The New York Herald Newspaper, February 19, 1873, Page 4

THE STATE CAPITAL. 3 —_—_—_— ‘ The Charter and What the Gov- ernor Will De About It. The Aldermen to Nominate and » the Mayor to Confirm. A Double Track Scheme for the Central Railroad. EXCITING SCENE IN THE SENATE. The Threatened Investigation of Erie Legislation Creates a Stir. “Credit Mobilier” the Among State Senators. ALBANY, Feb, 18, 1873, . The anxicty that has been displayed during the Past few days by the majority in reference to the charter, and which, ag 1 explained in my letter of last Saturday, was cre@ted by the fact that it had waked out that the Governor was totaly oppesed to THE APPOINTING POWER FEATURB of the bill, has in nowise subsided, But the leaders have one consolation left, and that is that the Gov- ernor ig said to be taverable to the idea of giving the Board of Aldermen the power ef appointment aim the Mayor the power of confirmation. They claim that they have no wish to get into a growl with the Executive ever the matter if they can help it, nor do they wish to be compelled to carry the bill over his veto, as they feel they have the power to do if he should make up his mind to fight regardiess of consequences. It is but fair to state, however, that THE GOVERNOR HAS NO INTENTION TO ACT “UGLY,” as the siang of the lobby hag it, and that he is as anxious to do the best thing possible under the circumstances, and will not stand in the way of the majority simply because he may happen to differ with them on ceftain minor matters in the charter. It need not be surprising, thereiore, if, When the bill is put wpon its. final passage, the appointing power should be vested in the Board of Aldermen and the power of confirmation in the hands of the Mayor, thus reversing the present order of things a8 established in the act, Iheara greut deal of talk to-day avout combivations among the Repub- licans to defeat the bill, provided THE CUSTOM HOUSE does not make certain people sce things in a dif- ferent light by the proper appliances, but there is very little foundation in fact for all the stories afloat in this respect. Indeed, I do not believe, as matters now stand, that the first effort has been made on the part of any republicans to make up @ “gang” to be “seen’’ at the proper time, in order that harmony shail at least seemingly prevail among the faithful. . THAT CENTRAL, RAILROAD BILL. The bill authorizing the New York Central and Hudson Ratiroad to lay two additional tracks from Albany to Buffalo was called up to-day in conven- tion of the whole of the Assembly by Mr. Pierson, who did all that he could by facts, figures and clo- quence to show that the bill ought to meet with no opposition. A member from Rensselaer county the frst to offer any amendment to it. It was that THE COMPANY SQUID TAY FIVE HUNDRED THOU- SAND DOLLARS to the general school fund for the privilege of obtaining the franchise. The amendment was lost by a vote of 27 nays to 11 yeas, probably on account of another amendment made by Mr. Lincoln, of ‘Ontario, that if $500,000 were to be expended in auy way if, should be paid not te the school fund, but to the Legislatare. No direct vote was taken on this amendment, however, but itis more than probable that A GENERAL DISTRIBUTION OF CENTRAL RAILROAD SCRIP will have to be scattered around rather lavishly, school fund or no school fund, before the bill goes through just as Mr. Vanderbilt wants it. There is no mistaking this, as every. amendment suggested Biter the school fund suggestions had been rejected ‘was adopted. Olle ainendment was “nothing more nor less than THE PRO-RATA FREIGHT BILL of last year, at least its main features were all con- tained in ti® amendment. It was adopted bya vote of 46 to 25. Another was mude by Mr. Bab- cock, of Niagara, compelling the company to build an additional track irom Rochester to Suspension Bridge, thus making that branch of the roada double’ track route. Under the circumstances tt need not be wondered at that Mr. Pierson had the bill progressed. . THE WAY THE “BOYS! WENT FOR THE BILL indirectly by tacking such terrible ‘‘rifers’ on to it was an indication of a yearning spirit which the Central Railroad magnate will fully understand. It was nothing more nor less than a hint for the company to do the square thing by them. Doubt- less when the bill comes up again there will be no trouble about it; for it is not probable that ita friends will move it again before their iorees are in readiness and the yearnings of the hungry ones have been satisfied. The Senate was the scene of ® most startling de- bate to-day. It grew out of Senator Johnson's oe last week, jor an investiga- tion into MEANS USED TO INFLUENCE LEGISLATION for the repeal of the I.rie Classification act in the inter of 1872. It had been whispered about for ie days that fun would ensue when that resolu- tion was called up. Senators said little, but the lobby nearly cracked its sides over the joility that was coming. Carey lost his clerical cut at thought of it, and George O’Jones shook his paunch in joy at the very anticipation. Well, it was called up to- day, and the joy and laughter were pretty well mixed with tears and swearing. The gatleyes were filled by the best known representatives THAT BRANCH OF INDUSTRY CALLED LOBBYING. Jones and Carey sat side by side, with their shoulders over the railing like two welt-conditioned bull frogs on a | Daniel D. Conover, kate Presi- dent of the New York Board of Aldermen, with his gray mustache stiMy waxed, hung about the gates of the gallery, waiting fof an invitation to emer into the charmed Senatorial circle, while OLD MRS. CHAMPION, THE POOR “LITTLE MISS FLITE”! OF THE SENATE, whose Doon beauty has faded and youthful strength been wasted in that same | ated 4 for the last forty years, hoping in vain until her bili for the amount due her as owner and holder of the ground ‘on which the ¢apitol is built, shall be called and Pienaar orc hopefully every ef to hear jt on general orders—asking cheerily aad brightly on every renewed visit if “my bill bas come up yet’—poor old lady, grown old with the Capitol itself/—she too was there, as always, and listened with happy interest to the stirring: discus- sion that ensued. The business had been on the question of the appointmest of a griuding com- mittee, and seme very good debate ensued on that, so that the Senate was just LUBRICATED ENOCGH TO CARRY ON THE ERIE DI3- CUSSION without creaking. This resolution was carried, and Mr. Johnson, who represents Ontario, Yates and Seneca counties, rose and calied from the table his resolution im reiation to the Erie Com- pany, presented last week. senator Jarvis Lord, a strong, old-fashioned democrat, who represents Monroe county and hails frem Rochester, immediately rose and said he would. like the resolution provided ke ceuid not get a better one, buf in hopes of wetting @ vetier one he presented the fellowing