The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-04-19
Henry Clews.

Having called on Mr. Henry CleWs the reporter
Of the HERALD plunged ct c1ace IN ,nedias res by
Gs&ipg:-~
''What DO yc1 think OF the passage Of the charter
through both houses, Mr.. ClewsS'
Mr.. CLEws-Its first effect will be to restore con-
dence in the men elected on the reform ticket last
fall The purpose for which they were given their
seats was unmstakable, but when so much time
was wasted in doing nothing Of any substantial
Importance great many citizens became impa-
tient, and even suspicious. Not few
questioned the Influences at work to bring about
this long delay, and some even though. tnat the
new Legislature was OF much the same character
IS Its predecessor. But now the triumph of the
charter restores confidence In the two houses.
REPoRTER-what will be the effect of the charter
upon the reform party
Mr.. CLEws-Undoubtedly to strengthen and con-
solidate 1t. We can now point to an achieved re-
suit, and the people, conscious that they have
not given their votes for nothing, and that
they have not once again been betrayed,
as they were 80 often in the past, win
be animated with new earnestness to carry the
victory to its furthest legitimate results and give
the city better government than 1t has ever had
before and q better one even than any other city
In the world now enjoys.
the merits OF the charter
Mr. CLEws-Of course. It may need some mod
10CutlOnS, perhaps, TO remedy certain QefeCtS at
present unforeseen, but substantially believe 1t is
full Of the brightest promise.
REpoRTER--And not violation in any way of the
democratic theory Of the rule OF the majOrityP
Mr. CLEws-Certainly not. How can 1t bep The
majority will still rule but the minority will secure
just voice In the discussion Of affairs and will not
be compelled to go unrepresented altogether. In
my opinion the present charter Is more in accord
than It's predecessor. Under Tie old system It was
not the people, but part of the people, that gov
erned1 mot even a majority, but, but domi;
nant faction IN majority. Fifty thousand
republicans were without any representation what
ever, while 10000 democrats monopolized all the
under the new regime II there be only repuli-
can to three democrats, corruption will be exposed
%he Is r me d THAT W ne
will act as an honest watchdog over the majority,
and no measure can be passed without being ex-
posed to the fire of a constant and vigilant crti-
cisn.
REpoRrER-It is an interesting experiment, at
Mr. CLEws-Yes, and 1t is an experiment which is
attracting the attention OF the whole world. i
have no doubt that should this plan succeed, it will
soon be adopted in London and many other large
cities, as satisfactory solution of what has long
been recognized by statesmen as very difficult
problem. know from private sources the interest
felt in the experiment, in England especially.
REpoRTER-But was the old charter so very bad2
until the people could demand the present charter
Mr. CLEws-Perhaps 1t might have been, but the
Ring, and had been the means for covering such an
immense amount of public villany was enough to
condemn 1t in the eyes or the people.
REPORTER-How about the coming election on the
21St OF May2
Mr. CLEws-Thc reform party have already begun
to work hard, and think we shall again be deci-
sively victorious. l.. for one, am opposed to the
question of party being greatly considered so far as
any time rather vote for democratic Alderman
whom knew to be honest and true to the interests
Of the city than for doubtful republican: And so
with the reform party. We shall put out, hope, q
mixed ticket, giving most OF the places to demo-
Gratis, as is only Just and proper In democratic
tt,otN tIotn1
OF the right stamp. That is the way the Committee
OF Seventy was made up and it has been complete
about ths charter and that
in the face of careful discussion of the instru
mcnt, section by section, without any hurry or
undue haste, to make 1t represent the matured
REpoRrER-What viii be the effect of the charter
Mr. CLEws-It will at once improve the value of
New York city securities and will attract capital to
this city, People in Europe VIII send their money
protected by an honest government Capital, like
water, seeks its level, and while 1t commands six
per cent here and four per cent in London IL must
now here until the rates are cqualized. look for
ward with confidence to the time when New York
Of deposit EuS sSnpaR%S want wsr ts the capital
we can get to develop resources, and there will
be no difficulty about getting it II the work OF
formation is steadily carried through. See how the
Erie coup detat has raised the value or our stocks
believe, the handing over the city formally to an
honest government is another step In the same d.
rectiOn
REPoRrER-But suppose the Governor should veto
the bill?
Mr.. CLEws-I am not by any means sure that he
will do so. l should think not The voice OF the
people has been too decided in its favor, should
Imagine, for him to venture to do So ] hope that
he will not and that he will respect the popular
will
What Mr.. Simon Stcrnc Thinks.
certainly no man in this city Is better capable
OF expressing an opinion on the charter and its
enect upon the future government OF our city than
is Mr.. simon Stcrne. He has made political
economy his life study, and has written
extensively and lectured not little upon
the subject, and moreover, he has had a very
large hand In drafting the new charter and
In procuring its passage by the Legislature
AS soon as he had seen 1t fairly on It's passage yes
terday morning he left Albany for his home in this
city, and before he had had time to rest a HERALD
representative was on his track seeking inrorma.
ton concerning the now cngrossing subject In the
mind Of this community. Mr.. Sterne appeared TO
be very sanguine Of the success OF the principles in
vOvcd In this charter. The great point gained by
II VIII be the breaking up Of rings OF all sorts
which may now exist for the purpose or dciralfdng
the people and spending the public money and for
preventing the organization OF such rings I'm the
future. II does away with the calling Vi the pro-