Of New
Mr. DEAR sRA long life spent almost entirely in this
city has made me familiar With OF the chief imper-
iec.ions CONNECTED with It's government II arm not
operated TO corrupt the government of our city and
State has resulted from the special and partial laws
have been passed-saws that have enabled nrtful and
designing to obtain the property OF industrious
and unsuspectng part OF the community without giving
laors have forgotten that the true object OF all
laws Is to establish and enforce Justice as the only
possible way by which the weak aud the nnsaspectnR
and liberty Of all DO eGectuaily secured. RE.
Our fathers framed for q constitution and form OF
govornmcnt Intended TO enable their 'posterity 10
embody In the forms OF Law the highest WISDOM virtue
and intelligence Of a whole community. They intended
TO make that wisdom and intelligence avail TO secure
the blessings Of righteous government for themselves
and their posterity. To obtain and maintain such q
government we need the wisdom of simplicity We
noed laws that can be KNOWN understood and enforced
Every ar that passed should render sure the rewards
OF honest lacor
for such revision Of The constitution OF this State
will make u clearly The object OF all future laws TO
secure tho rights OF all and establish Justice only
possible means by which the general welfare can be
surely and eHeciuay promoted. There can be work
more important. than TO nnd out and the
thai have produced tue frighdul state Of political
demoraIization that now threatens all hold dear q
nation. 1t will be found that the evils thai demand
the deepest consideration and the more determined
action Of the Convention have grown out OF long.
continued course OF special and partial acts Of legsa
ton.
The only possible remedy for these evils will be found
In putting an end TO all unjust and unnecessary acts or
legislation
Every law that 10 passed should DO open ana free to
every company, corporation or individual that may
require the protection OF such Law to aid capital aud
lahp In cFn
welfare. II was wisely designed BY those who framed
for US tho constitution OF State and nation that tho
President OF the tnon and the Governors OF the States
should share largely In the exercise Of those powers
and responsibilities that necessary 20 maintain
wise control over those rights and interests which the
people have entrusted TO their The people feel
that they have right TO look and rely upon their
government TO do those things for them which they.
individuals cannot do for themselves IL was
Intended by the people TO clo.he their
ecu,iye head with power 70 stop by q veto all
acts OF injurious legislation II was Intended that the
President OF the Union and the Governors OF States
should bold themselves responsible under their oath 10
INC people for faithful erecuon OF tho Law, and aso
Tor faithful performance Of duty by every bodiag
Office by virtue OF their authority ana power.
Tho great principle TO be constantly kept In view in
the Organization OF government TO make II continually
manifest that all laws that passed and every Office
that created IS intended TO supply some real want Of
the people. Every law that passed should be clear
plain and positive that could long hold once
under and receive iis emoluments without faithful
performance Of tao ao,los required by the law II Is IN
government until wise and good men can be in
duced TO accept onico and can be elected thereto
and continued therein. Such will not accept Office
udtl be given them that win lead
them TO believe that faithful performances OF duties
useful TO the public viii SECURE them continuance In
place and suitable pension when out In the pub
lie service.
|. s non in the power or the Convention to frame
code OF laws for ell the largo cities of tho State will
prove In its application sn inesmable blessing--laws
that will enable tho peope TO form aud carry on their
local governments with the same Intelligent economy
aud care that and good individual would adopt IL
tbs whole community were all msmbers IL his own
family. wise community Will, like wise individua
take the necessary TO secure OF integrity
and capacity 70 IL, every oce required by the wants Or
The people
will nos venture 10 propose for consideration OF
your honorable body plan TO wise and good
government Tor cur ctes, result for which thousands
are looking mud longing with anS ons hope under our
form oil government a. Ia private business We have
no right TO expect perfect wokmen without giving
them an opportunity 10 kpos aud Undergrad TO duties