Morning journal and courier., 1884-03-01
aOurnaI arrS Courier.
SINGLE COPIES TWO CENTS.
Saturday, March 1, 1884.
BRooKLYN's CITIZENS LEAGUE

BROOKLYN'S CITIZENS LEAGUE Brooklyn is gaining great and a good reputation for reforms in political matters The Young Republicans of that city have done splendid work against the corrupt s'ma- chimes" and have given the city first-class mayor. And they have acted as 8 powerful
 check upon bad men and bad politics.
 The latest Brooklyn idea in politics is the
 formation of 8 Citizens League. This League
 has been organized by a number of well
 known citizens of Brooklyn who wish to se- cure permanent non partisan government for their municipality. The League has very extensive and comprehensive programme. It will work for the enforcement of the prin- ciple of Home Rule in the government of cities, and the maintenance of that feature of the present charter of Brooklyn by which the Mayor is given the sole power to appoint heads of departments. It demands that ap- pointments and removals in the municipal service shall be made only when demanded for the public good, and never for party ends. It also demands the absolute separa- ton of municipal government from national politics, and the establishment of the prin- cipIe that municipal officers shall be nomin- ated and elected solely on the ground of per- sonal fitness and because of their known views on questions of municipal policy. The League purposes to continue in more per manent, and it is hoped more efficient, form the work of the Citizens committees which have been such important factors in recent political campaigns in Brooklyn. It intends ito keep watchful eye upon proposed les islative enactments relative to Brooklyn; to examine into municipal undertakings, oor- poration grants, and all other like matters in which the people may have an interest; to watch closely the manner in which the city government is administere d." It is believed by it's founders that ''such organization can easily and effectually voice the opinion of Brooklyn men on Brooklyn measures"
 We admire the pluck of the League and afraid, to use the language of the wild West that it has t'bit off more than it can chew" The Brooklyn Union very pertinently re- marks: The strength of the Citizens com mittees have been in the past, their exclusive devotion to one object, and their refusal to be diverted from that purpose even to pursue ends closely affiliated with it. A large "Coun- cil," not the product of organization from below, but of appointment from above, can add but little to the working capacity of the League, while the discussion by such body of municipal undertakings, corporation grants and all other matters" must sensibly increase the danger of division and disruption The members of the new League will be wise if they continue the sphere of it's activity strictly within the limits observed by the old Citizens committees, and if, like them, they awake to activity only about election time.
 It is to be hoped that the League will agreeably surprise it's critics, and do work which shall testify to it's efficiency. If it should work well perhaps New Haven's re- form associations would turn themselves into a League.