New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-15
CoLER on THE ASSEMBLY.
THINKS 1T HAS ALTOGETHER TOO MUCH
POWER, AND SHOULD BE SHORN.
| s Golfer sworn

POWER. AND SHOULD BE sHORN.
Bird s. Coler sworn.
Mr. Clarke-Part OF your duties as Controller OF
ne City Of New York is to act as member OF
,so Of the Board Of Public improvements? A
Q-Now, will you describe to the committee how
,onds or public improvements are authorized to
ire 'i authorized by the sinking fund ~'''o " ''
9-Well leaving out the sinking fund bonds-th hte
20 to the Board Of Public Improvements, and then
ne from local boards, and then 10 the Board Of
Public Improvements, and then TO the Municipal
Q-They don't go through the Board OF Estimate
I'D Apportionment? Al mean the Board d., OF
improvements, the Board Of Estimate and Appor-
Authorized By the great Board OF Pubic IMPROVE
apartments Of city government. some fifteen in
aumber? A.-The Mayor. Controller and Corpora
o-And from that they go to the Board of EST s.o
nsmrs the aTor Gfn Counsel Cone
troler. President of the Council, and who Is the
Nth one? .A.-The president Of the Board OF
Q.-That Board is the great Board through whose
lands all questions of expenses of the city CO. they
make up the budget and have entire control Of all
expenses Of the city, don't they? A-Yes. sir
he Municipal Assembly, and they are required to
BASS there by three-quarter vote? A.-Yes. sir.
ordnance or resolution involves the expenditure
II money. the laying Of assessment, or granting
franchise. the votes of hree-tourths of all mem
?ers elected 10 each house shall be necessary to It's
'aessage? A;1Yes sir. cha, % 10 t,o nrov,s,on
snder which the Municipal Assembly acts? A
Yes sir.
POWERS CONFERRED BY CHARTER.
Q-The provision giving the Municipal Assem-
BY share in the authorization Of debts and Issue
haTt S4' A IN se SIR RTo'iS'on mace O the s'e"
,Q-There was no such provision In the consoh-
a he nj
Q-Under the old Consolidation act the powers
u the Municipal Assembly. which was then
Soard Of Aldermen, were extremely limited. as
,,Q-From time to time. through the history Of
me. city the powers OF the Board Of Aldermen
$50 that they were finally reduced practically
,orma upon the tax rate and the ordinary small
or stands 85o, S ana things Of that kind? Yes
do you recall the report Of the Commission
Witch formed the Greater New.York Charter, in
ossn constructed upon the principle that ii is ex-
G2 1t to cob give to the city al the
Sn mas aGeSEdngy conferred upon the MUNICIPAL
Wbjects of the municipal Jurisdiction The ex-
ent and variety OF its powers, well as its size:
Importance. With view of self-development the
commission has intrusted the new city with a
md tunnels under all waters within its domain,
% build docks and improve the harbor OF the en-
public buildings to open streets and extend them.
. provide water and also the means Of securing
t , railways between all parts OF the great me
tI.opolis The city, as the Commission has con;
sututed y, has within itself all the elements and
yOSrrs OF normal growth and development. max
SS m be 10 Of Se State for edd
lanai Dnal powers. serious evil. and In the past me
ssried and even complex as they necessarily are.
Sni when scrutinized, be seen TO be no greater
nan the city requires and TO be almost legislative
hhGIlpslties Of England ard Europe as well as Of
a country, constantly exercise" DO you recall
regard 70 the ' Municipal Assembly? Al have
'0nie recollection Of 1t; yes. sir
MIR. CoLER LAUGHS.
,o-Agan. "the Municipal Assembly through
me sne various boroughs and in every part Of the
NY do you recall that phrase?
,Q-Now In your judgment-no. / won't ask that
aSw CThe witness laughed)
Communications TO the Municipal Assembly on the
question Of bond issues. has he not? Ayes sir;
VIII read the TO the of
The MuneipS G' & &, snn 1'O transmit herewith
! statement showing the large number OF bono
4pDortionmentAe and forward m it to the Municipal
assembly for its approval and concurrence. ana
WI come later) One contractor whose claim is
ysyaDie from the proceeds OF these ponds-VWhlt a
lsid before the Assembly shortly after the dates
or 81 their adoption. as just given. and both are
flll Enacted upon. One contractor. whose claim
3 payable from the proceeds OF these bonds, has
brought suit against the city for s2JS Ses 0thet
sois are threatened, and will end In Judgment
sgsinst the city payable from tho judgment iund
which which Is raised by taxation; Thus, the unneces-
fry delay Of action by you In these two instances,
unless promptly corrected. will Increase next year
ss levy 10000 and unless other PROPOSED lss Soe
are speedily disposed OF the Increase VIII be slUo-
~ This Is entirely aside from the fact tnai ana
soiy action this matter is delaying needed pun
tc works and embarrassing the city aHsirs, ana
prompt remedy Is required j therefore recon-
nend that the bond issues before you receive I'M
mediate consideration, and that you con!Inue ~
tession from day to day until these matters are
Twfully disposed Of. Robert A. van "Nh
lie subsequently sent another message on the