New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-05-23
TIE MAYORS APPOINTMENTS.

Mayor Grant has carried Oub INC "o'aV ~
tentions ascribed to him. He has broken the
political balance Of the Police Board, which has
prevailed ever since the Commission was re-
constructed in its present form, by appointing
Tammany Democrat in place of stephen b.
French. Republican In doing this he has
disregarded a principle which has had almost
the force of law. The theory that the Police
Bcard, having control Of the election machin-
cry of the city, shall be equally divided between
the tive great parties was something more than
tradition. 1t was tacit recognition Of the
principle which requires that all parties, so far
as practicable, shall be represented among the
officials who are to receive and count the ballots
ON Election Day-the principle which seeks to
preserve an absolute equality OF parties before
the ballot-box, the final arhiter Of all our po-
Htical controversies. The law Is careful TO
direct an even balancing OF these places be-
tween these great parties, in order that all may
feel that If the rights Of their members as
citizens are not fully protected, it Will DO De-
cause of negligence or bad faith on the part OF
their own representatives.
The law directs a careful division OF the in
spectors of election and pOll-clerks between the
parties. 1t did not direct similar division
of the Police Commissioners, who we're TO APP
point these election officials. But il we are not
mistaken. ID was understood at the tire the law
was nassed that that course would be followed.
At all events, IL has been adhered to until tho
present day. No Mayor, however irresponsible
10 publio sentiment, has ever ventured before
now to disturb the political equilibrium OF the
Police Board. One Tammany candidate for
4 Al. Nhnr 1ay Nr1g fnFrn1
10 disclaim before election any intention OF
doing what Mayor Grant has now done, and
that was during the dictatorship of John Kelly
when q Tammany Mayor might have been sup
posed to have courage for anything. Mayor
Grant has chosen TO set at naught all this long
series of precedents, and to fly in the face OF q
principle which appeals TO every mans sense OF
Justice. 1t is the least serious result Of his
action that it skaters the hopes entertained OF
his administration by large proportion OF our
citizens, without distinction Of party. far
more important effect Is that 1t Will tend TO
undermine the confidence Of the people in the
irnpartiality Of our election officers. When the
control Of the election machinery has passed
into the hands of a single political party, it is
impossible that our people should not feel that
some pOTuOn Vi lDtlT IlkulS HoS bVNh Ht'eAiAANNA
The opportunities for corrupt combinations and
tricks are too great to make it possible TO re-
gard such a situation with any other feeling
than that Of profound distrust.
The personality Of the new Commissioner is
Of little moment by the side OF these considera-
tlons, but Of itself It will not do much to allay
these fears Mr.. Martin belongs 10 the class
In which Mayor Grant seems determined 10
find his appOintees, IL he can-the thorough
going Tammany men, without any other notable
characteristic than that Of jealous loyalty to
that organization, and without that rank In the
community which would cause the announce
ment Of their names to inspire confidence The
appointments made yesterday are in this 10
spect very much like those that have preceded
them. These Tammany men are well known
10 their politicians, but vast majority
of the people Of the city, we venture TO believe,
never heard their names before. They have
been appointed "a they will administer their
Offices, for the benefit Of Tammany Hall. Mr..
Martin, the new Police Commissioner; Mr..
Sheehy, the new Commissioner Of Charities and
Correction Mr.. Clark, the Corporation Coun-
sel. and MIR. Cram, the now Dock Commission
en- are all as alike in their public characteristics
as peas out Of the same pod They are all men
Of respectable character, as we believe, but
there is no sign that considerations OF special
fitness governed the selection Of any one of
them. Among the new Police Justices Edward
Hogan goes back TO place be formerly held,
but it cannot be- said that he stands on higher
plane than the other Tammany appointees. 1t
Is pleasure to be able TO say that the selection
Of General John Cochrane as the remaining
Tammany Police Justice is most excellent one.
General Cochrane Is a man Of greater ability
and more dignity of character than is usually
found on the bench Of our police courts.
In this list Of seven Offices the Mayor has
conceded one to tho Republicans, and has made
Charles n. Taintor Police Justice This is an
admirable appointment. Mr. Taintor Is a man
Of high character and marked ability, who has
had considerable public experience. IL tho
Mayor had sought through the Democratic ranks
for men Of similar type to III the other places,
bis List would have been far moro creditable TO
him.