The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-01-14

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most part in the strange associations into
which men are brought by the coalition of
former opponents AS the proverb runs,
Poverty and politics make strange bed
fellows = but this is not the kind of sur
prise which was caused by the festive
gathering Mt the Lotos Club, although it is
rather noteworthy that Comptroller Kelly
accepted an invitation to a dinner given in
honor of Mayor Cooper, whose election
he opposed with his usual vigor. The
really surprising thing is Mr.. Kellv's unex-
pected appearance in the new role OF an
amusing atter-dinner orator. 1t bears some
resemblance to General Grants sudden
displays of fuency on his arrival in Europe.
General Grant and Comptroller Kelly are
men cast in q similar mould. Force of will
carried to the point OF logged obstinacy
is equally Characteristic of both. They are
also alike in being men OF deeds rather than
of many words, and in their aversion to
show and parade. Mr. Kelly, however, has
always been ready enough speaker in po-
litical meetings when he had point to
carry, whereas General Grants whole talent
Of public speaking has been developed
since he left his own country. The surprise
which Mr.. Kelly held in reserve for US was
his aptness in responding to a compliment
on festive occasion. At the Lotos Club
he made the noteworthy speech Of the
evening; for, although Mr.. Depew sur
passed him in rollicking fun and mirth-
provoking hits, Mr.. Kelly carried vein Of
serious meaning through his amusing
sallies. 1t is his earnest suggestions and
proffers that render his speech worthy of
particular notice.
1t is for Mayor Cooper to decide in what
spirit he will meet the courteous advances
of the Comptroller. There can be no rea-
sonable question that if these two function
aries will cordially cooperate with each
other they can give US a better city govern
ment than we have had within the last
quarter Of century. In the Board of APP
portionment there will be no opposition to
any proposal on which the Mayor and
Comptroller may agree, and their combined
influence would be irresistible in all the
municipal departments. The new Mayor
possesses the esteem and has the sim
cere good wishes of the whole body
Of citizens, irrespective of party, and
the ablest and most efficient ally he
can have in his administration is the
head Of the Finance Department. The in
fuence exerted by Mr.. Kelly is not merely
that which he derives from his Office. He
is one Of those natural leaders of men who
make themselves felt without the aid of
public station, and who bring to Office more
influence than Office confers upon them.
Assuming that his offer to cooperate with
Mayor Cooper is sincere there should be no
hesitation on the part OF the Mayor in ac-
cepting it. Mayor Cooper made on explicit
declaration of his aims in his message to the
Common Council ; SO Comptroller Kelly
knows what it is which he volunteers to in
dorse. If he is really willing to move in
the same direction his aid will be invaluable
and ought not to be rejected.
With the Mayor and Comptroller acting
in concert we can have an excellent city
government, even under the present charter.
No possible charter could give efficiency
without able administrators, but able men
acting in unison in the two chief Offices
can overcome defects Of the charter by
executive vigor. But if the Mayor and
Comptroller should pull in opposite direc-
tons and try to thwart each other every
thing would 60 wrong. The idea that
city affairs can be reformed by
merely tinkering the charter is pre-
posterous. In our State government, in
federal government, in all the governments
of the world, there are periods of admins
trative efficiency intercaiated with periods
Of administrative weakness under precisely
the same constitution. The difference is in
the capacity and energy Of different rulers.
Good workmen do not quarrel with their
tools. When rulers are wanting in personal
talents and vigor and in power to influence
men there will be weak government in
fact, however admirable the paper charters
or constitutions may be in form. But great
abilities and great force of character usually
triumph over obstacles. The whole body
of our citizens would rejoice to see the ex-
pertinent tried of perfect cooperation be-
tween political leaders who opposed each
other in the election. Such combination
in the interest of good government would
inspire general hope and confidence.
What head Of municipal department
could stand for week against the joint re-
buke of Mayor Cooper and Comptroller
Kelly? TO be sure, it might be better to
have u Mayor clothed with unlimited power
Of appointment and removal but that is
not, and is not likely to be, our situation.
The present Comptroller is certain to
present Mayor, and it is wise to
utilize situation which cannot be changed.
II they cooperate they will be irresistible;
if they withstand each other we shall have
the same old story of administrative inn
potence. This will result not so much