F 128 ,47 .C526 Copy 1 REFORM IN NEW- YORK CITY ADDRESS People of the City of JVew-York (ITIZENS' ASSOCIATION OF NEW-YORK. TOGETHER WITH ^c$olutiott$ of ODonfidcua and ©hanfeji TKNDEKEU TO TIIK Officers of the Citizens' Association, ADOPTED AT A (iKNEKAI> MEETINO. N E W - Y O R K : ITlil.ISHED BY THI'^ CITIZEN'S' ASSOCIATION, MAY 6 , 1870. ADDBESS TO THE People of the City of New-York ISY THE CITIZENS' ASSOCIATION OF NEW-YORK. TCXfETIIKR WITH ^c^olution^ of ^imfirtcufc and ®hanb TENIIEIiED TO THE OFFICERS OF THE CITIZENS' ASSOCIATION, ADOPTED AT A (iEXKRAL MEETINO. NE W- Y<) |;K : Pl'BMSUEn BY THE CITIZENS' ASSOCIATION, MAY li , 1870. CiTiZKNs' Association cf New-York. | No. S\] BiiOADWAv, Ajiril 26, 1870. ) At a ■rencral mtetinne remo\al and one re-ap- ]iointment in the whole range of public woiks. ^Vliantfj; and |^icv,o. 3. The creation of a se[xirate Board to have charge of all the wharves, piers and water front. | Urgf ■ci upon the Legislature by tiie Citizens' Association in 8 the ye;irs 1866, 1867, 1868 and 1S69. Now adopted in the new Charter and the Tax Levy ot this year.] The benefits to flow trom this measure may be briefly summed up. They are: The institution of a vigorous, comprehensive and progressive policy by the Government in relation to our docks, by which the present decaying wooden structures will be replaced by permanent, elegant and commodious wharves, at once an ornament to our harbor, an inducement to commerce and a needed improvement to the health of the city. The cost of these structures, though large and proportioned to the great benefits to be gained, will not really tall upon our people. The wharfage to be collected will pay both interest and principal of the bonds to be issued. It is simply an intelligent admin- istration of our great wharf estate, which is inaugu- rated by this change — an administration which, like the original outlay for the Croton water, will pay for itself, and like the cost of the Central Park, will be an investment which will raise the value of our city property a hundred-fold. 4. A Board of Aldermen, elected by the city at large. | Recommended to the Constitutional Conven- tion in 1867 by the Citizens' Association. Now adopted by the new Charter. ] The advantage of such a Board is, that every mem- ber of it being voted upon by every elector, the can- didates must be a Ixttcr class ot citizens, who will not attempt the ruinous pavement expenditures, the at- tacks on private pro[)erty, the waste of mone)% and the various petty inHictions which the former Boards practiced in order to sup[)l}' the wants ot rapacious local politicians, whose obscurity and limited constituency almost screened them trom in\cstip;ation. ^hc ^u|rcmsov,!5. y The abolition ot the Board ot Supervisors, and vesting their {lowers in tlie Boanl ot Aldermen antl the Ma\'or. | Heconnnemled to the Constitutional Convention b\' the Citizens' Association, and now ado|)tetl by the act abolishing the Board ot Super- visors. I This saves the expense ot a separate government and separate legislation tor a territory which is alike tor the City ami Countv, and enabl<-s our citizens, by the exercise ot a single act ot \igilance to watch both the City and the County Government, as it is exercised in one body. The Mayor ot the City is thus also made responsible for the County Government, and his character, experience and position art; put in the scale to weigh in favor ot good government. i\iU(c, iivc and ^ualth. 6. Till' creation ot separate Boards to have charge of tlie Police, the Fire and the Health l)e|iartments. 10 [The Fire Board was instituted in 1865, and the Health Board in 1866, at the instance of the Citizens' Association, as Departments separate from the other municipal bodies. Now, by the new Charter, these Boards are continued as separate, with their full powers, only restricted to this city. | The inestimable blessings conferred upon our citi- zens in the protection of life, property and health, by these three great Departments, are too well-known to need explanation at this day. Years have tested their efficiency and the wisdom which instituted them and guided their acts. They now act in harmony with a centralized and responsible local Government. 