New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-04-18

FURTHER REMARKS BY MAYOR EDISON IN tANoh or
HIS BILL
ALBANY, April 17.-The Assembly Chamber
was occupied tonight by the Committee on Cities which
listened TO arguments and against the Edison
charter amendment. Not few members OF the Legisla
ture were and paid close attention to the argu
ments OF the speaker.
Mayor Edson said appeared before the committee to
urge legislation that would simplify and purify the gov
ernment OF the city Of New-York. 1t was well known
to the people OF NewYork that the laws under which
the extravagant and Irresponsible
NewYork Cityhe said governed by commissions and
thus divided responsibility exists For the past twelve
years, he said, nominations by Mayors were only
confirmed by concessions, considerations and bargains
with the Board of Aldermen. The Mayor asserted
that the foundation of the government OF cities 10
practically the same as fifty years ago, and
that the provisions were entirely inadequate
Complications have arisen which show the abso-
lutte necessity Of the reconstruction Of the laws
The Mayor predicted that the time not far distant
when NewYork City would he unable to proceed on ac
count Of its laws Go TO the City Hail." the Mayor
said, ats thv go to the City Library, it's disgrace
go to Police Headquarters It's dilapdated and foul 90
10 the Fire Department Headquarters and you will fnd
1t tinderbox; and, finally to the Park Department
and you will find the Commissioners scattered" The
Mayor said 1t was practically impossible Com
missoners from Office, and II they are removed 1t Is
equally difficult to appoint successors unless
some compromise concession, OF bargain Is made.
Mayor Edison then read paper On the SUBJECT In the
course Of which he sald "The bill would, IN my judg
ment 10 should become law result in giving 70 the
metropolis what is so much desired VIZ: simplicity
economy and efficiency In the administration OF lts
municipal affairs. am convinced that no lasting good
be accomplished under any law that may be devised
when contemplaes the accountapity o, & tac Nay Ss Ss
same time practically places the appointing power
within the grasp OF the Board OF Aldermen. The present
terests, because agreement between the Mayor
and the present confirming power must neces-
early be based upon compromise ana cOncession'
an not personally anxious for this power, for have
neither friends foes to punish; but havet
perhaps, pardonable pride in the great Office which
hold, and desire TO make it sometning more tnan IL
now is-an Office the incumbent OF which u heid re-
spOnsibe fOr the acts of those whom he would not
appoint, and over whom he has practically no CONTROL
NJ Murphy asked the Mayorf he knew that the Board
OF Aldermen lad the conrmatory power OF the Mayors
Mayor Edison responded that he did, but as no PLATFORM
Of principles given him to accept or reject ne had
adopted principles or his own.
wise and proper give the present Mayor the sole APP
pointing power nstead OF Mayor VINO should be elected
that specific understanding
Mayor Edison considered that 10 would be proper 70
place that power the hands OF the present Mayor He
OF the opinion that lesl ition should DO for the
present-not for two years hence.
Mr. Murphy questioned the Mayor as 70 his opinion on
the suggested pan OF making the heads OF all depart
ments elective.
The Mayor thought the present system even prefer
able.
Alderman John COchrane opposed the Mayors propo-
stion 10 deprive the Aldermen OF the conirminR
power The Aldermen he said, were the peoples repre-
scntayes In his opinion the Legislature had no power
10 take legislation OF It's own affairs from the people Oh
city II would be revolutionary
Colonel Murphy, chairman or the Committee on cites.
announced that hearing would be gwen 70 ex'Mayor
Cooper OF New York, aud eI-Controier Green to-
night