substitute, SENATOR LORD'S SUBSTITUTE. Whereas it has been alleged and charced that the ghange of directors and removal of officers of the Erie Railway Company. in the month of March last, was erected and ‘produced by corrupt means, to induce them to aid in removing the officers; that to this end and in consideration of the money paid some of the directors resigned to allow others to be appointed ig their ; that some of the said directors, for lil consideration, to remove the then otticers a elect er ones, h had oe yo Len TR peers mone: corr roe what was ‘known aa Clagsitteation act an w election of directors; thatthe Attorney Gen- he State was empiayed to aid in the accomplish- this purpose, and to that end LJ sums of inte his hands upon the pretence of re- the com. r eral ment of *y ney were taining him a counsel for the stockholders ot enable him to retain gther counse| gislative Committee, and t * the company in litigation that was cted and contemplated; that the Attorney aid Ae part of such money to the | Spealsr of the House of Assembly; that other large sums were aid out by him to persons unknown to Influence legis- jation; and whereas said money was taken uniawfully froin the treasury of said railroad company: and where asitisalso charged that the newly. directors of thy Eric Railway unlawlully settied a large claim fgainst Jay Gould, and, in doing so, violated ther dutics ‘ani compounded ‘a, telony mitted by Gould while President of said road; therefore, Resolved, That it be reterred to the Judiciary Commit! tee to investigate the transactions connected with the yemoval of suid officers and change in the direction alleged to have been com: | ConA any: Gouid, eed ts compound any offesce Witch the ead: Gonia we fed of having ¢ feomnmai ties was ag ye ing committed, and said cou: report to the stature with ail convenient despaich the requit of the investigation, with the testimony that may be take what legi: se! di any, is necessary to remedy any -evils that tay be discove: and that the committee have power to send for persons and papers, Senator PALMER suggested that the inquiry ought to go back to ‘THE ORIGINAL CLASSIFICATION ACT, tesee how inuch moncy was expended in its pas- sage, and also how much was expended in the effort last Winter to prevent its repeal. The ple of the State had protested strongly against the classification act, Senator MappeN, who ig chairman of the Com- mittee en Kailroads and 1s rather too trascible for comiort, rose in @ fury gnd declared that the origina} classification act was THE GREATEST BOON the people could have had. Children might have been soothed to sleep by a recital of its beneficent qualities, Itsaved Erie trom that curse of rail- roads—a sudd@-n change of directors. The injernal coup @cat of last Spring was an outrage and & crime, led ay a United States Minister at Madrid, whe should have been at his post. Jay Gould and those associated with him were the best managers the road ever had. ERIE MIGHT BE A IN WALL STREET, but it was a great highway ot incalculable benefit to the people living along its line. PaLuegr (interrupting)—Is it any benefit to the stockholders 7 MappgN—It has no stockholders, sir—they are stock-jebeers. tut in reterence to this resolution. We want to teach State officers, from the Governor dewn, that they must keep their hands off legisla t It tg nove Of Our business how Jay Gould was settied with. If money were used to influence leg- islation them I would favor an investigation. There never was anythi more infamous than the bill iutreduced here last Winter by the Senator from tne Ninth (Robertson). ROBERTSON (Springing from his seat)—What bill? Mappen—The bill that took the conduct of.trie affairs out of the hands of the Erie stockholders Pre eg caaiesti inspectors of election over their leads, RoBeRtson—I did not introduce the bill. Senator MADDEN was not to be calmed by any such asseverations oi innocence om the part of those whom he accused, and continued to the end of his flery harangue, beatifying Erie under the old managenfeat an scourging the new. Senator Lox, in his solid way, wanted to know how the squabble in Erie last Spring came abeut. In justiee to the Attorney General that was (Gen- eral F, ©, Barlow) and ex-Speaker of the Assembly, Henry Smith, who are implicated by these charges, he wanted the investiga:ion to go on. THR CHARGE WAS MADE broadcast that these s Featiomen received money in that transaction, and he believes they owned they did, THE VOTE. Senator Lord's substitute was then lost by . THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Arrinwative—Messrs, Baker, Bowen, Cock, Johnson: Lord, Ornrian, Perry, Scoresby, Tiemann, J. Wood and ‘oodin—I, Nugative—Messrs, Adams, Benedict, Chatfield, Dickin- son, Lowery, Lewis, McGowan, Maddén, Palmer, Robert- P, Wood and Weismann: Among those who DECLINED TO VOTE on the first call were Lewis and James Wood. On the*call of absentecs Mr. Lewis explained his vote ag being conacientiously opposed to legislating on the affairs of a company. The Hon. Jim Wood has a sort of nervous atiection ef the cyes, which keeps him continvally twitching and winking when he speaks and generally when he doesn’t. During the taking of the vote he lay back om his chair twitched his eyes as if he were taken with a violent thinking, and he thus let the first call tor absentees go by him. Beimg aroused finally by his brother senators, he arose slowly und said that he begged to be excused from voiing, as the resolution would have to come beiore him as chairman of the Judi- ctary Committee, 7 Mr. Woopin overcame his scruples, however, by announcing that he would ask to have it reierred to A SPECIAL COMMITTEE,’ and then the Hon. James voted “yea.” The count above includes this vote., THE ORIGINAL RESOLUTION then came up and halt @ dozen amendments were atonce tacked on to it, and Senators opposed to it began hurling imputations at everydody connected with it, The Sepate looked quite pugilistic at one time and at another QUITR FUNEREAL. Altogether it seemed to be a critical existence of some of tho houorabies, were greatly entertained. ¥ Senator Lowery, in a lull, finally STARTLED THE SENATE gy the following remarks :;— “Lhis resolution is + . & JOBBING OPERATION. ‘ It has been presented to a number of Senators for them to offer before it #zs fered here, I was myself shown it, or a transcript ef it, em Thursday last, by a gentleman who holds a high position in the Third House ot this Legislature. It is offered by such mea in order that an Opportunity may be afforded them to be ‘seen,’ ” Senator CaaTrieLD—Wi) yhe fquater tell us WHO 19 THE WAN? ~ Senator LowEry—I am coming to that. Thiese gentiemen of the Third House do not care avout reforming the attairs of the Erie Company. They care only about being “seen.” The gentieman who suggested the resolution to me is one of the chief among them, and his name is