7. The appointment of a separate committee to complete the work upon the new Court-house. [Urged upon the Legislature by the Citizens' Association as far back as 1866. Now adopted by the Tax Levy of this year. | The fact that this plan was urged four years ago, and that the edifice is not yet finished, is sufficient reason for its final adoption. The four men to whom it is now to be confided will have the attention of the whole county directed to their acts, and they have every inducement which undivided responsibility and personal reputation can furnish to make a speedy end of this necessary work. A standing reproach to 11 our county will now pass away, together with tiie vitiateil system under wliich it has so \ong existed. Jlmpcachmfut. 8. The institution ot a local Judicial tribunal, to wliich resort can be had tor relict from official wrong- doing. I Urged u[)on the Legislature tor se\eral years past by the Citizens' Association, in ditlerent torms. Now adopted by the new Charter. | Heretofore the Governor or Legislature alone could remove incompetent or wasteful officials. But this power was so remote and diffuse as to be entirely freed from responsibility for prompt or conscientious action upon the momentous questions involved. Now a safe and judicious means of impeachment is provided to remedy local abuses. Reform Obtained It will thus be seen that the great ends of local reform, tor which the Citizens' Association has toiled through every adverse circumstance, have been accom- plished, and that our city is, so far as its system of government is concerned, redeemed from the irresponsi- bility into which it had fallen, and had been so long sufferetl to remain. It will be seen that the labor of regeneration, although a[)parently slow in progress, and carried on against every species of obstruction ami attack, has achieved no ordinary triumph, and has by 12 vts inherent strength and merit won to the side of re- form and good government the great political party by which the government of this Metropolis is ad. ministered. The Citizens' Association recognizing no party as a party in questions of municipal reform, has co-operated with every power that promised the attainment of a pure government. It has thus hap- pened that at times it has been accused of working in the Republiciin interests, and at others of working in the Democratic interests; the truth being that it worked at all times simply in the interest of good government, and it dees not now hesitate to appeal to the people of the City and State of New- York to say whether its course has not been so directed that the administration of local affairs is in all respects vastly improved since the organization of the Association in 1863. The Association intends to carry on its work in the tuture with the same energy and zeal it has shown in the past. The government of the city must be per- fected in all its details, and, above all, the good which has already been obtained, must be carefully guarded. New-York cannot afford to lose these dearly bought advantages by supineness and neglect. Unceasing vigilance must insure her against retrograding in her career of improvement ; ami the Association does not hesitate to promise that if the energies of the citizens are bent to attainins; in their government — first, a 13 thorough efficiency; second, economy ot expendi- tures: third, the wisest method ot local expansion and improvement — New-York City will reach such a height ot prosperity and rcjnitation as the worKl has never seen. Already a sweeping retorm in the man- agement ot" those great works— the State Canals — promises the acquisition ot enormous traffic and untold riches to the whole State and to this Metropolis. The [)roj('cteti system ot new Docks is come to maturity in time to accomniodate an immense inland and toreign commerce. These retorms and the natural advan- tages ot our city are such as to render the prospects ot the tutu^e bright in results yet to oe achieved. The Citizens' Association reviewing the past with its progress and achievements, and looking torward to the work yet to be done, and the results yet to be se- I cured, cannot stand still or draw back trom the mission ' assigned to it. It teels more