The New York herald., 1874-11-08
MUNICIPAL PATRONAGE.
The Candidates for President of
the New Board of Alder
memberships, &c.
Rumors Among the Department. Com
missions, &c.

Scarcely has the smoke OF battle cleared of
when our local politicians begin to cast around as
TO the dlrerent offices at the disposal OF the win.
ming party. Amazed at the wonderful successes
achieved in city, State and nation, 1t would seem
judicious for them to take few days, rest from
this harassing business OF their lives before again
entering upon the arduous labors OF loproling and
wrepulng. But such is not their nature Already
caucus and consultation occupy their time.
Buttonholing, whispering, discussion and sugges-
lion are witnessed around the City Hail and the
different departments. Heads perfectly safe before
election now tremble in uncertainty OF oflcial
tenure. shadow OF gloom pervades the republi-
can camp, while the democratic strongholds
bristle with new artillery and fortifcations.
THE NEW BOARD OF ALDERMEN AND ITS PREsI-
DENCY.
One Of the most important OF our charter officers
is the President of the Board OF Aldermen. 1t is
position requiring great executive ability. In
cases OF emergency he is called upon to act
Mayor of the city. That distinguished exile, ex'
Alderman Thomas Conan, offlciated as Mayor Of
this city at one time, and his portrait decorates
our municipal halls IN consequence. Then. the
President oil the Board Of Aldermen Is also men,
ber OF the Board OF Apportonment, having
voice IN the disbursement OF millions
OF the peoples money. talk with members OF
yesterday developed the fact that the most prom
inent man for the place is Mr.. Samuel A. Lewis,
elected on the Tammany Alderman-at-Large
ticket. He is said to be the choice OF Mr.. John
Kelly, which TACT speaks strongly IN his behalI,
considering the position which that gentleman
occupies at present IN the councils OF the demo-
cratic party. or course the republicans Will not
have much to say in che matter. as they stand IN
a mnoriry--S TO ii. The other prominent can
didates mentioned are Edward Gilon and John
are at least dozen OF the new organization who
claim the position on some particular ground
imaginary or otherwise, hut Mr.. Lewis now seems
to be the iavorlte. Alderman Patrick Lysaght,
elected rom the sixth ward, has the good sense
to keep back any claims that he might have. in
order TO advance the interests OF any other gen.
tleman whom he might consider a more eligible
and better qualified candidate IN point OF educa-
the CLERXsHIP OF THE BOARD.
VI course, there are hosts OF candidates for thls
position, which carries with It considerable
influence and patronage. II Is lntmated that Mr.
frank Frank J; Twomey present Deputy Clerk ~ and Mr.:
Hall General Committee, are most prominent IN
the race.
EXIT BOARD OF ASSISTANT ALDERMEN
After The 1st OF January the Board of Assistant
Aldermen ceases to exist by special act OF the
gnashng of teethn among the incumbents.
large number OF otflcials VIII thus be thrown at
large" but most OF them expect to Ill vacancies
unCer the new dispensation. Mr.. William H. Ma
Aldermen, has his eyes directed toward the clerk
have cried 'hands Or.r
VACANCIES IN THE BOARD.
In case the Police Justices bill is declared un-
constitutional Judge Shandley, 1t Is said, Will re-
elgn as Alderman and resume his place upon the
shieIs, of the Seventh ward, is slated ior the
vacancy. The decision OF the Court OF Appeals
upon the Justices pil, it Is positively asserted,
Will be given next week.
THE CoMMIssIoNs-wHAT MAYOR ELECT wIcKHAM
CAN AND MAY Do
Mayor elect Wlckham, unaer the charter as at
present framed, has great power. 1t Is true the
offices in departments and commissions are all
nled for some time to come, hut the Mayor has
power OF removal for cause, and the Legislature,
beng democratic, can remodel the charter to suit
The following are the principal departments at
present under city control-
Finance Department. Law Department, Police
partment of Public Charities and Correction,
Heath Department IT nh Department Of Buildings n
and Assessments, Department OF Docks, Excise
Department
pointing Commissioners for these departments
How this power has been abused is mat.
asn'nse wi Be M N.Y. %icknams iSsoneas duty to Strictly
Investigate them. After dscharglng the task the
charges and evidence VIII be submitted to Gov:
ernor Tilden for his action. Already there is said
to be general cleaning up and renovation OF mis-
celaneous account books and documents in some
OF these offices in anticipation oil the carrying
OF the legend "A new broom sweeps Clean" or
over by VI mr. George N. Van Mort, W viii Il prove prove
the great objective point of attack on the
part OF our new rulers. The offices and patronage
are immense, and, when properly handled, the
department can grind out at least i5 coo votes for
which ever side controls Its destinies. 1t was
suggested yesterday by an influential and intelli-
gent politician tnat this department ought to be
divided up-that 1t Is too large burden to be
carried on the shoulders OF one Commissioner;
that the Croton Board should be an entirely lnde-
pendent bureau. There may be some philosophy
in this.
COMPTROLLER GREEN'S
term of oce does not expire until the fall OF 1876
unless cut short by the Legislature or removed Tor
cause by the Mayor and Governor. What the
probabilities are relation to this gen tleman's
tenure OF place have not yet been developed. He
is said to have q strong pull with our incoming
Governor.
TO THE vIcToRs BELONG THE sPoILs
The incoming municipal administration cannot
be expected TO go back upon those who put 1t on
its leet. few days more will determine mucn as
regards the City slate Tor official patronage. Our
ambitious ward statesmen must IN the meantime
only watch, wait and pray.