Jones! “George?” inquired sevefal Senators, “Yes, George,” replied the stern Roman from Oneida. “George 0!” ‘The effect was net 80 DISASTROUS ON JONES as might have been expected. He nodded gayly to the Senators who lovked ever in his direction, and waved his hand with an air of saying, “True, my dear iellow, perfectly true. I am not too proud to recoguize you, however.” Lowery con- tinued his TIRADE AGAINS? THE THIRD HOUSE 8o bitterly that Woopin took it up, and replied that he would introduce any bill if he thought it a goed one, no matter who suggested it, and Jonn- son declared tiat, as to being seen, he was there to be seen, for he had nothing to hide. “No mem- ber ofthe lobby,’ said be, “ever saw the bill I have presented, or ever suggested that I present it. My constitueacy, who are oppressed by the ex- actions of this Erie monopoly, have dgmanded it, a for their sakes I present i. THE RESOLUTION THAT WAS ADOPTED, Mr. PALMER offered a substitute as foliows:— Whereas it is alleged that large sums of money have been paid out of the treasury of the Erie Raiiway Com- any as counsel fees or for other services connected with ts interests pending before the Le; of and especially in proeui ng the repeal of the act commonly Known as the classification ct; and whereas Kets tur: Beret in the ‘he galleries ther alleged that li money were ora = be Oy ae Syherene i islaleg arged that chan; Femoval of oflicers of the Erie Raila Company ia the month of March last was effected and produce rupt means; thererore, esolved, ‘That a committee of five be appointed by the Chair to investigute the truth or falsity of such state- ments, with power to send for persons and papers, Puis resolution was adopted by a vote of 20 yeas to 3 nays, Benedict, Lord and Madden alone voting in the negative. Nine Senators were absent. by cor- Henry Bergh’s Bill in Committee of the Wholec=A Favorable Considcration— The Seventh Regiment Armory and the Changes in the Original Pla ALBANY, Feb, 18, 1873. Henry Bergh’s bill for the further prevention of disease and cruelty to animals was discussed in Committee of the Whole in the Senate this even- ing. Each section was warmly @ontested by the New York members, except Weismann, wro is chairman of the Committee on Public Health, but the members from the provinces seem to RANGE THEMSELVES eee AGAINST THE CITY and Henry Bergh, seated in the gentlemen’s gallery, just behind Senator J. Wood, who had charge of the bill, kept him well up to the duty of rendering the brute creation happy, and the bili was Snally accepted, pretty much as it was pre- sented. It increases the power of the Society for the Prevention ot Cruelty to Animals, and reuders Bergh almost sapreme over horse car passengers, pigeon shooters and horse owners. It was finally reported to tue Senate and its passage recom- mended, ° The Committee on Citics held a meeting this evening to listen to arguments for and against the bill alowjng THE SEVENTH REGIMENT to erect an armory in Reservoir square, Derman B. Eaten appeared for the regiment and delivered @ powerful address, showing the real advantages to be gained by giving the regiment the privilege asked for. He ceatroverted the arguments brought to bear by the few who oppose the bill in a way that had a good effect apparently upon the com- mittee, Messrs, Dimmick and Fitch argued against the bill, but instead of confining themselves to fact drifted into # nalfand-hai underhand abuse of nealied ier, It came 4 ¢ ig that THE PLAN FOR THE BUILDING OF THE ARMORY has been materialiy changed Jately in order to sult Squbre, ‘The change is ‘this; hat. ine 8 hat in- stead of making the building extend towards Sixth avenue it is to run its fullest length parallel to the Pe BS with an elegant entrance on Ferty- 01 reet, an open space of forty feet ou Fortieth and Forty-second streets Femetniog ateach end of the armory. This plan leaves 286 feet frontage of the Park ‘antouched facing Sixth avenue, Lge hein be will, therefore, not ob- e view of residents on an: The committee hold Ui scones Mee ANOTHER MEETING TO-MORROW to consider the subject. At present it stands a unit in tavor of the bill, the new pian having ap- parently disarmed the only infuentt arties who were uriginally opposed to the cree: ol an ar mgry QD We AUNT E>, THE CHARTER. MURMURS BY THE MAYOR. Mi. Havemeyer to the Com- mittee of Ssventy. His Objections to Several Provisions of the Proposed Organic Law of the City. Will the Republican Party Make Its Passage Impossible ? The following communication was presented at the meeting of the Committee of Seventy last night :— Seg Orrice, New Yorn, Feb. 18, 1873. |. Br . Chairman, and GENTLEMEN OF Upon intormation, the correctness of which has now deem established, | communicated to ‘you my fears that the Commattee on the Affairs ot Cities of the Assembly would favorably report a charter for New York, which, if it ‘became a law, would the wae wyee ae overnment Rocce 8 yet known. is report has maie2and not ony y tnauguracé have my worst aypronensicns with regard to (ts provisions been realized, but in most of its oxsential parts and spirit the proposed charter is a most aarets pieeee to rob the peovle of New York of the fruits of the succe-sive reiorn victories so signally and brilliantly won by them, (T now ask your attention to Bev oi the prominent features of this bill. Section 25 my “the Mayor shall nominate, and by and with the c sentof the Aldermen shail appoint, all heads of dep: menis, whether for (ull term or to “fill v 3; but no such nomination of a person to take the of an officer whose term is about to expire shalloe made more than thirty daysbetore the expiration of such term. When- ever the Mayor shall nominate any person to the Koard of Aldermen the latter shall act upon the noni nation, by voting to confirm or reject the same, the sume meeting at which such nomination is mad at the meeting next succeeding. If & nomination is hot finally acied upon at the mecting at which it is received, and if a meeting iy notto be regularly held within one Week theregiter, the President shail call 8 ing on two days" publig notice, an. n be'then aeted-upen, Ifa yuordm doe on hike notice, call other meetings until a quorum shal attend and the nomination be acted upon, if the Alder- men shall reject any person nominated by the Mayor P shall promptly noininate another person in the place on the one so rejec’ed, and continue so to nominate, until twenty days shall have elapsed n the case of the expiration ten days of the term spectively, ne e been made which shall have met the approval of the Aldermen, it shall be the duty ot the Mayor and Aldermen to mcet'in joint convention within four days theroatter, and by the votes of the majority of those present to make such appointment, In such con- vention the vote shall be cira voce,” It must be obvious to the dullest understanding that the above part of the twenty-fith