New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-05-11
RAPID TRANSIT ONCE MORE.

Rapid transit found an unexpected ally yes
terday in the person of Governor Hill; or
rather, the alliance was made known IN an
unexpected manner by the transmission to the
Legislature of highly moral message from
the Executive. There was a time when the
Governors intentions respecting the Rapid
Transit bill in case it ever came into bis hands
were in doubt, but for several weeks past ii
has been understood that ne had determined
to sign it if it was passed in a form approved
by the Mayor It is, however, somewhat Of
surprise to find the Governor making a formal
and eloquent appeal in behalf Of measure
with which he has never been identified in any
way. There is no objection to this sudden
manifestation Of tender interest and, in fact
the message states the case with considerable
force and skill 10 is rather amusing however
to note the Governors coy allusion to the
rumor that up to thus time political considera-
tons have had more or less to do with the
changing fortunes of the Mayors BILL and his
lofty injunction to the Legislature to remove
this suspicion by prompt and independent
action. We trust that one of the political in
fluences which have been brought to bear is
not an agreement between the Governor and
the Mayor that the former shall promote the
passage Of the Rapid Transit bill, and the lat
ter appoint Tammany Democrat to the Police
Commission in place Of Mr.. French.
THE TRIBUNE is on record as constant
advocate of improved transportation facilities
of a genuine rapid-transit system adequate
to the needs Of this city and capable of expan-
sion to meet the requirements of the future.
We have cordially supported the Grant bill, be-
cause ID seemed to take up the business in the
right way, and because We believed that our
young, ambitious and energetic Mayor was in
tent upon doing the metropolis an enormous
service and thereby earning noble reward Of
popular esteem. We sincerely hope that this
was the spirit in which he conceived the meas
ure with which he is identified, and that his
purpose has remained unchanged. 1t must be
admitted however, that some Of the Mayors
appointments have modified the public estimate
Of his frmneSs and sagacity, and that the sus
picion Of willingness on his part to convert
the Police Board into a serviccabe tool Of
Democracy leaves the people in a mood to qucS-
tion very seriously the advantage Of placing in
his hands such enormous patronage and power
as the Rapid-Transit bill would confer upon
him.
1t is apparent from the voting in the Assem-
bly, yesterday that the opposition is more or
less variable and undecided. We do not en-
terrain a sanguine expectation that the bill can
now bepaSsed in a useful and practicable form,
but it is certain that convincing evidence Of an
intention on the part Of Mayor Grant to absorb
the Police Board would consolidate the oppoSi-
ton instantly. II rapid transit is still the I'M
selfish desire Of his heart, and he is Jealous to
make a final effort in its behalf, we think he
could do nothing at the present iuncture which
would 60 so far toward accomplishing his pur-
pose as the appointment Of an irreproachablo
Republican to succeed Commissioner French.
Such an appointment would largely efface the
unfavorable impression which some of his Sc
lections have made, it would be welcome
| demonstration of his power to resist pressure
and rise above tho limitations of narrow par
| tisanship, and it would confirm the original
confidence of many who are now wavering in
his fitness to initiate and oversee the great
! and sorely needed enterprise which he is 50
| anxious to undertake.