New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-01-03

t,icts having due regard to geographical situation
and contiguity of territory REQUIRES butlittle time
and no great amount of ingenuity If attempted
with fair and honest Intentions
REFoRM IN CIVIL SERVICE.
II is submitted that the appointment OF subordi-'
mates In the several State departments, and their
tenure Of Office or employment should be based
upon fitness and efficiency, and that this principle
should be embodied In legislative enactment to the
end that the policy of the State may conform to the
reasonable public demand on that subject.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.
The formation and administration of government
Of cities subjects of mneh public interest, and
OF great Importance to.pany Of the inhabitants OF
the State. The FORMATION of such governments Is
properly matter for most careful legislation. They
should be 80 organized as to be simple In their de-
tails and TO cast upon the people affected thereby
the full responsibility Of their administration. The
different departments should be in such accord as
IN thelI operation to lead toward the same results
Divided couusels ard divided responsibility TO the
people on tho part Of municipal officers, 1t is De-
ieved, give rise to much that is objectionable In the
20 sernment of cities II. TO remedy this evil, the
chief executive should he made ansYerabe 10 the
people for ths proper conduct OF the ctys Affairs, 1t
Is quite that his IN the selection OF those
who manage its different departments should DO
ert atty enlarged.
PRIMARY ELECTIONS.
will, ID Is hoped, Io secured by the early pas
sage of a law for that purpose, which will rid the
present system OF the evils which surround it, tend
ing to defraud the peo OF rights closely connected
with their privileges as citizens
SPECIAL LEGISLATION.
1t is confidently expected that those who repre-
sent the people In the present Legislature will adj
dress themselves TO the enactment to such laws as
to the benefit of all the citizens of the State to
tho exclusion Of special legislation aud interference
with affairs which should be managed by the local
tiles to which they pertain. lt is not only the rght
OF the people to administer their local government,
but 1t should be made their duty to do so. Any de-
parture from this doctrine is abandonment OF tue
principles upon which our institutions arc tounded
and concession of the nhrmty ana partial lall-
IRE of tho theory OF representative form OF gov,
eminent. III the MD OF the Legislature IS INV oked
to further projects which should DE subject to Local
control and management, suspicion should NC at
once aroused. and the interference sought should be
promptly and sternlg refused. If local rule Is IN
any instance bad, weak or inefficient, those who
suieI from INSTRUMENTATION have the remedy
within their own control. H. through their neglect
indttention, IL falls into unworthy hands, or II
bad methods and practices gam place IN It's admin
istraton. IL Is neither harsh nor unjust 10 remit
those who are responsible for those conditions 10
their self-invted fate until their interest, II no
better motive, prompts them to All earnest and
active discharge OF the duties of good citizenship.
CONCLUSION.
Let us enter upon the discharge of our duties,
fully approaching our relations to the people and
determined to serve them faithfully and well. This
involves jealous watch of the public funds and a
refusal to sanction their Appropriation except for
public needs. To this end all unnecessary Offices
should be abolished and all employment OF doubt
fu benefit discontinued II to this we add the en-
HctmrIt of such wIse and we'll considered laws IA
will meet the varied wants of our Fellow citizens
and Increase their prosperity, we shall merit and
receive the approval of those whose
and with the scion well
performed shall leave our impress Tor good on the
legislation Uf the state. GROVER CLEVELAND.