New-York tribune., 1873-02-05
ALBANY.

GOV. DIX's VIEWS ON THE CHARTER.
IRON THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE ]
ALBANY, Feb. 4.-The Republican Charter
viii not Oe reported according TO statement made by
the Chairman OF the Senate Committee this morning.
before the middle OF next week 1t is also questionable
whether Gov Dix can be induced TO take firm stand
against the schemes Of the Customhouse politicians con
cernng this charter unless he be assured OF support
from Mt least fair share OF Republican members OF the
Legislature although personally he disapproves
entirely Of that feature Of the charter which
practically invests the appointing power IN the
Board Of Aldermen During talk with
TRIBUNE correspondent this morning he said
that his opinions this point had undergone no change
since the writing OF his annual message. He believed
that the sole power OF appointing heads OF departments
should be given TO the Mayor, that responsibility
would be concentrated In single individual. He said
this seemed TO be the tendency OF the wsest political
thinkers tins State and he instanced the action Of
the Constitutional Commission. now sitting in Albany,
whereby they propose increase the appointing power
OF the Governor and reduce the number of elective
officers. 1t was short-sghted policy, in his opinion to
frame charter for NewYOrk with view to temporary
advantage for any particular party The ke-
publcans, he said could not expect to retain power
there for any great length Of time. The Tam
many and Apollo Han branches OF the Democratic party
would. long, come together again, and whenever
they did they would in majority OF at least $4,000
votes in the city, But whatever party might be in the
ascendency he thought would be better for the people
to power concentrated in the Mayor so that they
would know whom hold responsible for the good ad-
ministration OF the City Government If this power
were distributed among the members OF the Board Oh
Aldermen, there would not only be lack Of individual
responsibility but there would almost inevitably Dc
corrupt bargaining and trading between different
factions In the Board, so to destroy even
party or political responsibility. The Governor
said he had not yet read the whole OF the
charter pending before the Legislature ana cOuid
not course indicate what action he should take when
II before him. In response TO the suggestion that
trainers OF the charter proposed TO amend IL SO
as give the Mayor the simple privilege Of sitting as
member OF the Board OF Aldermen and casting one vote
on the appointments OF heads Of departments, he said
emphatically "that viii never do" The Governor
evidently desires remain in harmony with the party
that elected him 10 Office and would doubtless IKE 10
sign any charter that Is shall see ut to pass Dut IL IL
really asking too much TO require hin 10 rehouhce h
own views and principles order to further the partisan
schames of men who have shameessly abandoned the
platform on which they rode into power
PROGRESS OF IMPORTANT LEGIsLATION-THE
HARBOR MASTER QUESTION.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNEl
ALBANY, Feb. 4.-The Ways and Means
Committee agreed this afternoon, by vote of five to
three to report favoraby the bill exemptng bonds and
mortgages from taxation. The Committee were unan-
mously favor of the principle OF the BILL but three
members in the negative out OF Difference to the
supposed wishes OF their constituents The Militia Com
mttee decided this afternoon, by nearly unanimous
vote, 10 report fayoraby bill granting Reservoir
square the 9TH Regiment site for an armory The
Railroad Committee decided on favorable report OF
the bill authorizing Central Railroad to issue bonds
for the construction OF two tracks between Albany
and Buffalo The Judiciary Committee VIII, on Thurs
day. afford hearing TO arguments for or against the Dill
10 reOrganize the Justices Courts OF Brooklyn.
The Republican Senators held another caucus, TINS
evening" on the Harbor Masters and Port Wardens who
have not been confirmed. There discussion OF
the merits the candidates nominated by the Governor
but Mr.. Bower complained of the partiaity shown to
residents Of New York and thought the country districts
had unfairly dealt with in the distribution OF this
portion of the "party spos" He moved that all those
nominees OF the Governor that had not already been
confirmed be rejected. This motion met with strong op
position and an amendment offered by Senator Adams
was carried that all nomnees who shall be favorably
reported 10 the Senate by the Senators having them IN
charge be confirmed. The result OF this will probably be
that remainder OF the candidates sent IN last week
By the Governor will be confirmed tomorrow.