The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
THE cZaR-MaYoR OF NEW YORK

l n N object lesson illustrating the Car l / \ Mayor theory in practical operation is opportunely furnished by ex-Judge Van Wyck, the blue-blooded potentate of Greater New York. The light which this lesson throws upon the charter discussion in progress Tn tAs city emboldens to call the attention not only of the people but of the advocates of the so- called Phelan charter the plain facts of the case
 To begin with, Mayor Van Wyck is reform" CzarMayor. He chosen because of his high social position pure political affiliations and mmacu late pedigree He Is descendant of the first families of the metropolis, and during the campaign of last fall single word said against either his char acter or integrity. Yet since he became Mayor he has been the willing political instrument of the Tamn1any bosses. All his appointments have been dictated by Boss Croker, and even at this distance It is percevable that he is engaged in building up a Democratic machine in the city of New York which IS destined be stronger than any that existed in the Empire State before
 The crisis came in the affairs of the combination, however when Tammany attempted to get control of the Police Department The charter of Greater New York like that pending in this city, provides for bipartisan Police Commission-that is, commis- sion of four, two Democrats and two Republicans and authorizes the Mayor to appoint and remove at pleasure. Van Wyck started out with two Tammany
 
 sion engaging and reformatory in its tenden cies But the plan did not work. Either the Platt Commissioners would not permit the Tammany gam blers and blackmailers run the city they dissatisfied with the division of spells allotted to them At all they resisted the enforcement of the Tammany programme, and Mayor Van Wyck re- moved them.
 Of course there are charges of corruption on both sides. The Tammany bosses declare that Phillips and Hamilton, the deposed Commissioners stood be- tween them and the inauguration of reforms in the department This however, is too Imaginable to ob tain general credence The Patt bosses declare that their men endeavored prevent the introduction of the Tammany machine into the department There IS every reason believe that this is true for Van Wyck has replaced Phillips and Hamilton with two Tam many Republicans
 Nor IS the quarrel likely to end here. Governor Black, Platt Republican, is talking about "remov ing" Van Wyck It appears that the charter of Great CT New York invests him with some such power. The immediate result however, has been to completely disorganize the New York Police Department Chief Mccullough has been dismissed and the heads of eral of his captains are on the block The entire force are now engaged, in maintaining the law and pre- serving the peace but in running about to the 'pull' necessary to keep their places. There is no confidence in civil service rules at such crisis But it appears that the Governor may suspend Van Wyck No such authority exists under the charter pending in this city Here if the Mayor elected under the in strument were to two Police Commissioners who refused give all the places the Sullivan fac ton of the local Democratic party power earth could menace him. Indeed, the Mayor is the only official of proposed charter for whose removal or no provision has been made.