New-York tribune., 1896-12-26
OPINIONS on THE CHARTER.
ITS PROVISIONS GENERALLY APPROVED
BY THE CITY's PRESENT OFFICIALS.
PRESIDENT JEROLOMAN HOWEVER. FEARS THAT
ITS LEGISLATIVE MACHINERY MAY PROVE
rNWIEI.DY - CoMMENDATION FROM
MESsRs. SCOTT. FITCH. GoFF
AND MMILIAN-EX CHIEF
RYRSEs on TIE
POLICE CLAUSES

RYRNEs on THE
POLICE CLAUSES
Corporation Counsel Scott said yesterday that the
chapter of the charter Of Greater New-York
relating to the Law Department met with his dis
tinot approval. although there were some minor
points which he would have modified. The two
branch offices provided for and the probable addi-
ton Of three more Mr. Scott expected. would largely
increase the number OF appointces connected with
the Department, we'll as its scope. but he pointed
out that many new questions are to come mp for
settlement which must he referred TO the Corpora
ton Counsel and his assistants. In spite of the
prcserce Of sections which may naturally lead to
differences of opinion. Mr. Scott was clear that the
draft as II affects the legal department would prove
satisfactory.
President Samuel Mcmillan OF the Park Depart
mont said that he could heartily approve the part
Of the charter relating to the greater citys parks
which provides for "A commission OF three members
to look after them. Mr. Mcmillan. however. OPP
posed the project OF placing the Park Police under
the jurisdiction of the regular Municipal Police
Department. The consequence Of such change, he
feared would be that the opportunity offered the
Police Board for billeting undesirable policemen on
the park force might prove Irresistible. 1t might
open the door to political trading. In other words
II the Police Board wished to resort to II. BY
many young men. the president said. place on the
park force at 500 year preferable to that OF
i gular parolmar on the municipal force. because
they regarded employment under the Park Depart
ment as more genteel Under the control OF the
Police Board. however he had apprehensions that
the lark force would become the burial-place for
political mcndican;s and It's efficiency destroyed.
Recorder Goff. in speaking OF the charter In its
entirety. expressed the belief that the gigantic task
which It's frarers had performed entitled them to
sincere respect ana admiration. The Recorder espe
cially commended the principle which was incor-
poraici for limiting the powers OF the Municipal
Assembly 20 grant franchises. and believed that II
was neccss lry to the city's interests Everybody
familiar with the subject. he said. was aware that
the annual income OF 10000 from the various fran
chiscs held 10y corporate interests In the city OF
N'w-York WAS wholly inadequate 10 the benefits
conferred by these franchises and far below the
sum that the city should derive from them With
its unryall,d water rights and real estate holdings
this city the most richly endowed in tho world
The plan propo cd providing FOR The restoration OF
ownership 10 the city OF these franchises the Re
cordcr disposed TO favor.
Controller FIch said that he preferred 70 give the
draft more careful study before he expressed his
! views. Il have OF course. fAmlarzcd myself with
the chapter relating 10 the Department OF Finance"
| hc said. through the consultations held with me-
4 10y rnoInhcrs Of the Commission bat (, must be
membcrei that almost all the other sections OF the
/ charter haze some bearing directly or indirectly
| upon The cIy's finances. II would. therefore. be-
/ proper FOR me 90 wait before ycnturng definite
4 opinion unln ! have opportunity TO study the
z charter rs whole
I'r, sidcnt John Icrooman Of tho Board ~ Alder
msn applauded ihe plan which gives tho city home
/ rule through enlargement OF the rONcrs OF the
! Municipal Assembly. bu' he frnisd that its ma
l ctlu.ry would prove uuwcldy. He dlssented from
I ~" scheme Tor city leglsls ar" Of two houses.
/ III" present Board or Aldermen Of thiri s-One nom
bars. including the president was often found too
lars To- ~ -Hfftr aofk The new legislature - 10
/ b.. composed OF thlTiy-sK m-mberg OF The upper
council and lOs membcrs 81 the lower house. Tn
joss they should be Of singular accord and willing
: TO refrain from much debate. the ciiys business.
Nr. J~roomdu Thought. would be- transacted slowly
too complex he believed ~ " must result in need
less delays In legislation. ana would entail useless
expense The frequent elections of 40 city cgisia-
/ tors would make Greater N'w-Nork perfect hot
bed OF politics from January to December n. He
J advocated a singI. body. TO be chosen from As
T semby ScnAt" districts.
/ I.X-Chles Of Police Thomas Ryrnes condemned
/ TIA. rev charter far - A. related 10 the Police
/ Department. and said that II was "th" very worst
that could possibl, be- framed" II the char
ter should De- acccpted.' he said. There Will he
OF an incentive for the police fore" TO cater TO
! local leaders than there would be for the better
protection OF ilc life and property Of citizens Nj.
Hyrncs thought that there should be no trouble In
/ pla cling the police force Of Greater New York
! footing superior TO London. Paris. or any In the
world Intelligent legislation you'd do his. fol-
/ lowed by the innexib" rule that efficiency and
falthfulness 10 duty should be- the only roads 10 ad
| vancement in the service.