soction fs a distinct and ve TRANSFER OF EXECUTIVE POWER tothe Board of Aldermen, thiniy covered, by allowing the Mayor to go throuzh the tarce of making nomina- tions for twenty days, whi be rejected, and then, 48a premium for such revection, to make the Board of Aldermen supreme in. the inting power by com- Pelling the Mayor to act with them asoue ol their number or ly. To secure this end it will not be necessary for tho Board ot Aldermen even to act upon any nomiiation by rejection; if @ suficient nuinber or the Board remain away trom the meetings to prevert a quorum during twenty days the saine end is accomplished as though the Mayor had not the power to nominate conferred upon It is needless to urge that the Board of Aldermen axe stich a power when. the oni: price for its possession is absence from its. mee! ings, and its members are thus relieved from even the slight responsibility of rejecting good nominations tor ublic offices, Remember that the oilicers who are thus Jo be appointed, without even a cull of the yous and nays, ave the heads of ail the executive deparuncnts of the elt departments, which, by successive legislation, culminat- ing in the 1871 amendments wo the Tweed charter of 1870, are mado independent of control by the very Council which 1s to appoint their chief officers. further remember that th made by this act, if poss a Common You will ese very departinents are to be still inore independent of con- than heretofore. You will still iuxther note that these of departments are, by a system of clamsifi keep continuous power, with but sli Ter, to year, by means of the follow! 01 poss quoted :— the heads of departments arst esaly + changes, trom part of the sec- ted after the passage of this act shull, except as herein otherwise ex- pressly provided. be mipointed for two, four and, six years, respectively.” And that when once appointed their Temoval can be accomplished only im the following cum- *ethe Heads ot department. and alt herel ¢ heads of department and all persons herein pro- vided to be fominuud by the Mayor and confiried by the Board of Aldermen, or appointed by the Ma Aldermen in Joint convention, may be removed by the Mayor with the concurrence of two-thirds of all the inem- bers elected and appointed to the Board of A dermen, Such removal shall only be made upon written chargen which ae ed reierre ihe Mayor or by a majorit: of the Board of lermen, ‘and = which shall show an intentional violation or neglect of duty on the part of the officer sought to be removed, or a phystea! or inental incapacity to perform his duties. Such ofticer shail have an opportunity to meet such charges, but from and after the preierrmyg of the same he may be juapended trom office by the apOr for the period of fr ty faye, pags she Same aalberore the exntr alt, He shall, however, be aed fed Si removed only’ in case the yor and two-thirds of the Aldermen shall find, and il by resolution declare that there is sufficient evi- ce of an intentional violation or neglect of duty, or of hysical or menval incapasity to periorm the duties of hie office.” You will thas realize that this act has for its main ob- Ject to give us an utterly IRKKSPONSIBLE CITY GOVERNMENT, and to prevent the peopie irom changing it by an upris- ing similar to that of 1871, whem such a goverement shail have produced its anevitable truits of corruption, neglect ot duty and misapp: i iation of public tunds. In my message, when I assumed my present office, I urged the necessity of aretorm, giving back tg the Com- mon Counei) the legisintive power which properly apper- tains to it, and stripping the departments of that indepen- dence which makes them separate and distinct govern- ments, In the place of this reform, however, the legis- lative’ branch of government 1s hot to Nave one jot or tittle added to its proper functiom What Is to be added to it: ts executive power, s0 that to the inharmonious government with which we are now afflicted, aud which presents the absurdity of frittering away the legislative powers among the ex- ecutive depariments, we are to have superadded the monstrosity of a legislative body exercising almost all the fanctions of the Chief Executive. The Board of Apportioninent, with all its anomalous owers, 18, of course, continued. Board of Appor- joument was created for the benetit and advantage of Tweed, Sweeney, Connolly and Hall. Before the time of its creation the ture, from year to year, enacted the city tax levies, and there’ is much ground tor beilev- ing that legislative corruption did, in the pa: tax levies, increase very largely our burdens. Iam therefore of opinion that this POWER OF RAISING OUR TAXES and determining their amount should be left to the citi- zens of the city of New York, who are to be affected by Mts exercise,, But where should it be lodged t hy in the Board of Aldermen, under the check of a two-th! or three-fourths vote, frequent elections, direct mediate responsibilit people, with the addi- of xecutive veto by the Mayor of tax levy. proj lodges this vast power in the fol- lowing officers:—“The Mayor, Comptroller, the President of Taxes Asseseme nis. o these four who ts directly responsible to the people is the Mayor, and so that he shall not incunveniently exercise his duties under the sense of this responsibility, it is pre- yided that the estimates shall Le made by but three of the four members of this Board. Section 117, which raises this Board of Apportionment, contains the following provision :— ‘The Board of Apportionment shall cause such provisional estimate, and the reasons for it in detail, to be laid before the Boara of Aldermen, whose duty it shail be carefully to consider and investizate the said’ provisional estimate, and the reasons assigned therefor, but such considera: tions and investigations shall not continue beyons fiteen days.“ Any objections to or rectitications of éaid pro- visional éstimate made by said Board of Alder- men, shall be made by said Bonrd in writing, a’ transmitted, by the clerk thereot to the oard of Apportionment, who shall proceed to the con- eration of such objections or rectifications, and atter ® Shoul the Board overrule the objections or suggestions made by the Bourd of Aldermen, the reasons for such action shall be publishéd in the City’ Record.” : This provision giyes to the Board of Aldermen the same semblance of Legislative power that section 25 gives of executive power to the Mayor, and is A MANIFEST SHAM todelude careless readers of the charter with the idea that this vast power of raising, levying and appropriating the taxes is surrounded with’ sume safeguard aad accom- nied by some check. The Board dermen, In@the i he said. provision: ct upon it, but tothe end that the Board of Ajpor- nent May overrule such objections as the Board of n may see fit to present to it in writing. ectionable amendment to which I drew The ver: ry ob) Jour attention in my