New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-01-18
MAYOR HEWIrrS SUGGEs1IoYs.


The second of the Mayors messages this
year is one Of the ablest and most interesting
documents ever sent to the Common Council
IL takes up the branches of the city government
in detail, and makes many suggestions OF
value. Mr. Hewitt has had cause for express
ing dissatisfaction with so many things that
readers of this message may be surprised to
find that he considers the system Of municipal
government here well adapted TO the work
which it has to do, and does not feel that it
needs general revision.
He discusses first the operations of the police
force and the courts, and speaks with Just
pride Of what has been accomplished during
his term in the suppression of infamous re-
sorts and the lesscnine of crime. He scores
some of tho Civil Justices without mercy, but
does not say word too much. Ills criticisms
Of several of the police courts are still stronger,
and yet no honest man can regard them In the
least exaggerated. He remarks that in many
cases the sympathy of police justices seems to
be with notorious offenders. His recon-
mendations as to amendments Of the law. by
which the selection of police justices should BIO
limited to members of the bar of experience
and high character. are 10 be commended.
This is reform of vast importance
Mr. Hewitt has made up his mind that much
more good can be accomplished in "a number
Of departments by reducing the control of them
from boards to single heads. and his arguments
in support of these proposed changes ard
marked by his usual ability and energy. He,
however, does not favor spring elections, and
in this unprecedented observers will agree that
he is probably right. Spring elections are
always advocated as a panacca for all evils by
the witless Mugwumps In this town, who are
continually airing what they suppose to be
their superior wisdom by setting forth rldjcu-
lous schemes for changes in our municipal gov
crnment. The Mayor believes that the pay
ment of assessments by candidates should be
prohibited, and all the legitimate expenses OF
elections, such as printing, should be borne by
the State This conclusion Of his will be APP
nroyed by many cautious and broad-minded
critics Of municipal affairs. But the Mayor
will find far less support in his renewed re-
commentator that licenses be granted for tho
sale of light wines and beer after l o'clock on
Sundays.
The message praises the management of the
Department of Public Works The Mayor
evidently does not know how far well-mean-
ing head Of this department has been blinded
by crafty and seeking politicians. This
department, as now organized, is one of tho
weakest and most inefficient machines in the
city for genuine public service while 1t is one
of the ctades of the County Democracy for
manipulation of ward politics. Mayor Hewitt
deals lightly with Commissioner Coleman
much moro lightly than people who are weary
of the shameful condition of our streets will
like He refers to the difficulties of the Com
missioner on account Of the cncumbrances In
the streets and the throwing of waste articles
from houses and shops, but this does not eX-
plain or excuse the condition in which West
broadway has been for years. DISTINCTIONS
from houses and shops are not serious In this
thoroughfare, and yet it has been in shame
full condition for a long time. This is simply
a case of neglect or incompetency
The Mayors suggestions as to the Depart
ment of Charities and Correction and the
Board of Education will be read with attention
by all the friends of good government. lie
shows himself profoundly concerned Tor the
proper handling of the great Responsiveness
resting on the officials who have in charge the
helpless wards of the community, and also an
ardent and enthusiastic friend of our system
Of public schools. He is against GRIPPING
either the charities or the schools. and therein
his position is impregnable. All In ALL the
message furnishes much food for thought and
is SO moderate in temper, so calm and we'll
considered, and yet so earnest and broad
minded, that it will raise Mayor Hewitt TO an
even higher position in the esteem OF his fell
low-citizens than that which he has thus lar
held.