The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-05-14

We think it is the duty of Governor Rob-
inson to act on this important bill without
further delay. He has already taken time
enough for making up his mind The Legis-
lature reassembles this evening, and to-mor-
row the Governor should either sign the bill
or send it back with his objections AT this
late stage Of the session it would be a most
unwarrantable thing for him to retain it in
his hands for the full ten days allowed to
him by the constitution. If he vetoes
it he must do so while there yet
remains time for the Legislature to frame
and pass another bill which shall contain
the coed features of the Omnibus with
those to which the Governor objects
eliminated The bill as it ssands makes
three changes of capital Importance. each
of the three being excellent in itself, and
two of them capable Of being introduced
with advantage into any conceivable frame
work Of municipal government. One
Of these TEXTURES, which has an in
dependent merit of its own, is the spring
election An election in the month
of May is equally compatible with every
form Of charter. 1t has no necessary connec-
ton with any other reform. It's effect would
remain unchanged in other respects, and
beneficial if accompanied with great or with
small changes. Let ourmunicipal organiza-
ton receive what form it may it is desirable
to take our city affairs out of the
maelstrom Of State and national poll
tics. II the Omnibus bill is TO be
vetoed al least this most valuable part Of
the cargo should be saved from the wreck.
1t is incredible that Governor Robinson will
object to this part of the Omnibus, and Il
he does not it will be easy to save the spring
election if he sends his veto in time for the
Legislature to pass a new bill. A spring
election is warmly approved by everybody
except the sordid, trading politicians,
who have a better chance to make coali-
tions, traffic in mutual influence and give
and take nominations when State officers,
Senator's Assemblymen, members of Con-
gress and municipal officers are chosen at
the same time. end candidates can enter
into log-rolling combinations. Governor
Robinson will forfeit public respect If he
objects to this part OF the bill. His demo-
cratic predecessor, Governor Tilden, is on
record as strong advocate of holding muni-
cipal elections in the spring. Governor
Tilden's Municipal Commission unani-
for oil the cities of the State, and
would make it part Of the State
constitution. It is not supposable that Gov
ernor Robinson can be of different opin-
ion, and if he vetoes the Omnibus the
spring election must be secured by the i'm
mediate passage of separate bill.
That provision OF the Omnibus which
gives the Mayor the sole power of appoint
ment ought also to be saved. When his
nominations are subject to confirmation by
the Board Of Aldermen all expert
ence shows that they will reject
good candidates in order to gain
hold on the patronage Of the departments
and secure the means Of rewarding their
friends and tools. We should undoubtedly
have better officers if the selections of the
Mayor were not liable to rejection by
trafficking Board Of Aldermen. The reduc-
ton of expenses by consolidation of depart
ments and giving most Of them single heads
is another good feature of the bill which
ought to be saved by new legislation if the
Governor sends in q veto He will be mex
cusable if he delays action until there is
not time to re-enact the really excellent
features of the Omnibus by the passage of a
new bill or bills.