last communication has also been incorporated, to of the power of 0-0 The one depriving the Comptroller we the amount of any salary of te departinent, or of questioning ee of the service clain ‘med. The criticism T then ional force trom the manifestly corrupt and partisan design of the whole instrument which is now betore me. ‘The spirit of mistrust and of narrow. partisan suspicion in which this charter was conceived is indicated b; various provisions, which, in themselves of not muc Importance, are so many’ keys to unlock its meaning. section 39 the Mayor is ent out trom the Department of Police as one of its members ex officio. Section re- duces the number ef patrolmen ander the direction of the Mayor from twenty (as at present) to six; and section 21 reduces the number of days during which the Mayor's ability, illness or absence may continue without the tor the Board of Aldermen becoming the de facto Mayor, from ten to five days. Now, It may well be asked, with what intent is a charter proposed to be enacted which Is suc 4 DRS OF RESPONSIBILITY that it, from aught that a cursory examination would de velop, would seem to be destructive of even political re- sponsibility? Where is the political head who, frotn all this chaos into which we are tobe thrown, is to secure Political advantages to the party which chooses to, be- come accountable for this iniquitous measure? It is (rue that the Department of Public Works, the most irrespon- sible, extravagant al e: ive i our departents, cunninaly contrived for Me. Feed, 4s tne Tunder ths charge of one man, with all its powers unimpaired; but the term of office is reduced to two years, and the Gom- missioner of Public Works ceases ( bea member of the rd of Apportionment. must, therelure, look for this politieal head in the officer whose duties, under the proposed charter, are in- creased, with the accompaniment of @ proportionate lessening of responsibility, and we find him in the Super- intendent of Police, The foliowing entirely néW pro- ns need scarcely a word of comment : receives adil. . tendent of Police to detail, on each day of election, at least two patrolmen to each election poll. Sec, 64, ~All matters connected with the detail, transfer and designation of police officers and policemen to duty, and all orders affecting said police racers and policemen It solely einanate from in the discharge of their d shal rintendent of Voli the Sul ‘See. the special ai | direction of A dgicctive not than thirty, which staff shall from time to time be ‘aclected acnrty ce and detailed for services con- with the ‘prompt detection of and in peaehremt of crime, and in such mode and manner as he said Superintendent of Folice may select and direct ; the sail se! to be of one captain (and one sergeant it deemed necessary) and the rest from patrolmen. Ske. 70,—The ba ‘intendent of Police, in addition to his other duties, shall, with the cogcurrence of the Board of Police, cause to be made and kept in each police pre- complete record ot ihe name, age residence of each inhabitant of hee Board of Police » and re 80 mae, it shail thereafter be the erintendent of Police to caus the same to be revised and correeved trom time to time in each year ashe may deem necessary, and to take all proper a Recessiry means to obtain and secure, throush the pa Wrolmen Of the precinets and the residents themselves, early and full information o. all changes ot residence and removals, so a8 to Keep said records as tull, complete and accprate as possible. While the Boaid would seem to have the. power to make nd regulations tor the police force, section 50 lim- ower toa “strict conformity to the provisions ot this article.” Therefore, the Superintendent has abso- Jute and sole control of the poils on the day of election, He controls, without power of inter/erence, the detailing, transterring and designation of policemen, he has abso- lute charge of whol 1 le detective force; he has the power of domiciliary vi: he n short, A POUCHE WITHOUT 4 NAPOLKON above him, a petty tyrant whose arbitrary power will make him in a short time, with a little management, the coutroiler of the disointed departinent this act or- fanized and the heads thereof. In short, in all proba- Hility, this city is, by @ series of petty annoyances, to have its political convictions changed, and @ minority party is by such means to be made a majority party through the instrumentality of the petty dictator thus to be raised. It requires but little political perspicacity to see who is intended to do this work. The imminent and almost disastrous character of the evil with which we are threatened induces me to sound this note of warning. Many ot my strictures might imply want of confidence in the-present Koard of Aldermen, and my cetraciors will also see in them @ personal de- sire to wield greater power tan the proposed charter is to grant me. jad the Legislature seen tit to clothe the legislative body of our city with legil- lative powers to make the yarlous* departments f ‘our city’s government subject to its control f moncy and the exercise of legis- reform would have had m; qualified support; but what is intended to be done ‘is to give to it executive powers without an executive's re- sponsibility; and sueh a grant of powers will corrupt any body of average men not specially selected with the view of Raving such power thrust upon them. It is almost needless tor mé to say that fam not ambitious for patronage, The few appointments in my gilt have since, and even betore my accession to the Mayoralty (an otfice I neither desired to have nor to hold) given me more annoyance than pleasure. A large addition to this power will produce, in all human probability, a largely increased result of the same character. But I have no right to conside: e fitness or unfitness of the present Board of Alder my own desires or wishes in the nic law, as the result of the reform two yeage, is proposed, and the qovement ot the pai true question is, 18 1 AN HONEST Law? Does it furnish the reform tor which our people have struggled and won victories, or is itan attempt of dis- houcst, coniriving politicians to cheat the people of the fruit of their labors? Leharge no political party with the proposed measure, as no political party, as cun be so Insensate as to believe that it cain’ aff come responsible for an act which, in its practical effects, Will increase the taxes of @ people whose income from real estate is alre idy almost hall contiscated by taxation toa point where it'may be wholly confiscated. In the face ot the awakened ‘public sentiment upon politica tions the political party which is willing to father Uwhich the Assembly Committee on Citles, with the honorable exceptions of Messrs. Blumenthal and Op- dyke, offer for the future government of our city, will merit and receive the contempt of honest men through- out the land, The name of a great party has been used in