New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-04-14
4 NEW Use FOR Az INVESTIGATION.


The war between Boss Murphy and Mayor
Mcclellan takes curious turn in the Mayors
request that his administration be investigated
The step which he has taken is commonly
interpreted as a cruel blow 10 Mr. Murphy.
Though just bow Mr. Murphy. who hasn't any
fhing 10 do with the local administration will
suffer from an investigation isn't clear. unless
81 be IN having his 'hluff called" That indig-
nifty must be almost as painful as losing a
pier or two! We do not want to be understood
as implying that the Mayor should not have
the pleasure Of calling Murphy's bluff and
getting himself investigated. BY no means
If this new and improved Tammany for which
both are contending must, like Cansar's wife
Dc above suspicion, why, certainly, let us prove
& above suspicion and give it a certificate
% Character The Mayor and his friend. Mr.
Fsntherson, clearly have in their minds eve
much better Tammany Hail I'm the reformed
ana regenerate organization they are aiming
at than we had given fhem credit for We
ake on our hats 10 the truly good Tammany!
II is 10 be an organization 10 which no one can
appeal who cannot stand Investigation. nav
indeed, who does not court investigation. II
fwo men strive for its leadership. they will in
Eist on their own investigation-eac calling
me others blum'-as the prime essential of
their candidacy, and both offer themselves 10
coats OF whitewash after the manner of the
ancient Romans when seeking Office. Under
no other conditions VIII the regenerate SHOWS"
consider them as possibilities, fearing To com
promise themselves by supporting the lnin-
Testigated. This Is all SO strangely different
from the Tammany we are all familiar with
that Il Is hard 10 realize the dawning era. Here
sof0re Iammany has viewed investigations
hsAanee we cannot recall boss who. on
Tie principle that the boss OF Tammany must
oe AAe Naesars wife. went about craving an
Investigation OF himself Nor even n distric.
fsader who begged 10 be investigated. Nor a
Mayer who demanded a commission Of ino,,,rv
IRON Albany. As for the rank ana file ~ nottx,
ofhcebosders who make up a great organiza-
1lo2 we have a distinct impression thar they
are eTcn yet sufficiently uaregenerate TO 70.
vols az the thought of Investigations.
But though the Mayor is put into the Dosi-
ton o. calling the blur OF a discredited boss
~ asking for this investigation. the REQUEST has
us serious side. We do not believe in incessant
Investigations We ought 90 be able n condvct
the government on the understanding thar a ley-
isafive Investigation, instead OF being n mart ~
fhe regular machinery OF administration. Is only
capital recourse. There are legislative in.
EoSugatiOns going On a good deal OF the time
nearly everywhere In the country, and they ara
a confession that the regular machinery Of
government 100 frequently fails. We are GET.
ilns the investigation habit--sO much so that
low an Investigation IS 20 be used TO can q
political bluff! and, while Il may he nee
ossaIy habit, Ike having the appendix cut out
g is not q Desirable habit
Tho Mayor has ample powers under the char
ter; why shouldn't he be able 20 govern the
city without the aid OF q legislative invest.
eating c0mnlissions He can remove nearly
every head OF a department ana he has bis
80. .n2ulsitors TO sec that his appoIntees "a