The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-03-17

NEW YORK, March 16.-The existing
charter of the city of New York provides
in Section 306 that no policeman shall be
permitted to contribute to any political
fund or to join any political club or
any club or association intended TO affect
legislation for or on behalf OF the po-
lice department, or any member thereof
or to contribute any funds Tor such pur-
pose" A similar provision III Section 49,
deals with the case of firemen.
This law has been on the statute books
for some years, and has, SO far as l
know, been generally approved. 1t has
been considered a wise law; first, for the
citizens. because it tends TO Keep TINS
class of otfice-holderS {Who have great
opportunities for petty annoyance out OF
politics: second. because 1t protects the
men from being compelled TO pay pollt-.
icaI assessments under the name OF .cllip
dues" The late commission, III revising
the CITY Charter recommended that this
provision be extended so as to embrace
not only members of the uniformed
force, but also the Commissioner and
Deputy Commissioners. They also recon-.
mend that this should be further. extend.
ed SO as to embrace the members OF the
Health and STRENGTHENING Departments
and (in Il milder form the teaching ana
Supervising staff in the Department of
Education.
If the provisions of the existing statute
are wise for the police and fire depart
mcnts, they would seem to be equally
wise for the Health Department ana the
Street Cleaning Department, for these al
so have numerous uniformed employees
who come in daily contact with citizens,
and who can, if they choose. exercise u
most oppressive sort of petty tyranny.
SCHOOI-T TEACHERS LOBBY.
The case of school teachers is even
palmer. for their position gives them con-
slant opportunity to exercise without oe-
lection the most obnoxious form or "a
voritism. Not long ago 1t was reported
that the teachers of certain Schoo!s III
BROOKLYN had sent around petitions py
the pupils TO be signed by the parents,
asking that the Davis law in relation 70
teachers. salary should not be repealed.
What would dare TO reuse TO SiSh SUN a
a paper when sent to him in that way:
The ;nnrorriety of such a thing was 50
gross that it was stopped by the teach-
ers themselves. but it serves to illustrate
what might be done.
Consderahl opposition to these pro-
posed changes, and, indeed TO the exist
ing pro- isions TO law TO winch L nave
referred, have recently developed amonS
members of the labor unions IN the CITY
of New York. The objections seems 70
be based not so much upon the prohlbi-
ton against joining political CLUBS as
against the provision restraining the Oh
tice-holders III question from assoclauns
TO influence legislation; and 1t is SAID
that they are thus prevented from COM
bjring TO better their condition
or course, the proposed statute would
not prevent such employees from compin-
Ing for any other purpose than TO al
feet legislation," and s a matter OF TACT.
there are in all the departments aSsocla-
tons of the employees. There is no sooo
reason why they should not associate
for most purposes. but the moment they
combine to influence legislation that
moment they become, of necessity, poll
teal machine.
OFFICE-HOLDER PROTECTED.
There is not the least fear that the
interests Of the city employees Will be
overlooked in the Legislature They form
too powerful body to be overlooked by
either political party. 1t is the silent
nnblic at large that needs protection IN
This regard. and most of all, it Is the
vace-earners. The employees OF TINS CITY,