the fram- ing of this proposed law by men who the acei 7 local polities have made leaders for the mome L have teterred simply to the prominent o the proposed charter. Want of time has pre from dwelling upan its manifold minor detects, nted me When, by the tull discussion, which it is if your power 10 give to all the detects and’ iniqu ties of this proposed charter, the people of this city and U perpetrated, T doubt not that Mame the schemers who have ‘Will, 1 coniunetion with the poltiical opinions, make the passage impossible and properly punish ttiose who have endorsed and brousht {0 ty present stage of advancement asa legislative e very party in whose e this work have acted, citizens of all measpre. F, HAVEMEYER, REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE. es vine le IP The New Charter Endorsed—A Commit- tee to Attend General Grant's Inaugu- ration. ‘The Republican Centrat Committee met last night at Republican Hall, Mr, Hugh Gardner in the chair, Mr. George W. Lyons acted as secretary. There Was a large attendance, Prominent among those present were District Attorney George Bliss, Jr., John F. White, Jr., Congressman elect; John D, Lawson, Colonel Frank D. Howe, William Haw, Jr., Colonel Charies S. Spencer, Hon. Wiliam A. Dar- ling, Major Douglas Campbell, ex-Alderman Alex- ander Wilder and others, ‘The secretary read the minutes ofthe last meeting. ‘The stamding com- mittees were then announced as follows: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. i Dist. 1—John Robinson. 12—C. H. Southworth. 2-Henry G. Leask. 13—Charles 8. $—Thomas F. Geary. M—Jos. C. Pin 4—Charlk . Brackett, 15—Robert 8. 5—Abraham Lent. 16—Witliam 6—Kobert Moore, 17—B. 7—Jacob H. Gamble. i &—John N. Lanthie 9—George B. Dea 10—William H.rLock wood, M—George Bliss, Jr. FINANCE COMMITTEE. Marshal B. Blase, Williat ton. M, Haggerty. w 2i—Simon Seward, Faleoner, orge Opdyke, Fdmu phenson, aries V. Lewis, Frank E. Howe, 8. B. H. Vance, Mr. Waits, said the somewhat conspicuous po- sition which this committee occupied in the last canvass would make it appropriate if they would take part in the inauguration of General’ Ulysses 8S. Grant. (Applause.) He moved that a commit- tee be appeinted for that purpose—one from each Assembly district, The motion was carried, District Attorney BLIss moved to appoint @ com- mittee of seven on legislation, to be appointed by the Chair, Colonel SPENCER said that he hoped the present. Committee on Legislation would be continued, and made @ motion to that effect. It was carried. The CHATRMAN announced that he would soon appoint one member from each district on the In- auguration Committee, Coionel SPENCER moved that this, the Republi- can Central Committee, most heartily approve of the new charter as reported, He hoped they would profit by the lessons of the past. District Attorney Biiss said the charter had been erroneously reported in the Times. The charter really legisiated out of office every head of department. Colonel STENCER said he wished to add “that the committee earnestly hoped that all republican members of the Legislature would vote for it.” The motion was carried by acclamation. The names of tfe members of the committee which is to go to Washington to attend the inaugu- ration of General Grant were then suggested by the delegates from the various districts, Colonel Spencer, who is from the Thirteenth dlstrict, moved to appeint the Hon. Hugh Gardner as dele- gate from that district. (Laughter.) Mr. Wutre said he would make a motion to add the oilicers of the committee at any rate. The CHAIKMAN said that in that case Colonel Spencer could go. (Laughter.) Colonel SPENGER said he was going with a re- specta@le body of gentlemen, at any rate. ine joliowing are the members of the com- mittee :— Dist, 12—C, N. Southworth. 13—Charles ». Spencer. 4—Joseph C. Pinckney, 15—William 8. Murray. 16—William Laimbeer. B. F. Fluley. 18—N. M. Ruggles. 2—William A. Darling, 21—Samuel Luckey. ry ¢ 4 &—Matihew Davis, iMliam H. Gedney, 10—George 8. McWaters, 1i—Joun N. White, The committee then adjourned, NEW YORK CITY. “rhe third annual reunion of the Alumni Associa- tion of Bowdoin College will take piace on the 20th inst. at the Westminster Hotel. President Cham- berlain, Professor Longfellow and other distin- tinguished graduates have signified their intention to be present, The Inspectors of Buildings under Superiatend- ent Macgregor have been busily engaged during the past few days investigating the condition of buildings, Ng a and private, within the city limits, and in their last Le grand go dtes list of over thirty, including tenement and boarding houses, stores, factories and offices and hotels, all of which re- quire means of escape in case of fire. The safety of boilers, the construction of elevators and the nar- rowness of stairways have been especially ques- | tioned, and watchmen, detectors and alarms recom- mended in many instances. Fifteen sporting men from the Twenty-second ward were arraigned by Captain Killalea, of the Twenty-second precinct. Their presence caused considerable excitement ia Court, as it had been rumored that among them were some very wealthy men. This fact did not, however, appear, and the prisoners, Who all gave false names, were dis- charged, except two, Charles E. Jones. and John Fisher, who were the principals in the getting up of & “cocking main,’ as @ game cock fight is tech- nically called, at No. 230 West Forty-seventh street, These two were held for trial in $300 bail each, Commissioner Van Nort, of the Department of Public Works, reports that the sum of $589,992 09 ‘was received by the Collector @f Assessments dur- ing the week ending Saturday last. Until the ac- cession o! Commissioner Van Nort the fees of the Collector and deputy collectors were two anda half per cent on amounts collected, which, on the above sums, would be $14,749 80, He havin; abolished the fee en and established fixe: salaries for the Collector and his assistants, am ounting in the aggregate to $17,248 annually, the cost of collecting the $589,992 09 above stated was $995, being @ saving of $13,754 80 on the cost of collection under the fee system, $ THE FLOOD IN THE MONONGAHELA RIVER. ‘The total vale ~ Lad ep abe te ue 0) per estroyeu the flood yesterday 1s estimated at $900,000) State are made aware'of the wrongs atiempted to be | NEW YORK HERALD, “WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1873,—TRIPLE SHEET. oul 8 ANOTHER RAILROAD DISASTER, POLAND'S REPORT. A Danger Signal Disregarded—Where Was the Engineer of the “Extra” Train!