New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-07
TAMMANY AND THE SCHOOLS
THE MAYOR HAS NO POWER OF
REMOVAL.
PowER-IT CAN BE PASSED ONLY By
PLATT-TAMMANY DEAL-MEMBERS
OF THE BOARD OF EDUcA-

We Inc bOhND VT EbbNH
TON NOT ALARMED.
The latest move in the game which Tammany
Hall is playing to secure possession OF the New
York Board OF Education indicates that the plan OF
getting rid OF the present Commissioners through
the Mayors alleged power to remove them has been
abandoned. The first bill introduced In the Assem-
bly, by the Democratic leader. Mr.. Donnelly, pro-
vided for extension OF the Mayors power OF
removal to cover all members OF Boards of Educa-
tion and OF School Boards In the enlarged city.
1t is understood. however. that Tammany has no
present intention OF changing the school admnistra-
ton In Brooklyn. Still. II the bill should become
law it Is not unlikely that several members OF
the Brooklyn Board would soon be forced out. or
course this bill cannot be passed except by an open
combination between the Plat Republicans ana
Tammany. The introduction OF It signifies that
deal may be under way Complete evidence will
be afforded II the bill receives majority in both
houses. After that II will have TO go to the Gov
ernor, and many people doubt II he could find any
plausible excuse for signing measure the purpose
OF which is to throw the schools OF the metropolis
into the hands OF the corrupt and constituencies
gang OF politicians In control here.
Members OF the Board OF Education are not great
ly disturbed by the latest development They look
upon 1t a confession on the part of the Wigwam
leaders that power Of removing them exists
under the charter. and they have yet to be con-
WINGED that a bill OF this kind can be TANNED
they DO not believe Governor Black will sign it,
II seems hardly possible anyway. that this BILL
although II Is first on the calendar In the lower
house. be made a law before February l. and
there is question whatever that the Mayors
power Of removing the School Commissioners-K
there be any such power-ceases on that da;e AL
that time the existing Boards OF Education in Man
haitian Bronx and Brooklyn will be transformed
into School Boards. and Section IS OF the charter
expressly says that members OF School Boards shall
not be liable 10 removal. II this bill is forced
through the Legislature the Job will have 10 be done
NJ railroad speed after work is resumed in Albany
next Wednesday. and with the present alignment OF
parties in the Assembly there likely TO be seri-
delays. Assuming that IT passes. there Will
have TO be hearing before Mayor Van Wyck Or
course, the Mayor would jump at the opportunity
OF approving such a measure. but AFTER lis return
to Albany the Governor would have TO be reckoned
with. That all this can be done before February Is
It follows therefore. tina. the Tammany plum
derers who determined TO seize thlng they
can possibly lay their hands on have come TO the
conclusion that they cannot strain the charter so as
to GO. the School Commissioners out OF office by me
decree OF Mayor Van Wyck That conclusion was
arrived at reluctantly and after painful efforts TO
twist the desired meaning out of me charier. Il
was carefully considered at Lakewood when me
Croker sour was hggs ana a Sed last G' s
day. at which final action was taken ~ similar
CHEZ and the smaller chiefs decided that every one
OF the twenty-one members of the Board of Educa,
ton would have to 60. At that time they nad
secured opinions from certain Tammany lawyers to
the effect that the Mayor had the right OF removal
opinions OF equal greater weight had been OBJ
tanned il determined that 1t would be pest 10
trv ~ 20, bill through the Legislature as %
settle all doubt. This not a new plan. for the
idea had been suggested at Least three See sSs
Republican Boss had been arrived at In The mean ian
or three weeks will show. 1t is not without sig,
nifcance however that this was the very first bill
brought forward In the Assembly.
The members OF the Board of Education are pre-
pared to make fight against this bill and against
any attempt that may be made by the Mayor 70
"tirn them down" They receive no salaries for
the large amount OF valuable work which they per
form but they believe that important principle IS
AZ stake and that the welfare OF the schools VIII Do
iniurousy affected II the Tammany plan is sue