The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-07-31
The Mazet Committee and the Charter

When the special committee appointed
by the Assembly to inquire into the en-
forcement OF law in New York city sus-
pended its sessions in June, it adjourned
until Aug. /. In advance of that date there
has been an expression OF the usual differ
ences Of opinion as to the political useful
ness OF protracting at this season the
labors Of the committee.
Those who would like to see taclt aban-
donment Of the inquiries previously begun
o brief August session and an adjournment
until November or later-profess to be
skeptical about the political benefits to be
derived by the party responsible for the
existence OF the committee, which in this
base was the Republican majority in the As
bembly. They point out that much Of the tes-
bimony adduced is monotonously technical
Ind OF no general public interest !; that much
bf it reveals conditions of life and affairs
which. II not inevitable in all great cities,
ARE popularity supposed to be so, and that,
as there is no election this year for Gov
ernor or State Senators and none for
Mayor, the responsible appointing official,
the prosecution Of such inquiries as those
made under the direction of the commit
tees counsel, Mr.. Moss and Mr.. CLARKE,
can serve no immediate purpose Of real
public benefit. They recommend prompt
adjournment and early dispensing of the
committee
On the other hand, 1t Is held that all con-
alterations OF sound policy are against
such an adjournment. The present charter
s.not an harmonious arrangement Of the
views as to city administration OF the rep
resentatives Of either party, but Is a
mosaic Of compromises between gentle
men representing almost irreconcilable
differences. 1t has been In operation nearly
two years without any change. That it Is
defective in some parts, notably that de-
flning the powers OF the Municipal Assem-
bly,, is generally conceded. Tho fact that
with the assent Of the city administration
the aid OF the courts had to be invoked
to secure relief from ono OF tho charters
most fragrant imperfections, Is corrob-
Grafton OF this view.
In Difference to the high character,
public spirit and useful labors OF the
gentlemen constituting the Charter Com
mission. two successive Legislatures have
refrained. from amending the new char.
ter in order to give it "a fair trial =
but this abstenton Is not intended to be
perpetual, and it was not recommended
by the commission which framed the char.
ter. How otherwise, or better, it Is asked,
can the State Legislature become acquainted
with the imperfectons Of the city admins.
tration under the charter than through the
inquiries OF this special committee?
The November election OF this year will
be municipal contest for minor local Offices
including Assemblymen and Aldermen. II
the voters OF the city desire changes in the
charter, the time to mako known such
determination, under tho constitutional
scheme Of separate elections is this year
at the first municipal election succeeding
the formal adoption OF the charter. In 1900
local issues will DO wholly ovcrshadowed
no doubt. by tho UNNECESSARILY more inn
portant questions Of national policy In
volved in the Presidential campaign.
Moreover, radical changes in the charter
can be achieved only by the concurrent APP
proving ACTON ~ bo.h branches of the
Legislature and the Governor. The eloc.
tIon OF n Republican Assembly In November
is essential To such changes next year
Otherwise tho opportunity for changes will
be deferred until 1901, with no assurance OF
harmonious political relations between the
Governor OF the State and tho Legislature
at that time.
There Gro thirty-si1 Assembly districts
wholly or chiefly within New York county
In six OF these Republican Assemblymer
were elected last year; in two Republicans
were elected through Democratic factiona
defectlons, and in twcnty-eight the Tam
many candidates prevailed. II, IA Is al
legged by those responsible for the appoint
ment of this committee of inquiry. one Of
y