—A Leap for Life—The Escaped Engine Dashes Into a Passenger Train—Sickening Scenes— One Person Already Dead and Several Injured. An accident of a singularly terrible nature oc- curred onthe Hudson River Railroad yesterday morning at a distance of about twenty miles from New York, It appears that when the Poughkeepsie special passenger train, composed of three coaches, an express car, with a locomotive and tender, which left the Forty-second street depot at seven o'clock, had moved off from Yonkers forty min- utes later, the danger signal was hoisted, and engine No. 45, belonging to a Yonkers special train, backed down the up track on Its way to the turn table. The locomotive had proceeded less than a quarter of a mile to a point opposite the old depot, when the engine driver saw an extra train approaching at a rapid speed on the same track from the south, Although, as positively asserted by the station agent at Yonkers, the danger. signal was set, and in addition to this caution a gang of workmen on the track endeavored by shouts and gesticulations to warn the engine-driver of the extra train rot to approach, the tron monster sped on unchecked, when a collision bewween it and engine 45 became inevitable, The engineer and driver JUMPED FROM THE LOCOMOTIVE @ second or two before the collision took place, and thus in all probability escaped serious injury, if not instant death. The locomotive of the extra train— which, it should here be stated, was made up of two caboose cars and a platform car— struck engine 45 with@tremendous force, rais- ing the tender several feet, when it unfortu- nately dropped again, with the wheels on the track and uninjured, It was then that engine 45, like some affrighted monster, dashed up the track, passing the station under a full head of steam and ata rate of speed not less than sixty miles per hour. The escaped locomotive swept out of sight in an instant and kept up its lightning speed, and in less time than is required to indite this para- graph was seen approaching the village of Hast- ings, situated four miles north of Yonkers, At the moment THE FLYING ENGINE was discovered, the Poughkeepsie passenger train was in the act of moving away from the Hastings depot, Assistant Conductor Charles EB. Cummings and & brakeman named Alfred H. Smith were both standing on the piatforms between the two rear cars, never doubting for a moment that the locomotive which was rughing towards them was under the control ot an engineer, No person was in the rear car when the train reached Hastings, at which place two young ladies named McCul- lough and Hoppock entered it on their way to school at Tarrytown. Happening to giatice in the directiol they were about leaving Miss McCullough saw the approaching engine, and at once Cees | her companion, both rushed in terror towards the front part of the car, Before getting out, however, the unchecked locomotive dashed into the rear of the train with terrific force, driving itself six or eight teet into the car, which, in turn, was driven through the next car forwayd, partially tellescoping the latter and shattering It into ORAS Assistant Con- ductor Cummings and the brakeman, Smith, were hurled throught the end of the second car, which at once caught fire, while the unfortunate Smith, who was thrown alongside the stove and under a heap of débris, was with extreme dificulty on the part of Conductor Stevens, ex-Voroner Smith and others, SAVED FROM BEING ROASTED ALIVE. When taken out it was found that smith, in ad- dition to being frightfully burned iu the lower limbs, Nad his right leg severed below the knee, and was evidently injured internally. jummings haa uiso sustainedeterrible injuries, a my, Of hiwupper Mp being carried away, the nose crushed in, a severe cut under the.chin, ex- tending nearly across the throat, the lett ‘foot badly crushed and a pédrtion of the heel carried away. It was believed that he, too, nad received internal injuries of a fatai nature. Nearly all of the passengers in the second car from the rear were nore or less injured. Same of them HAD THEIR WOUNDS DRESSED at Hastings, others returned to Yonkers and there received surgical aid, while a few procecded on their journey in the smoking car of the wrecked train. It is eae that not less than twenty persons were injured to @ greater or jess extent, The two young ladies airead; mentioned, who failed to get out of the rear car before the collision occurred, were subsequently rescued from the wreck unhurt, only, one of them having received a slight scratch in the forehead, tice cagape poraers on the miraculous, but it may e mentlohed as A SINGULAR CIRCUMSTANCE s . that the rear car was not nearly so much damaged ag the one next ahead, Had the former been fuil ofpassengers, the slaughter which must have Jen- sued from the collision would have been frightiul. ‘The injured conductor and brakeman Were taken to Yonkers on # down train and conveyed to St. John's Riverside Hospital, where Smith subse- quently expired, diter SUFFERING TERRIBLE AGONY. His sister was present when he died, and his grief-stricken father arrived shortly aiter the fatal moment. Cummings, whose wile sat weeping by his bedside during the day, was said to be ina dying condition at a late hour in the afternoon. Both of the unfortunate men reside in New York. ‘The deceased brakeman was about twenty-one years of age and unmarried, Cummings appeared to be about forty-five years old, and was @ large, fine- omits wan, weighing nearly two hundred ound. PCoroher Meeks was telegraphed for by Captain Mangin, of the Yonkers police force and arrived in the afternoon, aud, having empanciied a jw adjourng@the inquest until to-day, in the guean- time giv! ruission to the relations of Smith to remove his body to this city. Superintendent Toucey’s Statement. From the time that the accident was known at the office of the Superintendent, in (he Grand Cen- tral depot, that official put himself in communica- tion with those employés on the road who were acquainted with the tacts in the case, and @ an early hour in the day, from well authenticated in- formation, he was enabled to tell all comers the nature of the disaster. A HERALD reporter called | upon Mr. Toucey in the afternoon, who kindly vouchsafed all the particulars he had gathered, Said the Superintendent, ‘The greatly exaggerated reports first sent to the city created much alarm, which we in a short time were happy to allay by being put in possession of the facts. The cause of the accident Is due to the negligence ot the engi- neer of the freight train going north, who did not observe the signal of dan- ger set by the switchman, Patrick Lar- ‘an, at the time the detached engine of the oukers train was backing down to the turn-table. Had this engineer (Reagan) been as alert as bis duties demanded there could not have been a col- jision, He says that the signal of danger was not in place, but 1 have positive prooi that in this par- ticular he is in error, a8 it was properly and promptly displayed.” “Again,” continued the Su- perintendent, “even with Engineer Reagan not observing tt jal, had the engineer and the fire- man of th ched engine remained at their post the accident could not have happened. ‘They are both men who have jong been in