New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-08-04
THE NEW CONTROLLER.

Mavor Edson's choice for Controller VIII
cause more surprise than qualification In inc
community. He has not made his selectloh
from the ranks of the professional politicians,
and that is something to be grateful for. But
the Controllershp is an office of vast impor-
lance in our municipal system, one whose Dig
nifty, authority and influence fall little SNORT
of those of the Mayoralty. For such place
public spirited men would have welcomed tne
appointment of some citizen wldeiy
known and honored outside OF New-York as
well as within her borders.-a citizen OF broad
mind, large ability and Independent energy,
whose powers have been already tested Ill
public life by the bearing OF great
RESPONSIBILITIES, and who has proved equal
10 the test 1t is true that no one can better
know than Mr.. Edison the qualities and merits
of the new Controller He has watched for
years his efficient discharge OF arduous ana
important duties as Superintendent OF the
Produce Exchange and has seen him grow IN
knowledge of city affairs and enlarge his
grasp of municipal questions in his own ONCE
But whether Mr.. Grants training on the floor
of the Exchange or even in the clerical duties
of his position in the Mayors office has been
sufficient to prepare him for the field which
he now enters can hardly be considered as yet
settled. The official, who has equal voice
with the Mayor in the almost imperial Board
of Estimate and Apportionment, which really
settles all our municipal expenditure, who
takes leading place in the Aqueduct Com
mission, which is to spend many millions
in increasing our water supply, and VINO Is at
the head of the department which more thah
any other affects the credit OF New lork In the
loan markets Of the world, ought to be New
Yorker of the best and highest sort. Only
citizen of the first class is fit for such posi-
ton. That the new Controller may prove
himself such citizen will now be the earnest
wish of every person who has any care for
the welfare of this city
1t is no secret that Mr.. Grant was not the
MAYORS first choice. Bankers and merchants
of long experience, lofty position and wide
influence were sounded TO learn If an offer OF
the Controllership would be acceptable.
But men whose services would have
been of the highest value IN that office shrank
from taking control of a department under
cloud. The disclosures of the coupon frauds
showed the urgent need of reforms in the
Finance Department, and the labOrs of re-
tons in our municipal government, and with
the poison of virulent partsanship tainting
the air, must be attended with embarrassments
and disappointments sufficient to appall any
but the stoutest heart. SO Mr.. Edison turned
TO a number of eminent citizens III vain. we
may well be thankful that he did not then
have recourse to the politicians. Whatever
fault may be found with the appointment Of
Mr.. Grant, it cannot be considered partisan
or even a political one. The new Controller has
not been known in politics. The only objection
to him seems to be that be has not been known
extensively anywhere else
Though not political appointment, however,
this must be looked on as personal one. 1t Is
the outgrowth OF Mr. Edson's personal knowl-
edge of the man and his personal friendship for
HIM. Aud it Is likely almost to double the power
OF the Mayor in the city government. 1t will
be a surprise, indeed, if tho new Controller is
found opposing the Mayor in the Board of
Apportionment or in the Aqueduct Commission.
The Mayor will have practically two votes in
| stead of one in every branch of the government
where the two officers take part. This will not
only give him larger opportunities as the Chief
| Executive of the city, but 1t will much increase
| his influence III Lnt DcIuOCtHliC paIlJ'
Edison has never concealed his desire for Demo
cratic union and success. BY this appointment
he has escaped estranging any of the factions
from himself, and has done nothing to embitteI
any differences that now exist between them
The choice of a Tammany Democrat would
have excited the wrath of the County Democ-
racy; the selection of II County Democrat
would have set Tammany i'll an uproar The
| appointment of Mr.. Grant, though not political,
may have important political consequences.
But after all, it is of vastly less consequence
how this appointment may affect parties and
factions than how it may result with regard to
the financial administration of this great city
The fitness Of the choice is yet to lie shown
and until it is shown there must be more or less
uneasiness over the action of the Mayor i'll en-
trusting the responsible duties OF the Con
trollershp to a comparatively unknown man.
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