New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-01-27
SWEEPING REFORMS PROPOSED.


ABOLISHED. BUREAUS TRANSFERRED AND con-
soLIDATED AND LARGE REDUCTIONS IN SAL
ARIES MADE.
The uhiceholders of the City Government are look
ing forward with great anxiety to the report of the
special Senate Committee which investigated the
municipal expenses last fall There is a general
feeling that the agitation which has taken place
recently over the extravagant expenditures OF the
municipal government has produced such an i'm
preston that the present Legislature Will
be forced to pass reform measures.
Senator Mccarthy, chairman OF the committee, mas
sought information in regard to his proposed bill
from many prominent business of this city, not
identified with local politics. From this mass of
information be has had prepared a bill which he
believes will secure to the city an efficient govern
ment, while ultimately reducing expenses consld-
erably over One-half Mr.. Mccarthy has long been
successful business III Syracuse, where he has
large interests. He thinks that the govern
ment OF this city should be placed on business
basis regardless of political affiliations. His friends
CLAIM, that be has not single appointment under
the City Govemment-whlch can be said OF few
other members of the Seuate that his bill has been
drawn without fear favor of politicians. and that
it will not be allowed to be sm0thered and defeated
without forcing the responsibility upon the persons
who attempt it.
Mr. Mccarthy claims that it is disgrace 10 the
City of New York that the capita cost OF its gov
ernment should reach $27 7S while the per capita
cost of the National Government with all its varied
interests immense territory and scattered population
reaches only So ~ outside Of the war debt He
says that if this state Of affairs is allowed to con-
tnue the Republican party, controlling the law
making power of the State. will have to bear the
responsibility. The eXtravagant expenditures OF
the City Government Mr.. Mccarthy. it is said
will state in his report not only retaId the growth
of the city, but havea prOportiOned effect upon the
whole State. 1t requires half the productive value
of money to support the City Government Its real
estate has to bear this burden principally 1t has
raised the price of rents and the cost OF living
to snch degree as to drive large
population and much valuable manufacturing from
the city into other contiguous States. The bardens
placed upon commerce from the same cause have
driven good part of what would naturally come
here 10 other cities. This not only reduces the
amo unit of taxable property and retards the growth
of Dol uatOn, but increases the cost OF marketing
the products of the State 1t is system of govern
ment that attracts iders adventures and corrup-
tion:sts from other States and abroad debases the
politics Of the State and Injuries 1t materially and
morally. The employees of the City Government
are three-fourths composed Of foreigners with |
out any material interest here. and residents
who have bern brought here from other States.
These men retained ~ offices with large salaries
and m slnecure positions because they nave woes
and because they represent certain poIcIans. Their
interests taxeaters defeat legislation intended TO
benefit the taxpayers. Their votes control often
times the politics Of the State and Nation. In fact
the CITY Government of New-Y0rk as conducted IN
recent years has beea sore upon the the body pol
itc, and the time has come when radical TmOrm5
must be made.
The friends of the new measure to he
offered by Senator McCarthy's COMMITTEE
believe that the present time is especially opportune
for its passage The Republican leaders agree, win
few exceptions, that the passage of good charter
fn oft moi HpGD
OF good government. will benefit the party more
than If the whole patronage Of the city were secured
TO the party. Last year the Public Burdens b; was
passed. Ii was a small measure OF reform. 1t re-
duoed salaries iep per cent but did not affect patron
larger vote in this city than ever before
THE TIME RIPE FOR REFORM.
Governor Cornell has announced himself in favor
of radical reforms 10 the City Government. The
Senators terms all expire this year. and they will
come before their constituents for reelection The
influence of party machines will not save the legs-
lators from responsibility The friends of reform
believe that with the Governors influence and the
favor of the leading New York journals the Legis-
latuIe will not dare to defeat measure calculated
to afford this city good aud responsible govern
ment.
The oficehOlders however, are already at work,
They have retained as counsel several
well-known political lawyers One of
them has already drawn up charter. |
and Others will be introduced, all designed
to defeat any good measure. Measures intended for
political effect and measures designed only TO con-
fuse legislation will be offered. Tammany Hail. |
Irving Hall and certain Republican leaders are ex
pectcd to oppose any measure OF reform which will
decrease their patronage. 1t is expected to be a
contest between the politicians and the taxpayers
in which the former will spend large sum of
money. with the press holding the balance OF power
PROVISIONS OF Mr.. M'CARTHY's BILL |
An outline of Mr.. McCarthys bill, or that which |
ha hall Won IN
and which will probably be introduced in tho Senate
to-day has already been published. Further par |
tculars are given herewith The central idea of the
bill is to place the responsibility of the CITY Govern
ment with the Mayor, and to give HIM the necessary
power to enforce it, 1t is proposed to have the city
officers elected in the spring. in order TO divorce the
municipal election from the evil effects of general |
elections. The Mayor is to appoint all heads OF |
departments without any interference of the Board
of Aldermen. and to have the sole power |
of removal under limited restrictions This.
It Is claimed will fully place tie responsibility Of |
the City Government upon the Mayor. But the
largely reduced. < heavy foe is ,mp ,sed on the |
Mayor, aud also on all heads Of departments. who |
shall be influenced IN making appointments by
or by pressure demand from political associations
or individuals. Other attempts are made to secure
officials from outside pressure but this OF course is
felt to be hard thing to accomplish. The Street
Cleaning Bureau IS attached to the Mayors Office,
end be is made responsible for that work.
He is to appoint superintendent of
street cleaning. subject to removal at will.
and all orders In regard to the bureau are
70 70 through the superintendent. The Mayor is TO
have the option of cleaning the streets part
whole by contract or days labor. but all contracts
must be made alter ten days notice and under spe-
cihcations and to the lowest bidder. He Is to have
the power with the consent OF the Board of Appor-
tionnenk. 70 anDul contract 81 any time and nc
car get assstanis from any other city