New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-01-05
THE MAYORS MESSAGE.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. MAYORS OFFICE,
NEw-YORK, Jan. 4, 1915.

| NEwYoRK, JAM 4, 1878.
| To the Honorable he Common Council.
GENTLEMEN: For the first time in the his
tory OF the government of the city the Common Council
consists of but Board OF representatives OF the
people, Since the year 1857 there have existed in the
administration Of our local at rs various legislative
bodies, the most prominent OF which were Board OF
Supervisors Board Of Aldermen, and Board of Coun
Internationally known as Assistant Aldermen
In addition these Boards several Commissions were
from time to time, created by law in each OF which
were vested combined legislative ana executive powers
The results of this divided authority were not
satisfactory and the legislative powers and duties
OF the Supervisors, Aldermen, and Assistant Al
dermen have concentrated in the Board OF Alder
men, which now alone constitutes the Common Council.
During the period tho legislative power OF the Govern
ment was so divided. the Common Council possessed
but little influence In civic affairs. 1t was vested with
no authority whatever over some OF the Executive
Commissions or Departments-the officers Of which had
absolute control In all matters relating 10 the particular
PURPOSES or the Government with which they were
seyerally Identified, and each Department was allowed
10 exercise powers having more material influence
upon the webeng of the city than had those left the
Common Council itself. This system, as might have
been expected proved most perncious. Tho of
the power and influence Of the Departments
being the State Legislature, the city was gov
erned at Albany and not in New-York While the Com
mon Council of the city was ignored the Legislature
was led pass upon scheme ater scheme presented
by one or another of tho Departments, designed to in
crease It's own powers and patronage. On the statute
book there evidence conclusive that the officers of the
Departments thought far Of the influence they
could secure and the patronage they could command,
than they did of their Official duties. They ryaled each
other in Jealous contentious; and their zeal most
prominent in promoting their interests, While they
overlooked those OF tue city. .....-..-....
The last remnants OF this system should be eradi-
for such change Is deficient In the provisions
sary to secure it. In my Judgment the entire egsa-
tive powers OF the Government should be vested the
representatives OF the people In the Common Council
assembled to exercised subject TO the approval the
Mayor This necessary step toward improving the
government Of the city We require Home Rule 4" In
all our local affairs We can govern ourselves,
and ought TO be at liberty to do SO. Errors
or wrongs committed can be more easily de-
tected and remedied here than at Albany All matters
relating the Government should be fully and freely
disclosed in order that the influence OF the public judg
ment upon them may DO directly felt without this
efficient control In the Government can exist To
this control your powers should DO SO enlarged as to
make the Common Council the real source OF aiegsa-
ton with regard to our local Affairs
Although under existing laws, the powers OF the Com
mon Council are from being such as are necessary
20 attain fully the objects stated they are advised
sufficient TO enable you TO adopt such measures will
lead 10 great improvements In our aHdirs
The Charter Section co. provides that whatever pro-
visions and regulations may become requisite
for The fuller organization perfectng, and carrying
Of the and duties prescribed to any department
by this act shall be provided for by ordinance OF the
Common Council, who hereby authorized to enact
such necessary ordinances" Your action In the
else OF the authority thus already conferred may be
made test OF the policy Of conferrng still further pow
ers upon the Common Council In the government Of the
CITY; and the administration by you OF the trust
now confded cannot fail 70 have either
beneficial or injurious influence upon the future
management OF our affairs. strict account Is
certain to be demanded OF you. IL shall be my
duty TO point you from time TO time the partcn-
lar measures which, in my opinion, II adopted by you,
will remove some OF the OF tie present general
dissatisfaction with the management OF the Depart
ments in the past but the responsibility will be with
YOU 10 enact and such other provisions as may be
necessary TO enable the Mayor to require and. need
be- compel the several heads OF departments, such
An administration OF the affairs OF the city committed TO
their charge will lead TO greater efficiency In the fu
'ture. and a reduction Of expense IN securing IT.
d flNANChs- = ..asf.sr. 1I.rr,r
What the liabilities OF the city really are, am not at
present In position 10 igform you. Public attention