New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-25
FOR MUNICIPAL REFORM.

In an article entitled "A Look Ahead The
Tribune on February called attention to the
fact that the trainers Of the new Constitution
unuuestionably had serious purpose in mind
when they provided in that instrument for the
separation of municipal from State and Nationa!
elections, and that there was danger that IL
might be defeated by the inaction and apathy
of citizens That purpose was dehned IN the
official address of the Convention. which de-
clared that the separation had been made TO
1.-The end that the business affairs Of our great
municipal corporations may he managed upon
g.. their own merits uncontrolled by National ana
state politics; and to the end, also. that the
great issues Of National and State politics may
"be determined upon their merits free from the
disturbing and often demoralizlng erect OF
local contests In the article referred to Inc
Tribune pointed out that unless the adoption OF
this provision in the organic act were supple
mented by orgariZed action. independently OF
existing political parties. on the part OF citizens
who believe il 10 be wise and desire 10 make II
effective. the laborS Of the Convention in THIS
regard would he fruitess, and its effort 10 init
o,e practical. permanent and fundamental mu-
nicipal reform would end in failure The con-
sritutional provision, or rather the purpose I'M
deriving If. will not enforce itself. Ii cannot be
exDected that its adoption Will have the lmmedl-
ale effect of taking municipal elections out from
the demoralizing influences of partisan politics
and the manipulation Of machine managers
without some direct and positive organized
action on the part Of citizens who believe in
the principle involved and are ready and will
ing TO make some exertiOn and even sacrifice
10 carry IL into operation.
The circular published in yesterdays Tribune
over the signatures Of large number of we'll
known and influential citizens of all parties. call
ing for the organization Of an independent ctl-
zeus' movement, with a view of carrying the
constitutional provision to its logical conclusion
ard fulfilling its declared purpose. Is in direct
line with The T'ribunes suggestions. and per-
haps In some sense their result. The prompt
ness with which the response has been made is
n good sign The next municipal election is
eight months away. TO be sure, and in view OF
IT'S renoeness il may not be easy 10 enlist the
interest of citizens generally in the proposed
movement But the number Of signatures al
ready obtained the character OF the sgners, and
the assurances given Of cooperation on the part
Of men Of all parties who favor good govern
ment and honest administration Of municipal
affairs Oh business principles. are a sufficient
guarantee OF It's success. The intervening period
OF eight months is not too long for the work Of
bringing together, organizing and consolidating
the various clements essential 10 making the
movement effective. The political leaders who
are naturally opposed to the new departure,
since It's effect will be 10 cut on their perquisites
and ahridge their influence, are already In pos
session OF the machinery Of organization, and do