New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-02-15
DEMANDING CHARTER REFORM.

The imposing demonstration in Cooper In
stitute last night in favor Of the Roosevelt bill
to give the Mayor the sole power OF appointing
the heads of departments, ought to make GER
tain the passage of that measure. There can be
no longer shadow of excuse for opposition to
the bill by any member of the Legislature, who
respects the will IF the people of this city. 1t
will also not be wise for any Representative from
New York to place himself in antagonism to the
measure, as was sufficiently indicated by the
temper and character of last nights meeting.
When 1000 Republicans and Demo-
Gratis, representing the leading bus
mess men of the Metropolis, come
together to advocate charter reform, 1t is
unmistakable evidence that the people are
aroused, and do notmean that their Will shall
be thwarted. 1t is the history of the Street
Cleaning bill repeating itself. The legislators
who were active in opposing the expressed VIII
of the meeting held in Cooper Institute IN re-
gard to that measure three years ago were re-
tired to private life, and have since remained
there. The same fate will be almost certain to
befall those who may array themselves in Op.
position to the reform demanded now.
1t is not OfCen that the public hears
from Mr. Evarts and Chief Justice Davis
Gu municipal affairs. Their speeches last night
not only attest the Importance OF the question
under discussion, but show that they are thor
oughly conversant with the defects IN the city
government. The worse than useless
Board of Aldermen was held up
to ridicule by all the speakers. Justice
Davis's caustic analysis OF the composition
of the Board, in which the 10000 liquor dealers
in the city always have a majority OF the votes,
clearly showed the absurdity of permitting 1t
to dictate to the Mayor whom he shall appoint to
Office. If the Aldermen were acting On their
own convictions better results might follow;
but. as Justice Davis stated they are controlled
by some sphinx-ike person outside who, when
questioned as to the exercise of his power, de-
clines to answer. The city wants Mayor that
it can hold responsible for the exercise OF his
powers; one whOwill not be abletOexcuse badap-
pontments because theAldermen will not confirm
better ones. A Mayor free to act on his own
convictions, unhampered by the Aldermen,
could do many things in the way OF reform
which are now found impTacticable. He could,
for instance, give us a Commissioner of Public
Works who will not accept unbalanced bids or
give out 1899 orders.
Ex-Mayor Grace, speaking from personal
experience, furnished strong arguments in
favor of the proposed reform. Mayor Edison
and ex-Mayor Cooper have also publicly ap-
proved it, Mr.. COudert and hlr. Campbell
showed conclusively last night why the rum
sellers should not be permitted longer to rule
the city. They roll up taxes ill the asylums
and tails, and neutralize the splendid natural
advantages which the city possesses. The
reasons for demanding this reform are so
weighty that they cannot be ignored by the
Legislature And, after all, it is as Justice Davis
said last night, only cone great advancing step
toward the numerous reforms that we need"