New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-01-07
MAYOR GRdNT'S MESSAOE.

he then sent to the Aldermen, and there Is
much to praise and little to condemn in the
sensible, moderate, busnesS-likc cOmmuniCa-
ton which he transmitted to the Common
Council yesterday.
A clear and concise statement of finances is
presented in the first part of this paper and
it is shown that, while the city debt has been
increased in 1889 nearly nine millions of dol
lars. this expansion is devoted chiefly to perma-
nent improvements of value. The Mayor con-
graduates his fellow citizens that this increase
has not brought about a raising Of the tax
rate but possibly there is a slight lack OF can
dor in this remark, as il is well known that
valuations in certain parts of the town have
been exalted freely. II is also clear although
the Mayor does not put it in that way, that the
municipal appropriations for next year would
involve a marked increase in the taXrate if II
had not been decided by the city authorities
to contest the right of the State to collect a
! large part of the State tax, because OF the al
| legged Improperly and icgality of the action
of the State Board of Equalization in making
a tremendous addition 10 the valuation OF the
city for purposes of State taxation. The Mayor
outlines clearly and forcibly the progress that
| has been made in various important matters IN
| advancing the public comfort protecting the
public security and promoting the public wei
fare. Perhaps the most gratifying progress Is
in adopting asphalt payemcntN on the avenues
and streets where traffic is not OF the heaviest
and most wearing sort. 1t seems that con
tracts have been made with responsible com
panieS by which these new paycmcntN viii be
kept in order for fifteen years free OF expense
| Il. ,l,1.
tons and wishes of our citizens, this certainly
will be a benefit and boon of the largest pro-
portions and the greatest value. II the ad-
ninstration of Mayor Grant is signalized by
the first great step toward properly paving our
shapeless and chaotic thoroughiares it will
long hold a high place in the memories Of our
people.
In regard TO the water supply, the Mayor
shows the rapid development OF the demand
and the imperative necessity of the early com
poton of the new aqueduct He does not.
however, as has been expected in some quar-
tiers, indulge in any criticisms of the Aqueduct
Commission. The Board of Health has been
doing good work, and deserves the words Of
praise which it receives That is true also OF
the Police Department and the Fire Depart
mept on the record Of the year just closed but
I il is not at all certain that the Police Board
under TammaDy control will be entitled 10 any
approval, and in fact anything but cen
sure, after its abors in the elections of next
November are closed What the Mayor says
about subways and electric wires is judiciou,
and commendabc. lie touches on the need
of body Of thoroughly competent electrical
experts to assist the Sinking Fund Commission
81 a.
Of the subwayS-in its embarrassing, comp-
Gated and difficult task. As to the cleaning
Of the streets, Mayor Grants views and Sug
gcstions arc sound enough lie knows what
the city wants and says that his adminiStia-
ton will do everything that can be done to
accomplish it. But it is plain that no Tam
many hack, no old Democratic war-horsc and
no man whose qualification for Office lies in
his subservicncy and pliancy to faction will be
able TO give satisfaction 10 the metropolis in
keeping the streets clean even for "A single
week. The Mayors choice will be sharply
scrutnizcd, and if the man selected for the
| place does not prove equal TO the emergency,
Mayor Grants policy in this matter will be
seriously diScrcditcd.
The passage in this paper in regard 10 u-
| dciOus outlay for the public schools is excel
lent. The Mayor shows undated zeal in the
cause Of the Worlds Fair. and is still confident
| that an Exposition worthy Of this imperial city
and of the greatest Republic that the world
has ever seen will be held on Manhattan Island
in 1892 Most Of the references to the work
of the municipal departments will call ont no
division of opinion among public spirited cit
liens. II may be said, however, that few have
,k,, l.
in the Department of Public Works. But
Mayor Grant is sure that many abuses have
been swept away. lie still hopes that his rapid
transit scheme Of last winter may obtain the
approval Of the Legislature. As an elaborate
plan from another quarter will undoubtedly bo
promptly introduced at Albany, there may be
some conflict Of interests and if cannot be
considered certain that this most vital and
pressing need Of the metropolis will be served
as promptly and energctically as is 10 be de-
sired. In regard 10 the new municipal build
ing the Mayor shows good sense and reason
able spirit. He recognizes the gravity Of the
opposition that has been developed TO tho
erection of an enormous edifiCe in the City
Hall Park, and expresses his willingness -
wait until the Legislature has had an OppOr-
tunity either to amend or to continue the law
under which it was possible 10 construct this
diSlguring and injurious excrcscenre on the
only open space between the Battery and
Union Square in the main line Of the city
This is "A message well worthy the thought
ful study OF all taxpayers. They will find in
1t much to commend much TO support with
zeal. They may regret, however. that the
Mayor did not see fit to give some defence of