The New York herald., 1877-02-11
IHE CITY GOVERNMENT.
City Officials, Legislators and Prominent
Citizens in Consultation.
HOW NOT TO. DO 1T.
None of the Commissioners Advocate a
Reduction of Expenditures.
M0RRIssEY ON CORRUPT CITY RINGS.

The Mayors ofico was crowded from twelve o'clock
yesterday until after two with members of the city
government, Senators, members OF Assembly, prom-
nent citizens ana others called together tor tho pur-
puse of 'confeing TO the present condition OF
municipal affairs, and to the Dost methods TO be
1opted to remedy existing evils
GATHERING.
Among those present were Mayor Ely, Comptroller
Kelly Senators Morrissey, Bixby and Wagstan.
Oswald Ottendorfer Park Commissioner Martin, Dock
Commissioner Walos Police Commissioner Smith,
Commissioner Of Charities and Correction Brennan,
Health Commissioner Chandler, Corporation Counsel
whitney. Aldermen Lewis, Purroy and Kocnar Asson-
blymon Calvin, Spinoa, Cowans, Cowdin, Mitchell
and Holahan. Commissioner Of Public Works Camp
bell and about fifty others The Municipal Society
was represented by Dorman b. Eaton, Jackson s.
Schultz, Charles II. Smith and about a dozcn Of
Dur ''iuHuental citizens"
Most OF the time spcnt by tho gentlemen who
took part in tho conference in frivolous debate to
tho object Of certain sections OF bills before the
Legislature Mono of tho gentlemen who represented
various departments thought II possible to reduce
penses Mayor Ely, however, was shining exception
10 this rulo, as he ntmatod cntiro willingness to sub
NIT any reduction OF his salary. and also OK
pressed the opinion that the two bureaus Immediately
under his contro-the Marshal's once and tho Permit
Bureau-oould be run at expense at least ten per
cent less than they are at present
MoRRIssEY cAxNoxADE.
Senator Morrssey spoke in opposition to that mon.
umental reiormer, Dorman B. Eaton. Hc briefly
pointed out how the number Of commissioners could
be cut down, and delivered telling blow at tho noto-
rious rings OF corrupt democrats and republicans
which have ruled and ruined the city OF New York
hnce 1868. Johns knock down argument seemed to
lake the breath completely out of Eaton
PROCEEDINGS.
Mayor Ely called tho assent bage to order promptly
ut twelve O'Clock. He remarked that the gathering
the result of a preliminary private conference
held in his office a few days since.
Mr. vanderpoel, tho Mayors private secretary, read
The minutes OF this meeting, when Mr. Ely then said
they had como together for The purpose of discussing
as to the best method OF reduction in city expend-
lures among the different departments, and whether
legislation at Albany was necessary to accomplish
such result A ruo was made that heads of depart
ments be limited 10 ten minute speeches and othcr
speakers u three minutes
coMPTKoLLER KELLY IDEAS.
Comptroller Kelly was tho nrst speaker. He had
made INQUIRIES in his own department as to whether
the conclusion that nothing could be done. Great
economy had hitherto been conducted In the manage.
luded to the bill now pending before the Legislature
known as the Woodin charter. That bill would prove
an important measure as regards tho government of
tins CITY, Several sections. however, would work in
iurlously He had gone over II and suggested several
amendments and intended 10 send It back TO Albany
with such alterations as he deemed necessary. There
many other measures before tho Legislature
Affecting this city which should bo con-
rSe heads should bo hoSrd
In relation 10 these provisions Thc Comptroller
also called attention to Mr.. FIshs bill and spoke favor
ably of tho clause which protects property owners
from iadvsed and exorDitant assessments. Much
trouble existed the levying Of these asscssmenls
aware of improvements by which they were compelled
TO pay large amounts until after the lcvying of the
H bill h. where an wa
passed directing certain improvements that the prop
crty owners immediately affected thereby should be
n notified BY the Clerk Of tho Common Council.
Opportunity was also given for hearing before tho
Board of Assessors The section OF the bill doing away
with the office OF City Chamberlain should be stricken
out the Comptroller should never have absolute
control OF tho funds OF the city.
THE MAYORS OFFICE
Mayor Ely spoke behalf OF his own officials and
the marshas and Permit Bureau attached thereto.
AS TO his own salary ne was Tree to say In the present
sxigcnccs OF the city that he willing to have IL
duced far as the Legislature deemed 1t cxpedent 10
DO SO. (Appause.) He understood Tho principle had
mlaries might be equtably enforced at this time Ho
thought such reduction could be made in tho two
bureaus under his control.
THE LAW DEPARTMENTS.
Corporation Counsel Whitney had been in Office
and half years, and had made considerable efforts
expenditures IN MS department. Tho expenses
Of this year will be $780, 900 less than the year be-
Ioro no came into Office The true way to economze
The workings OF the law department 10 bring all
The legal business Of tho city. under tho
control OF The Corporation Counsers Office This prac-
ice had always worked Denehcaly Instead OF losing
nnety cent OF the tried against the city, they
durng last year had gained seventy five per cent The
law Department was tho great breakwater against
o the Old ring period Mr. Whitney promised tc tako
svcry possible opportunity the expenses OF
,ice, but ho could not say how It could bo done at
Mayor Ely-Have you any particular suggestions to
make relative to bills affecting this city now before the
Leglsaiures
Mr.. Whitney took up some of tho provisions laid
down the woodn charter. He said that It contained
many valuable suggestions. Some OF the sections had
bcen drawn up by himself last year. one OPP
position the reference OF city suits, and another
relation TO the obtaining OF Judgments against tho
CITY Tor work done where appropriations had been
made.
ton Counsel and Comptroller Kelly In discussing
various points Of this bill as 10 tho routine pracsed
in giving out contracts for city work.
AssEMBLYMAS CowDIy GETS UNEASY.
AT this stage OF the performance Mr.. Elliot G. Cow
din interrupted the co0quy by remarking that the
time might oc more Judclously spent than gong into
II would be difficult 10 carry away all the numerous
suggestions made by the different speakers. Tho
gentleman called attention to the bill now pending be-
fore the Legislature, providing Tor the appointment Of
q commission OF twelve gentlemen TO consult with tho
Mayor and Comptroller In tho regulation Of salaries
under tho city government. These gentlemen could
report to the Legislature, and that body might act
understandingly.
Mayor Ely wanted to know whether such a bill
would not postpone the work Of retrcnchmcnt for
other year.
Mr. Cowdin answered by stating that tho provisions
of the bill compelled report boore the Sth OF March
next Ample tme would DO afterward lett Tor all me-
scssary legislation
TnE POLICE DEPARTMENT..
General Smith, president Of tho Police Commission,
was next called upon TO give his reform views. He
spoke in an uudertone, rs fearful that his great ''ro
form" sentiments might be wasted upon tho hctero-
genous crowd before him. He did not, he soId come
prepared discussion He had been present tho
previous meeting had not received his invitation