The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-05-12
NEW YORK HERALD WEDNESDAY MAY H. 875-TRlPLE SHEET

the best traditions ana the best experience OF
Amer can government and the people ought 70
be allowed to choose II al fresh election. and la
contemplation OF the new powers conferred, whlch
amount 10 anew creation.
1 am not inclined 70 tamper by inc0nsideTate
and ragmentary legislation with the government
OF the metropolis, or OF the 0ther great cities OF
ss Su the M poye pe ana Sae Of
those governments; ana when we 90 constitute
new system 4 am anxious mat Il should answer
the just expectations OF The people There IL no
subject which to-day Interests item more deeply
no subject more complicated or moe dlhicuit 81
solution; none which requires more tnoughtful
attention, more thorough dlscu sion, W mature
results with watch we shall be satisfied In future
years. There Is no case Ia which il Is more your
duty and NINE 20 say TO those who seek changes -
lyon must FOUND yonr claim to the advantages 0f
OF good government Ia the nature OF the lnsttlu-
lions you propose. You must accept ofhelal &C
countabllity as condition ol Official trust
! nave set l0rth some Oh the evils which nave
followed the violation OF sound principles OF gov
eminent in the city OF New York, not only to snow
the wron0s TO VIM h the people OF that munich
pality have been subjected, but also 10 Illustrate the
dangers which threaten otner cities. unless NE can
TX sound principles IN the minds OF our people
aud make them operative IN the legislative bodies
or lntrench them In the constitution.
The people comprised IN the clues or the state,
exclusive OF New York, are to-day more numerous
taan the Inhabitants OF the metropolis They
form larger PORTION OF the population OF me
state. THIS Is exclusive OF the Incorporated
villages.
II local selfgovernment or home rule is 10 be
secured TO them, and they are 10 De protected
from the abuses which naturally happened earlier
In New YORK. IL must be done oy the establish ent
OF general system, winch shah oe respected by
the people and by their representatives. The
Legislature Is ourdened by numerous Applicant rs
Tor changes IN local laws. the operation Oh which
on the pre-exstlng mass OF legislation cannot be
easlly ascertained. This obScurity 10 OF en- cover
under winch the objects OF Seldsn individuals or
cllques, or partisan purposes are concealed. Every
revolution OF poucs IN the locality or IN the state
IS followed by efforts 10 change the governing
power or TO eject new disposal OF oiiees and
patronage in the locality. Such demoralizing
efforts could not readily e1ectual If well-dehned
principles OF government pervaded all municipal
charters. Diversitles will no doubt continue to he
unavoidable, but the advantages OF general laws
over special legislation now recognized IN our
political theories and maXlms, should be extended
as lar as practicable TO our city governments.
Whatever can oe accomplished by legislation 10
correct the evils growing out OF the discordant
charters which now exist and TO muse into them
general principles that shall become a guide to
future legislation, ought 60 be u0ne. But the only
enectuai remedy Is IN amendment OF the con5titn-
tion, liking the genera plan OF municipal govern
power, and at the same time establishing on
durable basis orcial accountability.
with view OF calling pubic attention to this
subject, and OF laying the foundation OF plan or
legislation and OF constitutional amendment, |
recommend the appointment OF q commission who
snail report TO the nexl Legislature the forms OF
such laws or constitutional amendments as are
required. II you do not think tt advisable to con-
stitute such commission the revlsers OF the
statutes might be instructed 10 collaJe and report
upon the condition OF the laws relating TO the
cities In aid OF future action by legislation
sututional amendment. SAMUEL j. TlLDEN.