New-York tribune., 1874-07-09
THE MAYORS PERIL.

The final solution of the veXing municipal
problem cannot yet be foreshadOwed. Inc
settlement of the Police quarrel by the resiS-
nations of Charlick and Gardner brings neither
the much needed reorganization of the Board
nor peace and safety to the Mayor. On the con-
trsry, as far rs Mayor IIavemeyer is concerned,
the situation is even more serious this morning
than it was yesterday.
As if to aid his enemies in creating oiilclal
~ well as public sentiment against himself,
the Mayor blundered yesterday into the noml-
nation of Hugh Gardner to be Commissioner
of Excise IT. was in double sense blunder.
The nomination of a man under conviction OF
a msdcmeanOr involving the violation OF his
official oath, and with scores of similar charges
hanging over him, was a clear defiance OF pub
lie sentiment so positive that 1t Is amazing
that the Mayor cannot comprehend Its mean
ing or be induced to respect it, lie gets no
credit for his possible ignorance of this feel
ing; and his persistence i'll his unpopu-
lar and Illegal devotion to his friends
il attributed to his obstinacy and his
contempt for popular opinions. The appoint
mcnt proved bunder, too, in that the
Mayor had no legal right to appoint an Ex-
the Beard CT Aldermen. This was made SO
plain, both to the Mayor and Mr. Gardner,
that late in the day they endeavOred to con-
vcy the impression that the appointment had,
in fact, never been made. Such mistakes on
the part of the Mayor simply emphasize the
CHARGES which have been made OF his unit
ness for the important Office he holds, and
glye the Governor additional warrant for
looking upon the situation here as OF the
greatest gravity.
The Governor will be even more impressed
by the action of the Board of Aldermen yes
tcrday. The resolutions adopted by them are
practically an impeachment of the Mayor.
The preamble recItes his Oienses, and the
resolutions demand his removal. The resolu-
tions were adopted by large majority OF
Board elected at the same time with the
Mayor, under the same political exigencies, and
virtually on the same ticket as RefOrmers,
though of different parties. Some of those
thus voting to condemn the Mayor had labored
hard to secure his clection. The preamble re-
citing his Oifenses was adopted by unanl-
nous vote. Such determined action by the
Board of Aldermen can hardly fail to have
its weight with Gov. Dix, and assuredly its
cannot influence him in the Mayors favor.
As for the Governor himself. he makes, as
yet. no sign-gives no intlmatiOn of what he
will do in the matter. AS he is now near the
city, he will probably give hearing at once
TO the Committee OF the Aldermen authorized
70 present its resolutions and charges. He
heard yesterday the Committee of citizens
which makes the charges published yester
day morning. He simply announced to
them that he was unfamiliar with the
law bearing on the case, but indicated his
disposition to give the matter immediate
consideration by telegraphing for legal adj
viser The Committee returned last evening,
confident of the success of their mission, but
this confidence can hardly be said to have
grown out of any assurances or expressions
of the Governor. He is very cautious man,
slow to form his opinions, and it will prob
ably be several days before he reaches
decision on the request to suspend and re-
move the Mayor.