New-York tribune., 1875-02-13
A LOCAL POLITICAL CRISIS.
THE THREATENED CHANGES IN THE CITY
DEPARTMENTS.

THE THREATENED CHANGES IN The Cili
DEPARTMENTS
WHAT THE PASSAGE OF THE CCSrIGAN BILL Is En-
PECFED TO EFFECTs-TuE PRINCIPLE OF HUME
RULE AND THE FATE OF THE REPUBLICAN Oon-
MIssIONERs INvoLvED-A BLOW AT CoNihoIlhn
GREEN.
The preat sensation among local politicians and
ofceholders at tho present time IS Dased upon the
eob, IN the Jeo,slature over what is known as the
Costipan bill which gives the Mayor the sole power
of removal and appointment-or, In other WORDS
restores to the Democracy the local patronage OF the
Citv Government which the Republican Legisla-
lures in past years had deprived them of by organ
igne the various commissions. The passage of the
ball is desired by the Tammany leaders, but not
hoped for. In the event of its looked for defeat
Mayor Wickham. it is understood. will resume the
work of removals for cause already begun by him.
Commissioners Westervelt and Budd, Corporation
Counsel Smith, and others are already booked for re-
moval Commissioner Van Mort is also supposed to be
marked as a victim of the political machine. and 1t
is understood that Controller Green will be asked to
resign. Such probable changes, Of course, greatly
excite both parties: and the views OF the Leading
men of all factions become of public interest.
VARIOUS ARGUMENTS OF BOTH PARTIES
Politicians are divided in their opinions as 10
the merits OF the Costgan bill now before the Legsa-
ture and the probabilities Of its passage or deeaV I'D
the Senate The great majority OF the Iammsny
Democrats favor Its passage on the ground that IL
restores home rdle They say they can see no reason
why NewYork should be made an exception TO all other
CITIES in the sate in having the supervisory power
vested in the Governor. At present the mayor
can remove no head OF department except Ior
cause and by and with the appreciation OF
the Governor. 1t is urged that Now-York
ODlv 10
which govern cities towns. and villages throughout the
State. Home rule" is the popular cry among the
Democracy at the present tme Nevertheless although
IN general terms these the entiments OF the major
ity Of the Democratic leaders and their foowers the
former rather chary as yet OF making puoho tner
exact sentiments to the Costgan BILL or its probable
effect on the various departments As 1t takes from the
Governor the power OF removal ana vests IL
solely in the Mayor 1t might bo construed as want OF
confidence in the former and there those among the
Democratic leaders who would not wish to be placed IN
that light.
The Repuhlcans especially those who are holding
place in the departments are equally cnary oi
allowing themselves to be quoted They express them
selves in the main opposed TO the BILL on the primer
pe OF the old adage that bird in the hand Is worth
two in the bush" II the bill under consideration be-
comes law the various commissions will certainly be
changed give the Democrats control OF all OF them
The Mayor has expressed himself in favor OF giving the
Republicans minority representation but 10 what extent
Is unknown. The Republicans appointed may be Re
pubcaus only name, and such as would by no means
be accepted representing the party 1t believed by
the Republicans to be extremely improbable that they
would receive under 1.-The proposed reorganiza-
ton ANYTHING like the number OF Offices
they now hold, that they would COM
nand tithe Of the patronage now dispensed by them
Therefore it believed that If the bill is passed by
Democratic Assembly It would be well for the Republ-
can Senate TO decline pass it, aud thus protect Its
friends here.