The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-11-05
THE DIsrRIycnIsING AMENDmENT.
It's More Novei aud startling Provisions-The
Board of Finance.

We have several letters Of inquiry from
voters who are still in the dark ne to the exact
scope and effect OF the proposed constitutional
amendment relating to municipal government.
The following brief analysis will enable them
to- decide intcigcn,ly on II question Of vital
consequence t. themselves and their children.
1t is proposed to add to the Constitution of
the state Of New York new article, to BE- known
us Article XVII. This provides for the election
in every city Of the State OF u Board of Finance.
In cities having "A population of not more than
$4,000 this board is to consist OF six members;
in cities whore the population Is over 25,OOO
and no, over 10000. Of nine: where the popula-
ton is between 10000 and 100 900. Of twelve
and where the population Is over 100000 Of
fifteen members In cities of the last class
those shown by the census next preceding the
pic-tiou Ia have over lUO.OOu NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
Board Of Finance il e. be- chosen exclusively
81 v the electors VI the city tOthrrwise qualified
under Article Second OF the ConstitutiOnl who
shall Tor two years next pr'ccuhg Tue rccti9n
have unid an annual tax on property owned 10y
them, and officially assessed Tor taxation in
su-h city " the ussesscd value of not loss than
$500 or shall have actually paid during the
same period a yearly rent Tor premises IN said
city occupied by them for purposes Of residence
or lawful business. OF not less IMAM 500. In
cities havinl. less than 100000 inhabitants the
payment for two years preceding OF an annual
tax ON property asse--"d in the city or AN an
nual rental of 500 qualities an clrctor to vote
for members Of this board. No one can be
elected to the board who does not possess these
At the first election. one-thrd OF tho members
of the board are to bc chosen for one year. ono
thirt fortwo and M r,mn,qins ihird Tor three
onc-third OF the members retiring annually.
Each fiscal year the Board of Finance is re-
quircd to submit 10 the Mayor detailed csti-
mates of the sums needed tO curry on the city
Government during the nrNt fiscal year. and.
n Thy ay" S " an Vain ra'S days ny b.
fore the board his objections i'll writing 10 any
items. but the final decision rests with th.
board. The language IL That "a. board slall
proceed hy resolution To- declare the cstimntc y
to l,r final nnd adopted and the several sums Of
mon y therein cstimut'dins necessary shall be-
| come and be- appropriated t. and for tn, :
! puriWeni- ami OH r"rs therein mentioned aud
iur tine .l cts and purpps..s tnnrei mentioned.
! the aggregate amount to be- rns 'd toy taxation
/ shall Doe stated ia such resolution, aud shall
/ Their upon b. lcll"d AND collected IN the man
n"r provided low Laws Tor the l"vying and coll ct
IN; %. TIA" city taxes. But Tor tins "a two-thrds
/ vuir il necessary.
! mrn'-. boards. and uilt'gr- aud 81 the 'omrl"h
/ Council 10 furnish Ia" Board OF Finance any
statements or accounts which II may call for, at
| the tim" ana III the shape II shall pres 'rih'
! and tine board IL empowered To "Nafuin' tao
/ hooks ~ the departments and 10 ~ sti1n the,
city executive officers upon oath about oil nal
Tnc MAYOR is to nominate. and. with the con:
sent ~ the Board Of Finance. appoint the chief
] officer of the financial department aud chief
/ law olil 'cr - the city. NJ power vested in the
/ Board OF Finance IL g. he exercised by inc
/ Board of Aldermen. Tia" Legislature ~ for
/ hidden e. confer additional powers upon the
I Board 4 Finance except such ~ may lr n,"rs-
sary to larry the powers granted b. the Con
The proposed amendment further provides
| for separate city elections Ia MHrcn or Apr
/ defines the powers and duties 81 the Mayor and
| AlI"rn "a; and regulates appointm 'nts ana
Is ano'her n tho pend ne propositions-the
proposed amcndm.n; Ia Article HIN any
! c.ty whose boundaries ARE tn" same ~ thp-,
oi the county. th' duties md powers OF q Board
A. val l.