New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-01-08
THE MAYORS MESSAGE.

MAYORS OFFICE, NEW-foRK, Jan. !, 1896.
GcatlemcR # the Common Council;
congratulate you upon the opening of another
official year amid the general good health and pros
pery of the people whose public welfare it IS
our duty to preside. Ours is important trust; let
us approach its fulfment with due of its mag
ntude and firm determination to discharge ii with
fidelity and usefulness
To make laws for and properly govern city like
this duty responsible and onerous ID its per-
foInance as it is high and honorable in character
The extending area and the increasing population of
New-York have already surpassed the ability OF the
law-makng power provide for their interests. Our
prosperity has been rapid that local legislation
has hitherto been unable To keep pace with Its prog
ress. The many and varied intercsts-ihe vast ana
complicated connections existing between ourselves ana
every other section of our own well of most for
eien counries-the peculiar character OF the popua-
ton and the new resources which are continually de-
welcomed demand of US TO exert every effort to make
the provision imperavely demanded by our PTesem
positiOn as well progressive greatness itdr,
however we do not realize even our present greatness
much less that plainly indicated in the future as the
mighty metropolis of confederation numbering
hundred millions of American Freemen .
Upon q careful review of the municipal history OF
,hi rity il docs not appear to that the same energy
and intelligent fOrethought have been displayed IN lts
public affairs have characteI1z ed ourpeope trade
and commerce, science and education; /" elle "iimu
about a half century, Ncw-YOrk with its immediate
dependencies from population Of $4,000 IN lsOO has
arisen to be the third city in the world in 1922 ana I'D
all the ennoblDg attributes OF religion, private ana
public beneyocnce educational advantages, cohlle'
cal wealth and eneIprseto position second To nome
vet in lis form of government, It's internal regulations
The integrity with which its public affairs are managed
and in the adaptation of its municipal administrator
10 It's public wants ii is to-day far inferior TO dozen
other cities in the Union Of half It's population and I'M
portabce While We have progressed In the accHmiia
ton of the elements of prosperity we have retrogaded
in the to preserve our power ana piVEio io' '
! necessaries of our condition.
tn ;dea of Government, whether National State or
Municipal, is very simple 1t Is merely GorerameHf'
Ii the of the public Interests provision lot tne
General weare-tbc enactng and the eXactlng OF such
Tos and regulations as will best protect the rights ana
interests of all without discrimination as 10 class OF
sect The Federal Government is restricted TO the
exercise of such powers as have been drcc,y
nv the States and to such subjects OF eSlsallo a.
I aya specifically enumerated in the CONSTITUTION Inc
! mowers of the state Government extend 10 al thaI
pertains to the Commonwealth not conferred upon
! ne towns counties etc.. and of the City Govern
ment TO everything connected with local matters
! under its charter of Incorporation. Inc GoveIn-
uent of the city is far utiltaran ana pracuc"
perceptibc than either of the other Governments IL
directly involves and affects the coniorf, interest OF
health of every citizen. 1t IS living, ever present
fact We and feel it daily There are none 80 mum
be or obscure or so powerful and rich, to be exempt
from It's operations. Every man. woman and ehlld Oh
I gur
as administered in this city. Nor Is its influence cor
fined 10 the narrow limits OF lis jurisdiction Ii Is
wide spread throughout the land. The tens OF thou
sands of visitors from other cities and States, witness
lis operation and cary home its impressions which 10
tun affect their own localities for veal or VICE. There
fore NewYok and the conduct of our corporate ahair
arr, not alone for ourselves; and though we cannot
| say-and hope may neverbe able with truth 10 say
| that New-York is politically what Paris Is to France
still the fsct is that in the influence of It's prosperity
oT adversely so much dependent upon IT, local govern
| Tnent New.York affects a wider extent OF territory
involving more vital social interests am Considerations
than the capitals of Louis Napoleon and Queen ic'o
| ria together. ,,-.- 49,. on, Il,
cal legislation and the management oil our eAecu',
offices have not fulfilled the requirements on of Prech
wants TO saw nothing Of future destiny IL APPEAR
10 me that temporary expedients and feeble enofts
seldom cesshl-schemes of private advantage a.
wei as of partisan interest costing millions 10 the pee
pe-comprise about an that has been done ior 'hi 4,
great city by its public authorities; and thst WIN a.
our reform agitation and assumed close attention .'
local politics we are strangely deficient In the grasp
intellect and breadth Of comprehension necessary !,
devise proper provision for New-fork o. It Is, mnel
less for New ork a. il will be- The introduction o
the Water Of the Croton River, aud the prsecton
the Central Park about al that has been done Y
! tee,,ino with a liberal policy.
Rh K may be asked, Whistler !, "A too late TO rec"Se
! onrseiyes in these respects tank not thoess ~