New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-11-01
THE CHARTER ACCORDING TO CROKER.

In making up their minds how to vote the
peop|e Of this city should not forget the safe
guards which are thrown about them by the
charter TO protect them from unbridled Tam
many msrule. Mayor Van Wyck was elected
last year by n minority vote owing to division
among his opponents. That good majority of
the people here do not like Tammany rule there
can be no doubt. and If this year the question
should be frankly presented of giving Tam
many not merely limited control under the
charter. which, great as 1t Is. Is still limited
but full power to rule the city under regua-
tons of its own making the vote would be
overwhelmingly against any such surrender.
People endure Tammany because they feel that
IFS rascalitics cannot go beyond certain point
without bringing the officials so fagranty in
conflict with the law that notice will be taken
of II and a reform Instituted. But II they felt
that they were really putting themselves in the
power Of a despotism which could make It's
own laws TO suit its own rascalties there would
be an entirely different feeling, even among
Democrats who usually support Tammany can
dldates because Of party loyalty. quieting their
consciences by the thought that no government
is perfect
Rnt though this phase of the campaign has
most important issues which the voter should
consider. The question really is whether Tam
many shall be freed from the restraints OF the
charter and licensed 10 follow its own sweet
will in managing the affairs of the three mill
ion people under It's sway, or be held within
decent limits If Richard Croker can succeed
in STRENGTHENING Robert \. Van Wyck by put
ting Augustus Van Wyck in the Governors
his power in this city will be practically I'M
limited. Any provision of the charter which
stands in the way of any Tammany scheme can
be repealed. and new privileges can be granted
as occasion may require. The Brooklyn people
who are already complaining that Tammany
does not live up to the spirit OF the charter In
regarding their rights may soon find that they
have no ca rter rights TO be regarded. Charter
doctorlng will have full sway and II will be that
worst kind of charter dOctOring, which occurs
when the lawmakers and the law administrators
are bound together in a close corporation sub
ject TO one mans will. Mr. Croker can ex-
tend powers Of removal and can the State
government TO protect his local agents against
any Interference with Illegal acts by the gu
perior State authorities Imagine the charter
transformed TO read like this:
Chapter ~ Section o. Any public officer
| holding office by appointment from Brother
| Robert. except members Of the Board of Edu-
cation and School Boards, and except also ju-
dcial officers for whose removal other pro-
vision is made by the Constitution may
| be removed by Brother Robert for cause, upon
charges preferred and after opportunity TO be
! heard. subject. however. before such removal
| shall take effect to the approval OF Brother
Augustus. expressed in writing.
Does anybody think that Brother Augustus
would stand in the way of any such removal
or would be slow in signing bill to allow
! Brother Robert similar power TO chop off heads
| in the Board Of Education and School Boards ?
knhen there is another section. which, in case
| Of Democratic success Will 10 all intcn,s and
| purposes, read Ike this:
| Chapter Y. Section I'D: Brother Robert may
| be- removed from office by Brother Augustus
| In the same manner as Sherirs. except that
Brother Augustus may direct the inquiry pro-
| vIded by law 10 be conducted by the Attorney
| General and, after the charges have been re-
ceived by Brother Augustus. he may. pending
the investigation suspend Brother Robert for
| n period not exceeding thirty days.
Does anybody think that any mnlfeasance on
Brother Roberts part would ever induce