New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-11-11
THE WORK AHEAD N BROOKLYN


The triumph OF Reform at the late elections
in Brooklyn was more nearly complete than
the most sangune OF Its friends yentured to
hone. The fact that at the last moment the
Democratic Ring was forced TO TenounCe the
old alliance with the Republican managers,
abandon its scheme to nominate a Ring Re
publican for Mayor, and accept so pronounced
a Reformer as John W. Hunter as the head
of its ticket, WIS proof Of the power
of the RefOrmers, which artful man
ayers have skiliully made 10 appear
evidence of their own strength. Dis
corning Che drift of public feeling, they
recognized that their only safety was i'll the
nomination of good men; hence the remark
able spectacle of Hugh Mclaughlin, who for
years has controlled the Democratic primaries,
nominating man who has always denounced
the Ring which Mclaughlin so faithfully
served. But the Reformers clearly imposed
their man on the Ring; and more than this,
in doing 80 they broke the Ring. They are
almost sure of good Municipal Government
under Mr.. Hunter for the next two years The
subordinate city officials are mainly good
men. The result as far as the Judiciary
ticket IL concerned is unfortunate T; but the
gain In the Legislature more than cOmpen-
oates for this loss. Senator Murphy has been
forced into retirement, and weaker, less ex-
perienccd, and less influential man, Mr..
Jacobs, has been returned in his stead.
Jacobs will be a negative rather than a posi-
tive opponent of Reform. In place of Perry
we hsve Coe, whom we hope TO find at Albany
the active advocate of every genuine measure
Of local reform. And in the Assembly good
assortment of delegates from Kings County
will back up his efforts.
II ought TO be understood now that the work
must be cut out for him and them promptly.
IL ought to be begun at once, 80 that on the
first day of the session Reform bills and reso-
lutions of investigation directed against the
abuses which still exist may be submitted in
both houses and theoretically urged. Senator
Perry introduced the Reform measures of last
session on the closing day; the Reformers
should balance the account by seeing that
Senator Coe is armed with facts and proofs to
submit on the first day of the next session.
The new campaign is easily defined, and it is
not difficult one to carry to successful issue
that is, if it is begun at once.
In tho first place, the Bridge Ring must be
broken up. There is little life left in it
now, but it needs to be utterly crushed be-
fore we can hope to see the work which both
New-York and Brooklyn demand carried TO
successful issue. Neither city will vote
another dollar to be intrusted to the present
management 1t has spent $5OOO,OOO of
public funds in building what careful esti-
mates. revised and augmented to satisfy un-
foreseen conditions, showed would not cost
more than s2,700,OO0 The missing two
millions are to-day unaccOunted for,
and only the investigation which the
Reformers have been vainly demanding
for two years past will ever reveal the facts
and compel restitution. This investigation
must again be urged. This time less powerful
influences at Albany will oppose inquiry !;
more faithful and energetic action will demand
it; and it will be strange il the Rcformers do
not succeed il they go promptly to work. At
any rate no moro money should be voted until
such investigation is had, The charter. which