New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-09-14
THE WORK OF CITY REFORM.
WHATHAS BEEN DONESO FAR
IMPROVEMENTS IN VARIOUS MUNICIPAL
DEPARTMENTS

CLEANER STREETS. RESPECTABLE POLICE
BENCH AND NEW LIFE IN THE POLICE
FoRCE-PUBLIc WORKS AND TAXEs-
CONDITIONS GENERALLY BET
TER-Is A RETURN TO THE
TAMMANy REGIME
DESIRED?
DO the people Of New-York believe that the res
bite which they secured last fall from Tammany
domination has produced results beneficial to the
interests Of the city. and do they desire to have
that immunity continued and made lasting?
Are the city departments under the new admin
istration conducted in a way that satisfies those
who have business to transact that they are not
now serfs Of political dynasty, but freemen
whose rights and privileges respected and
protected?
Has the change In the administration Of the city
effected any Improvement in the manners Of the
police force so that they have in a measure been
taught that they are no longer the masters but
the servants of the people?
Has the retirement Of the petty tyrants who sat
upon the police bench Of this city and shamelessly
carried out edicts Of Tammany leaders improved
the administration Of justice in these courts which
deal with the poor AMI lowy?
Can a plain citizen and taxpayer now secure
the attention in the various city departments
which his case may merit without the aid Of
Aldermen and district politicians whose interven-
ton was so necessary under Tanmany govern
nent when redress was sought?
Has the dread Of a stuffed ballot-box, fraudulent
election returns and inundated electorate passed
away?
Are there any longer fears that officials Of the
municipal government will connve at fraud 10 re-
verse and nullify the will OF the people as ex-
pressed a the polls?
ARE CONDITIONS GENERALLY BETTER"
Are the interests Of the city generally in better
keeping or are the people of New-York so disap-
pointed with the experiment of municipal reform
begun in January last that they are ready to re-
turn 20 the condition which existed last year when
Tammany Hall ruled this city with an iron hand
and the people were compelled to submit to the
most outrageous. scandalous and revolving ex-
tortion and backmail?
These are the pertinent questions Of the day,
and the electors Of this city must answer them at
the polls
Whether the new reform administration has
fully Justified In all respects the confidence OF the
electors who called II into being is not the ques-
ton r. be decided in November. The main point
IS Has the city been relieved from the oppression
under which II suffered through the years Of Tam
many CONTROL The Mayor has had extraordinary
difficulties 70 meet but the majority Of his fellow
citizens credit him with an earnest purpose TO ful-
fl the pledges under which he was elected-that
he would 10 the extent Of his ability give the city
improved and reformed administration.
CLEANER STREETS. ANYHOW.
Even those who have been most free with their
sneers az the new order Of things must admit that
IN many important respects the condition or the
city he's been obviously improved. For the first
time perhaps in the history OF New-York II mas
streets that not disgrace TO the metropolis
and It is scarcely an answer to this assertion TO
say that It has been accomplished at an Increased
cost. The effort to clean them has been honest
ard Notwithstanding never before attempt
ed Carried into thorough effect. still better re-
suits NAV be expected at reduced expenditure
NEW LIFE IN THE POLICE FORCE.
It hardly seems necessary more than to invite
attention 10 the improvements in the management
o, the police force. What that force-or at all
events. part Of twas under former administra-
tons was made known through the length ana
breadth Of the land as a result OF the exposures
OF the Senate Investigating Committee. The rec
orc is so disgraceful that it would seem incredible
and cannot be contradicted.
The supposed conservators OF the peace were
open violators Of law Blackma and COM
plicitv in election frauds were among the crimes
proved against many OF the force and sworn
officers. who should have been the protectors Of
property and the rights Of the citizen were among
those who struck at both.
II was one Of the first and highest duties OF the
new Mayor 70 correct as far as he could these
evils and can il be truthfully said that. with the
Inadequate laws on the statute books. he has not
made an earnest and fearless and extremely sue
cessful effort 10 perform his duty? Does any man
believe that with the Police Commission as al
present constituted there will be scandals in APP
pontment or promotion? Does any man believe
that any Of the Commissioners will consider IL
part Of his official duty improperly 10 influence Or
control the SURFACES Of the people? On the con-
trary its purpose to enforce the laws without rear
or favor and wholly regardless of political pulls.
or the effect upon personal or political fortunes is
not questioned.
Had Mayor Strong done nothing else than TO
give 20 the people the Police Board which ne has
gwen them the reform movement that made 1t
possible would in the eyes OF large part OF
thinking citizens be amply justified
THE POLICE BENCH.
The change in the personnel Of the police mag
istrates has been one Of the most marked reforms
under this administration. With some honorable
exceptions the former magistrates were unnt by
Character and training for their important places
The law that authorized the appointment OF new
board has given TO the people men who IN ther
judicial acts are neither partisans nor advocates
and there is but one law for rich and poor the IN
fuential and the unknown. In no branch OF the
city government has the change been so ladcai
and Of such far-reachng consequences ana In us
results the reform movement has been amply JUS
tilted.
What Just criticism OF tho reform adminis'ra-
ton ca n be made by members of the Repnphcah
party? In the effort to keep faith with the people
that elected MIN he Mayor has. II Is true appoint