New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-01-02
THE LAST REFORN MEASURES


The unexpected changes in the Park and
Tax Departments which marked the closing
hours of Mayor Cooper's term may possibly be
justified in the future. At the present mo-
ment some of them cannot but be regarded
with suspicion, sOftened, however by the hope
that notwithstanding the death-bed character
of his last reform measure, Mayor Cooper
means to do right. There WILL therefore, be
disposition to wait and see the development
OF his purpose in these hasty changes before
condemDing his motive in making them.
The resignation of Mr.. Rowland as Presi-
dent of the Tax Department requires no ex-
PLANTATION it was & plain and business-ike
transaction, and a step which he would not
have been compelled to take had he not pre-
viously made sacrifices for the party in taking
the office. The selection of his successor
seems to have been an equally business-like
proceeding. Mr.. Asten has been for
years in the Tax Department as one
of the dozen or more Assessors who really
perform the most onerous and responsible
duties of the Office. Mr.. COnovers sudden
resignation az Park Commissioner and his
immediate appointment as an Assessor, much
less important office, but with better chance
for pay, has faint of jobbery about it. Both
resignation and appointment, together with the
removal of John H. Mooney as Assessor (for
no apparent reason except that he is friend
of Kelly, were determined upon and executed
within a few hours, and apparently by con-
cert of action that mystifes the good purpose
If there were any-and causes suspicion of
the motives influencing them. The appoint
ment of Mr.. MacLean in Mr.. Como
ver's place ia wholly inexplicable. There
wasno loud call from the public for his services;
his OVID faction leaders opposed his nomina-
ton, the late Board of Aldermen never could
have been induced to confirm him and the
incoming Mayor would probably never have
thought of nominating him. Mr.. Cooper has
evidently consulted chiefly his mere personal
friendship for Mr. MacLean. 1t is an amiable
fault, but 1t may be found that in this case
his friendly feeling has led Mr.. Cooper into
an unfortunate position. The resignation
of Mr.. Green as Park Commissioner,
without provision being made for him
before the close Of the MayOralty
of Mr.. Cooper, we fear will always remain O
mystery. If there was in existence O true
type of the class of Democrats who seldom
die and never resign, Mr.. Green was thought
to be that model.
The misfortune Of all these changes lies not
In the selections, nor the motives of the
Mayor, but in the manner of executing them.
1t ID o scandal which has required at the
lose of each administration ever since the
special legislation at Albany as far back
Is 1869 gave the appointments Of Controller,
Corporation Counsel. and other offices ex-
piring just before the close of the elective
term of the Mayor, to that official, end also
the power of appointment to an vacancies
without confirmation by the Aldermen. Such
scandals win probably recur as often as oc-
casion arises until the law Is changed In this
respect. Possibly fragrant illustrations Of the