New-York tribune., 1899-02-22
FORD DEFIES THE CAUCUS
HE DECLARES HE WILL NOT VOTE FOR
THE POLICE BILL.
OPPOSED TO IT AS LONG AS GOVERNOR
CAN REMOVE POLICE COMMIs-
sIONER sUMMARILY.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. J

fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNrl
Albany Feb 21-lt now looks as II there
would be no hearing the New-York Police
Department bill tomorrow Elihu Root has
sent word that he cannot be here TO make
speech In behalf Of the measure this week
Meanwhile the bill is in danger OF defeat un-
less It IL amended by the cancellation OF the
section which gives the Governor authority 10
remove the Police Commissioner with or "ith-
out notice. Senator Ford tonight made the
positive statement that he would not enter
Republican caucus on the measure II this pro-
vision was left in the bill. Senator CoggeshaH
is believed to have taken the same stand. II
So there are not enough Republican votes 10
pass the bill Senator Ford says he would enter
the caucus il the bill We're made TO apply to the
other cities OF the State. but this is not likely
to happen.
81 favor a single headed Police Commission
for the city Of New-York" said Senator Ford,
"and the Bureau Of Elections should be sepa-
rated from the Police Department. but shall
never vote for bill giving the Governor OF the
State power to remove at pleasure and without
cause shown. the head Of the Police Department
Of my city. The right of local self-government
is one the people have won for themselves
through centuries Of struggle and sacrfc" from
stitution. our institutions are founded upon
those that grew up in England. There was 10
phase Of local self government which was con-
tended for more strenuously or persstenuy than
that which is assailed in the so-called ponce
bill introduced by Senator Raines.
1T strikes at the fundamental rights Of my
constituents. nv locality and my city cannot
vote for II in its present form without lettering
INV intellect and violating my conscience. Tn
less we are prepared 10 concede that popu'ar
government is A failure. We must assume that
that government which the people vote INTO
mower ia the best government for them, and IT is
inane and absurd to attempt 10 force upon any
neonle a better government than they desire or.
more accurately speaking. government which
only a minority Of the people want or believe in.
In my opinion. every locality should be left Tree
70 work ont its own salvation in governmental
affairs When the people OF the city Of New
York want a government different from that
which they have. the power lies within them
selves 70 secure II. and they will secure It In
their own good time Meanwhile Am going 70
assume that the government which exists with
their consent is the best possible government
for them. and my face shall be ever set against
unwarrantable interference with IT on the part
OF the State Executive.
MY home is IN New-YOrk city. my frends
are there. my professional future IS there; II u
a good and lovely place In which to live the
property and personal rights OF It's citizens are
well protected II is the weathiest most re-
fined most progressive city on the American
Continent 7 cannot subscribe 10 the proposition
that It is a slnkhoe OF vice and crime. and IN
capable Of self-government There is no justin
cation for singing It out as the one city whose
people must be divested Of their most sacred
right Of local sef-gOvernment.
but am told that shall be forced into
caucus upon this bill and that ! will be
traitor 10 my party if ! refuse to bow down 10
the caucus decision To that answer that there
is no reason or justice in expecting me 20 ehser
caucus NJ the twenty-seven Senators compris-
ing the majority in the Senate, twenty-three or