than ever the momentous importance ot its work, and the grand consequences I involved in its success. It is true that in one sense its field is local and limited. Its aim is City Retorm antl City Improvement. But in another view the tield ex- pands to the dimensions ot an Empire, and the results of its triumph reach over States .and Continents. ^utuvc of |lciit-i|!ovIt. New-York is not merely a populous city ; it is a grand seminary ot ideas, examples anil influences. Its commerce binds it to all the workl ; its arts ami 14 sciences, its mechanics, its industry, its grand enter- prises, its enormous wealth, magnificent charities, its vast moral influence — all these give it a name and power unequalled by any community in any other nation; and it it is now a power and model of pro- gress, with all its faults, what a splendor will it exhibit when treed troni the influences ot bad government — when wise and high-minded men fill its offices and de- vote their energies to the development ot its resources, and the improvement ot its vast natural and moral ad- vantages. It this Metropolis had been created and located on purpose to show how great it is possible for a city to become, no better choice could have been made. Washed on three sides by rivers, with a bay capable ot holding the commercial navies ot the world, with every facility for cleanliness, health and comfort, with innumerable outlets and communications with all sections of the Union, and all nations of the earth ; with attractions drawing to it men ot enterprise and industry from all countries and climes, it may in a few- years, it wisely governed and developed, become the greatest of cities. What a grand demonstration of the enterprise, wealth and skill of her people I What a proof of the genial power of free institutions might be shown in the broad and pa vet! thoroughfares, extend- ing from the East to the North River, and from the Battery to Harlem; massive docks, piers and ware- houses around its whole front, tor the commerce ot the world ; beautiful parks; fountains for ornaments, and tor the thirsty wayfarer ; public gardens and places <)t amu^t:■lll('nr lor the [il'()[)1(_''s use and rccrt-atioti : spacioiH and brautihd markets, located tor public convenience : streets carefully graded and paved, swept and cleaneil daily; ct)nitortable, clean and cheap public conveyances, so that the poorest might enjoy rapid transit to and trom every section. Such a city the Citizens' Association desires New-York to become. 5uty of our Citi^fn;s. The Association would now earnestly appeal to every citizen to take an active part and interest in our local government. Great results are bound up in establishing wise and etficient government on this island. That this may be obtained has been demon- strated. In order to complete the work our merchants ami mechanics have only to discharge the duties they owe to each other and to the [lublic. A new s':ate ot th'n^fs has been inaujrurated. The Democratic leaders are pledged to good government and progress, and the Association has full confidence that these pledges will be kept. Let us encourage and strengthen the hands ot e\ery man who is willing to do his dut_\'. It was feared by minv, when the present SL'Ssion ot the Legis- lature opened, that our local government would not be improved; but happily these fears have not been realized. On the contrary, most satisfactory changes have been inauguratetl, encouraging the hope of results most beneficial to our city. Vntf of tfoufidcufc by the pcmbcris of the (j^itiscn.s' ^^^ociutiou in the (Officers of the 3l!S5oeiation, Alter the consideration ot the foregoing address, the following were unanimously adopted: Jlf.solutioivs. Wh'.reas, tlie members of the Citizens' Association, in general meeting, have caused ro appear the wliole course of the manage- ment of the organization from its foundation, and the policy and acts of its officers in all matters relating to their duties and the ob- jects of the Association ; and it has been found that the etforts ot the Association have been properly directed by its said officers, who liave diligently, ablv and faithfiillv labored to cft'ect its great ends, and have achieved substantial and unequivocal