New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-03-15

THE ROOSETELT COMMITTEE REPORT.
The report of the Special Committee OF the
Assembly which has been investigating the city
government will no doubt provoke criticism
But there can be no question that the evidence
taken by the Committee has disclosed even a
worse condition of affairs in some of the county
Offices than was before supposed to exist.
Whether the testimony in every instance war
rants the strongly cOndemnatOry language OF
the report ornot, all the members of the Com
mittce agree, and that will have great influence
with the public.
As TO the ACCESSIBILITY of passing the measures
of relief submitted by the Committee, there can
be little room for doubt. it is estimated that II
these proposed changes in the laws are made 1t
viii effect a saving to the city of 100000 a
wear. There is now due the city from the
County Clerk and his predecessors and from the
Sheriff about $4,000 which has been illegally
retained OF taken from the city treasury on
fraudulent vouchers. If that money IS rcc0v-
cred. rs will be the ease if the Governor and the
Attorney General of the State perform their
duty. the Committee will have a handsome
showing to make as the result of its labors. 1t
Is assumed, of course. that the Legislature VIII
enact the laws recommended by the Committee.
The plan Of placing the county Offices under
the control Of tie Board of Estimate is good
one 1t is proposed to give the County Clerk a
salary of Sl5 900 year and the Register sal
airy of $4,000, and to require all fees to be
turned into the city treasury. The Board OF
Estimate is to make an annual Appropriation for
clerk hire in these Offices, and TO exercise the
same control over them in the of other city
departments It's doubtful the salaries should
be placed at such high figures. The incumbcnts
of the Offices, however, are to be held to the
same accountability as at present and that may
be sufficient reason for giving them salaries
greater than the personal services required are
worth. TO avoid any constitutional questions
these clauses in regard 10 salaries will not take
eject until the expiration of the terms of the
/ present officials.
The Board of Estimate is also given the
power to fix the Sheriff's fees. The eXOrbitant
rates at which be is now paid were fixed by the
/ Board of Aldermen. Any authority now pos
sessed by that Board to fix salaries or fees is
very properly taken away. The less power il
has, the better for the people Of this city. The
law OF last year. transferring prisoners from the
Tombs to Ludlow Street Jail, was a scandalous
partisan measure for the sole benefit OF the
| Sheriff. 1t is satisfactory that the Committee
unanimously recommends its repeal while fifty
characteIizng the management OF the county
/ iail as revolving. Many of the abuses in the
/ Shcril's Office, as well as in other city Offices,
/ are due to fragrant violations Of the law To
: correct such abuses the Committee can do no
/ more than lay the testimony before the Grand
/ jury. The proposal to place the Park Depart
mcnt under single head will meet with public
/ approval, as viii the other recommendations of
/ tn. Committee.