The New York herald., 1877-02-15
Sen ator Morrissey and Municipal Re-
form.

form.
Mayor Ely's conference the other day had
one excellent effect; it stimulated Senator
Morrisseys zeal for reform. But it's strong
effect on him was not in inspiring admira-
ton or supplying ideas, but in exciting
his impatience and disgust. The conference
filled him with the repugnance which a
man of strong "horse sense" feels for
imbecility and downright. earnest
man for set of city officials who pro-
fess desire for economy, while every
mothers son of them protests against any re-
duction of the expenses Of his own depart
ment. The honest indignation Of Mr.. Nor
rissey against such pretenders and imbeciles
carried him back to Albany inspired with
a vigorous purpose to put his shoulder to
the wheel and lift the reform wagon out of
the mud.
OnTuesday Mr. Morrissey made straight
forward reform speech, declaring his ap-
proval of the main features Of what are
called "The Woodin bills" but complain
ing that they do not go far enough. He
stated that the same city officials whom
he had met at the Mayors confer
ence are to visit Albany this week,
and he desired little delay before
the Woodin bills were put on their passage,
in order that he might bring these gentle
men to book by demanding an expression of
their views on the measures. He means to
force them to show their colors and to put
them on record. If they evade or palter he
will expose them, and Tammany, which
stands behind them, as insidious enemies
of economy and reform.
Yesterday Mr.. Morrissey made further
advance. He introduced and procured the
adoption by the Senate of q resolution pro-
viding for joint session Of the Committees
on Cities, to report within ten days bill for
the reduction of municipal expenses. He
will doubtless press upon the joint commit
tees his plan for the consolidation Of
city departments and substituting single
head for the plural commissioners. We
think he will be supported in this endeavor
by all honest men who are competent
Judges of the requisites for efficient munich
pal administration. He is supported in
QUVauCe ny uI. OCAlOCuOAs CAo AOAoAAAA A'A"y "a
of Brooklyn, who was examined on Tuesday
by the Assembly Committee on Cities. The
following brief extract from Mayor Schroe-
der's testimony will be read with Interest,"
Mr. FIsn-Now, Mr. Schroeder, We have bill hero
providing one.headed departments IN your city
instead Of three-hoadod commissions what do you
think about such proposition?
MAloR-My views are similar to those OF the Mayor
OF New York city. He is in fnvor of ono responsible
head TOR the government OF the city OF New York. and
l favor a like rulo for Brooklyn.
Mr.. TIGHE-Do you include tho Policc DepartfnentY 7
MAyOR-I do
Mr. TiGHE-That department has both executive and
judicial tiles to perform, and how would you place
double responsibility under one heed?
MAYOR would not cucumber the Police Depart
ment with excise trials would give that duty whero
II more properly beongs-to the judges.
Mr. TIGHE-Then you would allow ono man to try
the police for violating the rules Of the department?
MAyoR-Why not? AS lar as those trials 60 q single
Judge would be as capable ms three.
Mr.. TiGHE-Would you extend tho onc.hcad system
to the Fire Department?
MAyoR-Ycs. -
Mr. TicnK-And to the Board of Elections which
now has three hcadsY
MAyoR-No; / would assure all parties fair play by
giving them representatives there Then it is not
c,ty Department; you will lind that there refer.
cncc to the Board Of Elections IN tho charter.
All this had reference to the city of
Brooklyn, but it is equally applicable to
New York. We hope that Senator Morrissey
may succeed in forcing this reform; but he
will have strenuous battle to fight against
the spoilsmen and pluralists, who will hold
| on to their needless offices with desperate
! erin