success, resulting in great good to our people ; therefore, be it Rfsoi.vf.d, That we have full faith and confidence in the said officers of the Association ; that wc indorse their policv and approve their course, and thank them for the zeal, ability and wisdom wiih which they have discharged their trusts ; and Resoi,ved, That the direction of the affairs and purposes of the Association he continued unaltered in the future ; and further Risoi.vED, That the Address, as adopted, together with these Rcr.o- Kiiions, be published in the Press for the information of the people of this city, and be printed for general circulation as well as for future reference and preservation. (Signed,) .lAMKS BItOWN, KDWI.N IIOVT. .(OlIN JACOB ASTOR, .JACOB l>. VKKMILVK. CirAKI, F.S TliACV, MOSFS TAYLOB. .loHX TAVI.OR .lOIINSTOX, STKWAB'I' BUOW.X. WILLIAM B, ASTOR. .loXATHAN STIUCKS. 18 JOHN PAVIU WOLFE, JOHN A. WEEKS, SAMUEL SLOAN, .lAMES F. DEPEYSTER, JOHN Q. JONES, JAMES STOKES, WILLAKD PAHKER, MUUKAY HOFFMAN, HoWAIiD POTTEli, JAMES M. BHOWN, Hh:XJAMlN H. HUTTON, cYHUs cuirnss. BAliNET L. SOLOMON, SAMUEL WH.LETS, DAVU) STEWAHT, JOSEPH L. SPOFFOIiD, H. ('. FAHNESTOCK, WU.LLAM 0(JTH()UT, HENHY M. TABEK, WH.LLVM H. FOO(i, ClIAKLES N. TALBOT, WHJJAM F. CAKY, SAMUEL W. BARNARD, RICILVKI) MORTIMER, JOHN BRlIXiE, HENRY BALL, A. ROBERTSON WALSH, JAMES STUART, SAMUEL C. THOMPSON, l)ANn^]L PARISH, HENRY IVISON, MOSES G. BALDWIN, HENRY S. TERRELL, JOHN FALCONER. WILLIAM MENZIES, DAVID DOWS, J. PlEliPoNT MOROAN, JOHN P. PAULISON, ADAM NORRIE, (iEOROE II. POTTS, HARRIS COLT. CHARLES BURKH ALTER, EBEXEZER MONROE, F. W. (i. BELLOWS. JOHN S. WILLIAMS, J. M. HALSTED. IIAXS REES. WM. WOOD, SALEM II WALES, ERASTUS TITUS, WASIIINOTON R. VERMIL CIIARLKS LANIER, MORRIS K. JESrP, RICHARD BERRY, FRKDFRICK D. TAPPEN, AXSON PHELPS STOKES, ROBERT BAYLES, YE, WILLIAM A. BOOTH, WILLIAM E. DODGE, II. B. CLAFLIN, SHEPHERD KNAPP, A. R. WETMORE, PAUL N. SPOFFORD, JEREMIAH P. ROBINSON, THEODORE W. RILEY, JAS. UOORMAN JOHNSTON. PETER CflLSEY, WILLIAM II. LEE, WILLL^M T. BLODGETT, ROBERT COLGATE. WILLIAM BL(.IODGOOD, (iOOLD IIOYT, FREDERIC DE PEYSTER. WM. ALEXANDER SMITH. HENRY A BURR, WILLIAM H. JACKSON, JOSEPH STUART, WILLIAM II. (iUIOX. james m. constable, joskpii w. alsop, sf;tii b hunt. william sloane, thomas barron, courtlandt palmer, robert campbell, isaac sherman, isaac n. phelps, albert clark, john sloane, john warren, JOHN McKESSON, JOSEPH ALLEX, (JEOR(iE CABOT WARD, IIEXRY (i. MARQUAXD, DoU(iLAS SLOAXE. EDWARD MATTHEWS, WILLIAM E. DODGE, Jk., ANDREW CARRIGAN, RICHARD P. BRUFF, FRANKLIN WOODRUFF, JESSE IKiYT. JOHN D. MAIRS, JOHN P. MARQUAND, SIMON D. VISSER. JOHN II. SHERWOOD, CHARLES G. LANDOX, RICHARD ARXOLD, MOREAU DELAXO, JOHN CASTREE, ISAAC S. SOLOMON, GEORGE S. COE. WILLIAM L. JENKINS, TlloS. CHRISTY, J II. CiAUTIER. 19 HTLL CLARK. WILLIAM THOMSON, .1. I.. .lEWKTT. Til,. - WATSOX M.VTTIIHWS. K. WII.LSOX. .lOIIX S. SrPTIIF.X. IIKXKV A. PATTKRSOX, J. HUUII PETERS, (f. ('. ALLEX, .1. A. PE PEYSTER. IIEXRV WELSH. ALFRED M. IIOVI'. W. W. DEFOREST \- Co., OR SOX BREED. .1. C. DAXIEI-S. SAMl'EL B VAXDfSEX. HEXRY T. DRoWXE. FKEl>Ei;iCK SHEIiWooD. EDWARD CRoMWELI,. A. R. (iRAY, F. L. C. HOVEY, THOS. COLLIER. EDWARD S. BETLER. WILLIAM S. WALL.\CE. HEXRY E. BOWXS. .lOlIX MOORE. 'i'APPEX BOWXE. THEODORE CIL.MAX, .lAMES COLLF.S. THOS .1. POPE. A. A. THO.MSOX. (iEoR(ii: F. BAKER, AXDIHOW (JILSEY, WILLIAM E. TREADWELL. (iEOROE W. COLLF.S, AXTHOXY HAI,SEY, E AXTHOXY, ,1. B. OliDEX, MADISOX M. CALER. F. D. MOI'LTOX. L. .1. X. STARK. lll'<;il W. SHo'i'WELL. A. L SWEE'I', A. D. LADD. .loIlX M. TOMPKIXS. SAMCEL B. Y(ll"X(;. PHILIP W. VERPLAXCK, A. E. MASTERS. (iEO. M. WELD, JAMES W. CALDWELL. CLAl'DirS B. COXAXT, EXSKiX O. BEALE. HEXRY MEYER. CALVIX B. LOCKWOOD. II M. SAXDERSOX. We certify the foregoing to be a correct copy ot the original Address and Resolutions, with the origi- nal signatures attached, which are on file in tlie Rooms of tlie Citizens' Association. No. 813 Broadway, in the Citv of New-York. PETER COOPER, President Offi cer s of the Associalion. WILLIAM \\. YERMILYE, Treasurer. NATHANIEL SANDS, Chair inan nj (lie Ex. Coriimillee. JOSEPH F. DALY, PJCIIARIJ .\L J[LNRY, CounfffJ. Serreliiry. J 'II nil 014 221 569"S