The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-01-05
CITY CHARTERS.

Lecture by j. b. Varnum at Oriental
Hall-Mcmorics of the Knickerb0ck-
erS-The Charters OF 1880, Isa9, 1857
and 1870.
There was q meeting last evening at Oriental
Hall OF the Eighteenth Ward Council OF Political
Reform After some desultory discussion about
the propriety OF civic titles such as Hon., which
resulted in resolution that they ought TO be dis
continued, as they had become merely subject of
ridicule, Mr.. j. B. varnum delivered an interesting
address ON
CITY CHARTERS.
He began by aludlng to the craze prevailing
among city politicians on the subject OF charters.
Every one seemed to think that to make charter
was the easiest thing in the world. All he had to
say to such an opinion was, 'let them try it.n They
would soon become sadder II not wiser men. We
were probably on the eve OF an epidemic OF new
charters, most of which, however, on examination
would be seen to be revival OF old failures. Going
back to the
OLD KNICKERBOCKER DAYS,
we found that In 1856 what might be termed the
first charter was given to the settlers around the
old fort which was the centre Of New Amsterdam.
One great popularity Of it was the care exercised
not to give too much power to the people. The
burgomasters and scheppens corresponding to our
two Boards Of Aldermen, were to be honest fit and
rich men, and twice the necessary number had to
be elected, SO that the Governor could pick out the
set That suited him best. The burgomasters were
greet dignl lssf and were addressed as my
THE ENGLISH,
who at once made the city government to consist
OF q Mayor, Sheriff and Aldermen. In 1886 char
ter was granted by the English Governor, which
was afterwards amended and confirmed owing to
that it had been en- granted after Ring James had
been turned out oil England, and before the Gov
ernor had got his new commission from King
William Those RhQrfnrG
the commencement OF the existence OF the city
government. Mr., varnum then came on to the
charter OF $780, which, he said, was singuarly SIM
pie. Under 1t the Common Council was, in fact,
the government, the Mayor enjoying compare
lively little power. They fixed the rate OF taxation,
among other things; but even at that early date
we found the State government interfering In city
affairs, for confirmation OF the rate OF taxation
had to be made by the Assembly. The government
under the 1880 CHARTER was for many years a very
good one, though subsequently 1t became Infamous
by the scandal OF
That was the date from which began political
corruption IN our local politics. Then, for the first
thing from Governor down learned the art Of pack
ing conventions and getting themselves elected
The people at first could scarcely believe that the
but they were convinced at last and an agitation
began for new charter. In 1916 there was Con-
venton to amend the State constitution. The
cry OF the hour was against Capitalization.
upon, and the Albany regency was to
ernor, with council around him who were inde-
pendent of him. and were elected at q different
time from himself The judges also were made
elective and the State Prison inspectors. The city
charter,
MADE IN 1S49
was based upon the same principle. 1t was said
That under the 1880 charter the executive and
legislative powers had been too much intermingled
1t was thought. however, that the Mayor could not
be entrusted with the sole executive power, and
therefore executive power was connded to no less
than seven persons-the Mayor and the six heads
however. confirmed by the Common Council The
result was q
--' tsfA7- GENERAL BARGAINING
all round, and the state OF things soon became In
tOlerable. In 1858 change was made In the Board
OF Assistant Aldermen, which, instead OF being
Councilmcn. The change, however, was a change
for the worse, for there never was q set OF more
INSCRIPTIONS legislators than that Council Mr.
Varnum proceeded to invelgh against the system
OF salaries to elected officers, which ne claimed
was bad in every way. 1t increased the competi-
ton for office, and consequently the expense OF
getting II, and brought into the field men whose
only aim was
TO MAKE MONEY.
In 1857 there was mania for q new charter.
publican party, then In power, determined to put
through whatever charter should be reported by
the Committee Cities and villages. The charter
reported and passed was q compromise over some
twenty proposed charters and the charters OF 1880
and 1916. This charter never had q fair chance to
show what it was worth, as all sorts OF amend.
ments to 1t were made by the Legislature, which
utterly changed its character. Mr.. Varnum closed
by brief review OF the 1870 charter, which, he
said, protesting the great and good principle OF
centralizing power in the Mayor, really did some
thing very different.