New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-02-04
CHANGES IN THE CITY GOVERNMENT

AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER FAVORED BY TIE
MUNICIPAL SOCIETY,"
The special committee of the Municipal So
ciey IN the matter OF proposed amendments to the char
Ter made report Monday evening Tie committee say
that III echarter 1878 has in their OPINION stood the
test of experience reasonably well III other respects than
these;
Frs-Through the coincidence OF the charter election
with fhe election for State and National officers.
Seooad-The blending Of political functions with ordi-
nary public duties in certain departments
Tiird~Ihe power of appointment aud removal.
Tourth-The provision for commissions III charge OF
if-The failure TO give adequate authority for re-
vision Of expenditure Tor salaries shd anu o
the reduction Of the working force IN public ofhcc@
Sirlh-The constitution Of The Board OF Aldermen. J.
Sercnh-1he allotment TO certain departments OF du-
tics foreign 10 their natural sphere.
The committee subYitted the following recommends
lions:
EirstThe Mayor should be elected for term OF three
wears TWent,-scyeu Aldermen should be elected on
general ticket Tor three year, the Aldermen being duly
class fed after the first election INTO three classes the
seats one-third to be vacated annually ana s9se'
oreut elections beng for onethiId OF Tie BOARD for
Jul term. No ballot for Aldermen should contain more
than twohirGs OF the Whole nnmberdo be NOteo lof IN
S.cond-The appointment OF INSPECTORS Of Election and
the regulation OF the charter election eAcept SO ld as
The preservation OF the public peace concerned shOod
be taken from The Police Department ana Yesleu I'D
Supervisor OF Elections, appointed 10y tue aayoI 10 hou
oice during good behavior, and hawsg substantially the
poVrrs and limitations fxed by the election Jaw.
Third-The regulation OF appointments aud REMOVALS
in the public service should De strictly on tie sysie OF
appointment for competencc promotion ioI merit ahu
prompt removal for InenicIency or dishonesty. -,
Totrtt-Heads OF departments should be appointed by
the Mayor without confirmation Dy the Alucfmcn'
Removals OF such officers during their term or after
its expiration, where the term system - rttabeul
shouId he by the Mayor after hearing, ana with the
concurrence Of the Governor Where an amendment OF
lie law does not conflict with existing legal rights tue
of heads OF departments should be during
good behavior with the power III the MAYOR OF suSpen-
Sion or for the removal 10 De governed
by tine same provisions as above.
'Ti0h-SubOrdinate officers and employees 10 De ap-
uo,ed b. the head OF the department; TO hold Office
during good behavior; 10 be promoted for merit as va
canrs occur and where practicable, after competitive
examination; and be liable 10 suspension ana re-
uoVRl for cause. M -.
S;TG-Appointmeuts in the Police and Fire Depart
ment. and erkships In other departments 10 be uade
first for probationary term, ana al minimum con-
prnsaiion regulated by law; promotion TO follow AFTER
examination. ,,,- =, =.
gspenL,-D scipline in the Police and Fire Department.
TO conform nearly the nature OF the service VIII
allow 10 the system OF tbs Army or Mihua. -,
EiohD-The head Of every department, except the
Health Department, should ne single onicer'
Nin1-Enlarged powers should bs gwen 10 the Board
OF Estimate aud Appointment ~ 10 the revision OF
expenditures the transfer OF appropriations the educ
ton OF and salaries, aud the consolidation OI
bureaus.
The report which explained at length the reasons
for urging the proposed changes signed by Myer
: Isaaes w B. Eaton and Artemus H. Holmes. After
a prolonged discussion by the members OF the society.
tbe entire list Of ndations was adopted and
referred back 10 the select committee 10 prepare the
anendrnents with power also to confer with similar
committees from the Council OF POntlcol reform ana
ibe West side Association the three organizations the
1 they united. their influence III having the
matters brought before the State Legislature