New-York tribune., 1873-02-05
FNn OE rHE COALLTLON.

The breach has come. when last Autumn
THE TRIBUNE pointed out the absurdty OF a
union between sincere Reformers, and the
politicians who sustained the General Order
business and kindred evils, in common et-
fort for good municipal government, we were
met with the instant and angry response that
this was a campaign of slandeT. Nothing more
was thought needful to be said, to put us down
Well the coalition held together Under such
pressure as the adverse criticism of The TRIB-
UNE and other advocates of real reform
brought about a good candidate for Mayor
was named. We favored another but upon
the election of Mr.. Havemeyer we instantly
and heartily congratulated the City on its escape
from the O'Brien danger which Gus
tom-house intFigues at one time made
so imminent, and expressed our belief
that Mr. Havemeyer would give us an
administration which true friends of reform
could consistently support But straightway
one wing of the coalition began to show
signs of Indigestion of its victory. Hints
were abundant that the reform Mayor was
proving impracticable. The party managers
claimed to have elected him, and insisted
that they should have the use of
him. Presently the controversy took
the shape of disputes at Albany as to the pro-
nosed new Charter under which the fruits OF
tbe Autumn victory were to be garnered. For
a time they seemed capable of adjustment
Gradually the divergence was found to be
more radical At last the breach is openly
announced, in the letter addressed yesterday
by Mayor Havemeyer to the Committee OF
Seventy, and published in other columns this
morning.
The letter is an arragnment of the Custom
house wing of the coalition; and an appeal to
the Committee of Seventy, the most powerful
organization seen in our city politics since the
downfall of Tweed, to rally once more for
Reform We can afford to take ample time
to contemplate the situation. The new pro-
positions of the Custom-hOuse managers are not
vet disclosed. The cOunter-scheme of the Com
mittee of Seventy must be adapted to con-
front the latest plans of their late allies. For
ourselves we do not expect too much from
any measure Albany under any leadership is
likely to give us. While the members of the
coalition are getting fairly under way with
their intestine fight, we may repeat that the
City will have cause to rejoice at the triumph
of any party which will give us a simple, resDon-
sible, nOn-pOlitical city government. Any other
will but start us again In the vicious circle OF
fresh irrespOnsibility, fresh msgOvernment
corruption, robbery, and spasmOdic and abor-
tive reform. We want Mayor with power to
secure good government, and we want to hold
him responsible for it, We want an end to
the business of truck and dcker in appoint
ments to office in the City Council. We want
fewer officers, simpler government, and
elections in the Spring. We do not care
rush who gets the temporary po-
Htical benefit, provided the legislation for the
City secures the City good government. And
the whole community win cordially thank
any party that secures this boon, no matter
how named, by whom led. or with what State
or national organizations affiliated.