The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-01-30
COMMISSIONERS OF EMIGRATION.

Prouosed Change In the BOard-Tho PresI.
dents Of the Irish and German Benevolent
Associations To BE Thrown Out-rhe Sc.
rious Objections 70 the Bill Before the Leg.
isIature-What Richard OeGorman says.
Among the many bills covering and intending
thousands OF changes In the various departments
OF our city government now before the Legislature
there are several to say the least. peculiar in the
manner which they propose to carry out the work
OF reforms matter at this time predominant in the
minds OF all honest and lawabiding citizens. Con.
templating the great good which such acts win
accomplish. the legislators, feeling they must
change all commissions and remodel every depart
ment In New York under their control, are now
trying their hands on the Commissioners OF Emf.
grafton. bill has recently been presented in the
Assembly having for Its object an entire
change in this important aud necessary body;
ana while, perhaps. an Improvement might be
made In the commission as now formed the
bill provides for the removal OF the Presidents OF
the Irish and German benevolent s0cieties-Just the
very members OF the Board whose connection with
1t are demanded by every consideration OF right ana
justice to the poor emigrant that steps upon our
shores.
These gentlemen. above all others in the Board,
are familiar with the wants Of the poor strangers
when they first appear among us, and, alive to the
responsibilities OF their position, have al all times
been the most active OF It's members. There could
not possibly be more decidedly wrong sep taken
by the Legislature than the passage OF such bill,
and IL Is TO be hoped tnat the Assembly committee
that Will Tomorrow meet IN Albany to consider Its
provisions will weigh with unusual seriousness
all that portion having the retirement OF these
Onclais IN view. Eacn year the irish Emigrant
Society and the German Society elect their Pres-
gents, anu they are selected because OF their fitness
to carry out the benevolent objects OF the associa-
TONS Political cnicanery happily, has not as yet
disturbed or retarded the measure or their good,
and II this character OF men that should compose
the commission. Tue removal Of these gentlemen
hands of politicians alone; and II there Is de-
partment that should be exempt from such debasing
to have much to reflect upon before they consent to
the proposed change; but while they are about 1t,
isn't there some way to take the other track. and In
the interests oil reform remove from the Board Oil OF
Its partisan characteristics VINO could more fully
appreciate the necessities Of the emigrant than
commission mainly composed OF the leading
officials OF benevolent ASSOCIATIONS? ana VINO could
more justly administer to their wants2.
Learning the intention OF the duly authorized
committee OF the Assembly to have Its first session
tomorrow Tor the purpose OF considering the pro-
visions or this bill, HERALD reporter called upon
Mr.. Richard OGorman yesterday, at his law offices,
for the purpose OF ascertanng his views upon this
ill-advised movement Mr.. UGorman's long con-
nectiOn with the Commissioners OF Emigra-
ton and consequent familiarity with the
subject entities his views TO much prominence.
Unfortunately Mr.. OGorman was about leaving Tor
court, but when The matter was preached he gave
1t the attention It demands. After expressing his
surprise thai such a movement was contemplated,
anu the assurance that he had not before heard OF
It, Mr.. O'Gorman Said:-l consider the presence OF
the Presidents OF these benevolent associations the
Board not only iehly useful. but absolutely essen
tal. Their eXertlOns for the objects sought have
been most cOmmendaDle anu their relations to each
other Of the pleasantest character, always working
together with the greatest harmony; and with what
power possess, personal, Official and political, l
viii oppose the removal Of these officers from the