the employ of the company, but never belore placed .in such imme- diate personal danger, and their presence of mind, fearing ijury, must have deserted them. One can't tell what men will do under like circum- stances until they are tried. In the slight collision that occurred between the engines no damage was done to etther; but the throttle-vaive of the de- serted locomotive was slightly opened, when the rush of steam drove tt open to its fullest extent, and in @ moment the maciinery was reversed and the engive dashed of in the same direction as the New York mail, which, after a chase of four miles, it reacted, as you kHOW, Rear liustings. In my conversation over the wires with Conduc- tor Stevens, who is an old railroad man, it has been ascertained that at the time of the accident he was in the smoking car, and Assistant Conductor Cum- mings in that next toit. The latter had been on the road but a lite while; but Smith, the brakeman, who died this ter- noon, has been employed with us since @ lad in various capacitios. He was atone time @ newsboy, aud by his exemplary habits commended nd for three or four years ‘Cum- Nimaself to our noti had heid the pot mm of brakemav. Mr. mings is Married, and at the earliest pos: ment both his wile and the father anc Smith were ee of the melancho), and sent in the next train to Yonkers. matter of excitement around this depot,” said Mr. Toucey,” there was not great deal; but when the first Yonkers train arrived .many of the pas- bea ra who had seen the run: y engine tearing up the track past that village, and knowlug that ® collision Was inevitable with the train in advance, | called upon me to learn the extent of the injury done, and I was only, too happy to put them in pos- Session of the facts.” STILL ANOTHER ACCIDENT. A milk train on the Hudson Riyer Railroad broke a wheel at ¢leven o'vlock last night and was thrown off the track. In falling it struck @ Yonkers special train, going north, at 126th street. One car on each train was smashed, and @ passenger, whose mame could oot be ascertained, was erously pyured, Result of the Credit Mohilier Investigation. TWO VICTIMS SELECTED. Oakes Ames and James Brooks Named for Expulsion from Congress. THE INNOCENTS PROTECTED. A Very Thin Mantle Thrown Over Dawes, Scofield, Bingham, Kelly, Hooper and Garfield. SPEAKER BLAINE BLAMELESS. Review of the Budding, Growth and Harvest of Credit Mobilier, ood LESSONS FOR CHRISTIAN STATESMEN, “The People Will Not Respect the Laws if They Lose Respect for the Lawmakers.” EVILS OF GIGANTIC CORPORATIONS. The Wilkes “Case in England Quoted and Commented On as Pertinent. POWER OF THE HOUSE OVER ITS MEMBERS, James Brooks Objects to the Re- port and Defends Himself. 4. + TUESDAY NEXT THE DAY OF WRATH. WASHINGTON, Feb, 18, 1873. , When the House met at eleven o'clock to-day the galleries were already filled, im expectation of the promised report of the Poland.Committee. Al the aisles and lopbiea were thronged, and re- sounded with the hum of anticipation, During the civil war similar scenes were represented in the lower branch of the National Legislature, but they were produced by political and martial excite- ment, and the discussion of such questions as con- fiscation, proscription and the abolition of slavery; AS an old member remarked, the session to-day recalled one especially memor- able, in which Speaker Colfax came down from his seat and moved the expulsion of Alexauder Long, of Ohio, for treasonable language. The case, entre parenthese, should now be reversed and some member from Mr, Long’s State—General Morgan, for instance—should rise. and move the impeachment of Vice President Col- fax for nigh crimes and misdemeanors. The scene this afternoon was one of the most impressive that ever took place in an American Congress, There Wasa sense of SADNESS AND OPPRESSION IN TOR AIR, as if it were freighted with ill boding. For two hours the throng came and went, and the galleries still seemed as crowded. The lobbies leading to the different doors were also fullof anxious and curious people, When the regular order of business was called the SUNDRY CIVIL APPROPRIATION BILL was taken up in Committee of the Whole, and, to the disappointment of the crowds, held tts place for two hours or more, Then there was a hush, The committee rose at half-past one to give place toa more exciting performance. Speaker Blaine assumed the chair for a moment, and the venerable ex-Senator from Vermont, dressed in his faultless blue coat with brass.buttons, the very impersona- tion ofjudicial decorum, addressed the Speaker, introducing the report of the Crédit Mobilier inves. tigation, As the Speaker himself was one ot the objects of that report,.he called upon Mr. Cox, of New York, to assume the chair, whereupon the reading of the report began. By this time the galleries were literally massed with people of both sexes, Every member was in his seat, and a large delegation from the Senate was also on the floor. Aglance about the House revealed the fact that alt the accused Congressmen were present. THE APPEARANCE OF OAKES AMES. Oakes Ames sat near the middie aisle, with his head sunk down into the recesses of his collar. His face was as impassive as a stone wall; the only evidence of inward emotion was the movement of his huge hand, which kept tugging away at his stubbly beard. Brooks sat at his own desk, in the third front row, nearly facing the Speaker's chair, On his left sat William R. Roberts, and immediately behind him Fernando Wood. Brooks appeared, leaning back in his chair, the very picture of deso- Jation. His face wag, of a death-like pallor, an@ indicative of severe mental and bodily anguish. iis hands nervously twitched occasionally at @ piece of paper. In front of him were several books bound in calf and Psmai bundle of papers, to which he referred in his explanations after- wards, He and Ames were the observed of all ob- servers. Bingham sat at his desk stern and indifferent¢ Garfield was nervous and betrayed an intensity of interest, which changed to a look of rellef when he saw that he escaped lightly from the censure of the report; Kelley sat alone and solemn; Hooper looked the embodiment of respectability; Scofield was placid as if virtue itself were his patron saint; Speaker Blaine was as calm as @ May morning and glaneed peacefully up at McPherson, the Clerk of the House, as he intoned the report, It was lis- tened to amid a solemn silence and with the most profound attention, At times the interest shown was almost painful. The report is before the read- ers of the HERALD. It is regarded as am especially well written repors. 4 MARKED SENSATION. When the Clerk came to that part of the repor® which deals so sternly with the case of James Brooks there was a marked sensation, and thé very breath of the vast audience seemed to be sus¢ pended. As he read the passage setting forth t the evidence regarding Brooks AQd AINGa