New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-03-02
DETAILS OF THE RESIGNATION.

can who has controlled lt Tor the past llree years.
DETAILS OF THE RESIGNATION
WHY THE STEP WAS DELAYED MEN TO BE RE-
TANNED IN THE Observation-Disclosures FOR Mr..
= VAN Norris ACTION EXPLAINED BY HIN "A
4 SKETCH OF HIS SUCCESSOR.
At q late hour yesterday the Mayor received
from the late Commissioners of Public Works formal
resignation. 1t doubtful at one time whether tie
resignation would handed in yesterday nut at %
o'clock it was given to the Mayor On Sunday night
caucus of several of the personal friends OF Commis-
soner VaE Mort held, and no was urged not TO re-
sgn but to throw the Mayor the responsibility OF MS
removal To this counsel the Commissioner responder
that he bad promised the Mayor that his resignation
would be rendered yesterday and he could not in honor
refuse TO fulfil his promise IL rumored yester-
day that in consideration of Mr. Van Norts resignation
his deputy, L. F. Barker, and several other friends OF
Mr.. Van Mort who mold positions in tho Department OF
Public Works, 10 be retained for a time, al least
SO soon as il became known to the Mayor that CON-
missioner Van Mort had definitely made up his mind to
tender his resignation Gen. FitZ John Porter who had
been consulted several days ago, and had sgnhed his
willingness to accept the position, was sent for and lie
was present when the resignation was received lie
was at once sworn n and Will enter the duties Of bis
office to-day.
The following is copy OF Commissioner Van Tort's
letter OF resignation giving his for the step and
an abstract OF work OF his Department during the
time DC has held office:
THE LETTER OF RESIGNATION.
NETWORK. March /. 1875
The Hon VIM II wICKHAM, Mayor otthe C'tyof New York
SIR: Herewith submit a condensed statement OF the
transactions of the Department Of Public Works for the
period OF three years, during which time have dis
charged the duties OF Commissioner
The condition OF affairs and Of the public mind at the
time came into the Office too well known to need
ut my hand recapitulaton AT that period OF transit
ton appointed the successor Of Mr.. Tweed as
Mr. Green appointed the successor of Mr.. Connolly.
and Mr. stebblns was appointed the successor OF Mr..
sweeny. Like both OF these latter appontees OF Mayor
Hall was absolutely free from any obligations to- or
affiliations with, the retiring heads of three OF the most
important departments of the CRY Government
NV official record will show how far have carried out
my Department the policy Of rerenchment and re-
form" which demanded by the ax-payers OF this
city represented by the Committee Of Seventy" and
accepted by Mayor Hall in his last Important appoint
ments. TO the current expenditures OF the De-
parment and at the same time not only maintain but
promote its efficiency required much care and labor
satisfactory results here With shown have been ac
comphshed amid all the oiscOrd and lack Of harmony
that has the City Government during this
perod Since nv control OF the Department have an
nually made known 10 the Mayor aud Common Council
the wants requirements OF the Department but III
most have failed to receive that cooperation
me alone the responsibility OF procuring the necessary
legislation for beneficial working OF this branch OF
procured the Department has been without expense
~ the city. 49,.
has elapsed since became CDef Magistrate OF TINS
city, communicated with you on several SUBJECTS OF
vital Importance the city requiring legislation
have explained 10 you the object Of public Improve
,ncns ~ nrocre,s ana tuose in n anu have
discussed you the subject Of requirements, and sub
united TO several drafts OF acts necessary 10
provide for putting the pavements in proper condition
on reasonable and equitable OF expense to the
ax-payers. have also made known to you the wants
Of city, including the Two newly annexed wards, III
reference ~ furnishing ample supply OF Cr0ton
water al every point the whole city, and submitted 10
you craft act necessary TO complete ana carry
the same without which the system OF mains al
ready laid and being lad cannot De orouenn INTO use
thus defeating the project now within tine grasp OF the
city OF furnishing CrOton water IN buildings OF great al
tltude, ana insurlng an unlimited supply throughout
the lower part OF the city IN case OF fire.
Although sufficient time may not have elapsed since
these matters, firmly convinced OF the fact that
the party dominant III the city and State being at
variance with MY views is unwilling 10 invest this De-
parnent with me al lis head WIN the power necessary
carry forward such works To competlon such beng
the II would be grave Injustice TO the taxpayers
for me " continue in position where their interests
would IN any case suffer Recognizing as did year
Government embarrassing aud hinderiDg the pr0secu-
united and for which the property owners hac paid
large amounts assessments, aud considering that
harmonious government ana the Interests OF the TAX
payers should De the paramount thought aud duty of
official iDiimated my Intention OF resgning my
Office. and only upon the earnest solicitation OF such tax
payers da consent 10 remain.
After much thought and careful consideration have
nov decided tnat rather continue ia office under
many emDarrassments during the few remaining
mouths my / prefer upon the results
already accomplished therefore, 40 hereby resign
office OF Commissioner OF Public Works, take effect
upon the accession VI my successor, and am, very
spectfuy, GEO. NJ. VAN MORT.
On the receipt OF Commissioner Van Norris letter OF
resignation the Mayor at once transmitted TO him the
following reply:
ANSWER OF THE MAYOR.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMEST NEw.IoRK, March l. 1875.
The Hon. GO. NJ. VAN MORT.
DEAR SIR: have received your communication OF
this date, submitting a condensed statement OF the
transactions OF the Department OF Public Works Tor the
three years during which you have been the Commits
sioner ard the Office rather than continue
under the circumstances 10 which you call aten-
tiou not unprepared for the communication in
faci, IDndtlOns made by you In number OF recent
less greet that the circumstances OF the present po-
cal should seriously affect the usefulness OF
a distingu sized public servant 10 seem 10 him 10
make ms voluntary Withdrawal from office duty the
community which lac Las served so long and with
potable results.
tend against have been manifest. But 50 far
sonal knowledge OF your administration OF the Depart
ment extends, u has been efficient, ana nothing has
haen brought Of1cial notice which npairs your
reputatioa integrity. Certainly have observed no
nenartme ut OF CITY Government which 10 well
orsspzed as yours has BEEN in which business has
been conducted with sucn thorough system and sucn
excslopt as have been pursued In your office
and in the several bureaus ,atiacbed TO It, Your sue
has unusual opportunities IN beginning his term
sf service with advantages which yoer training ana
SKILL oftcer, have In these respects
prepared for him.
Win many thsns for the courteous consideration and
Lt-A- AndLA