New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-12-29
TILE RETIRING M1YOR.

II is said that Mayor Hewitt showed some
emotion in a Board meeting the other day
upon an expression OF appreciation from his
colleagues, and remarked that this was almost
the only official recognition of his efforts that
he had received. If we are to infer from this
that the Mayor feels that the sincerity OF his
labors for the public good has not been thor
oughly appreciated by the people of New ork
we believe that he does them injustice and de-
prives himself Of large share Of his reward.
We believe that he is universally respected as
o Mayor who has proved his earnest desire to
do something to tighten the burden of misgov-
eminent in this sadly misgoverned town, and
who has yielded to the politicians less Often
perhaps, than any other man would have done,
who was surrounded by the influences that
have at times embarrassed Mr.. Hewitt.
The Mayor has never developed the qualities
of leader and organizer. 1t was lack OF
these that have deprived him of much of the
influence with his party in Congress, to which
his great ability and extensive requirements
entitled him; and the same experience has
been repeated to large extent in the Mayors
chair. Mr. Hewitt is honest faithful and
patriotic; but the peculianties Of his tempera-
ment seem TO make it difficult for him to CO.
operate with others. When this has been said,
and when it has been added that some of the
politicians have had more influence with him
than his antecedentS would have led us to eX-
pect, about all has been said against his adj
ministration that can possibly be alleged. we
are confident that in these its closing days, the
thoughts Of many good citizens turn to him
with a grateful appreciation Of bis unseliish
devotion to the public interests, and the will
ingness with which he has sacrificed time and
health to serve the people. He has erred at
times, no doubt; but to err is human, and Mr..
Hewitt will not deny that he is very human
sort of man. We could wish that he might
have accepted the banquet proposed in his
honor by a number of leading citizens. 1t
would have taken form as such demonstra-
ton Of approval and esteem as would have
convinced him that the people of Newly ork
are not unmindful Of what he has done and
tried to do.
If his successor shall conduct himself so as
to leave behind him an equal reputation for
application to duty, courage and independence,
he will succeed beyond the expectations of
many of his constituents. ANY Democratic
Mayor elected by the Democratic machines
will need to do very well indeed to obscure the
recollection of Mr.. HeWitt's administration. In
fact, we do not look to see it exceed until tho
day when Republican Mayor shall be elected
"a day toward which THE TRIBUNE will con-
tnue to strive, and which is coming. But
until that blessed contamination shall be
reached Mr.. Hewitt Will probably be able to
felicitate himself upon having given this city
the best Democratic administration it has ever
known and as he goes back now to private
life, he will carry with him the sincere respect
and warm personal liking Of the people Of New
York, without distinction of party.