New-York tribune., 1892-01-08
NEg-YORK AND THE WORLD'S FAIR.


Democratic enthusiasm over the Worlds FAR
is nothing but a pmniscence in New ork' II
the Chief Magistrates of the State and the
metropolis in their annual messages fairly ex-
press Democratic sentiment Mayor Grant de-
votes dozen lines TO perfnctory recommended
ton of the enterprise, but obviously he feels no
strong personal interest in it nor any obligation
to stimulate the interest Of others. lie stall re-
grets that this city lost the Fair, and he feels
sure that citizens generally will contribute TO
its success, but that is all. 1t might have been,
and in fact was, expected that the Mayor OF the
commercial capital of the country would take
80 excellent an opportunity to set forth in a COM
prehensive and impressive manner the claims OF
this vast National undertaking to the hearty and
energetic support of New-York Speaking for
the community which was the principal COM
petitor for the distinction finally awarded to Chi
cago, he ought to have recognized the special
proprety of a cordial and animated uttemnce
upon the subject. 1t was his duty and ought
to have been his pleasure TO strengthen and
extend the feeling aroused by the recent ban
ouet which unfortunately he was unable TO at
tend, instead of dismiSing the movement there
started with a few words Of cold and formal
approval Mayor Grant neglected rare chance
to increase his personal popularity by saying tho
things which the citizens Of New ork are
anxious to have said authOlitatvely in their
name and behalf. We hope that his indiffer-
ence is not shared by the representatives. OF
Tammany in the Legislature, but MS hope Is
not strong nor well founded.
Unhappily, the Mayors omission is not repaired
by Governor Flower, whose message discloses
a similar failure 10 appreciate the requirements
Of the hour. 1t is true that the Governor recon-
mends speedy legislative action" remarking
that the time is short, and that the State has an
obvious duty to perform But there is no warmth
in his words, and he takes particular pains to
insert a warning against extravaganza. Under
different circIlms tances this might pass for
proper suggestion of prudence, but read in con-
nection with Mayor Grants message, which re-
fleets we fear, the apathy of Tammany Hail. 1t
seems to lay more emphasis upon the general
virtue OF economy than upon the special occa-
sion for liberality 1t may be that the Gov
ernors conception of what New York owes to
itself and to the Fair is entirely adequate, and
that he will use his influence 10 insure the hearty
and generous and appropriate cooperation OF
the State but, like the Mayor, he has neglected
a valuable opportunity and TO that extent has
failed to perform the service which deyolyed
upon him as public Official.
We have not committed ourselves to the ap-
preparation of any specified sum by the State for
the purposes of the Columbian Exposition, sim
ply because conference and discussion may re-
suit in changing the best present estimate OF tho
requirements Of the case. The bill prepared by
the Merchants Committee provides for an aD-
preparation Of S50O,0O0 The Chamber of Com
merce yesterday recommended an apprppria-
ton of 100000. The question is not how
much Newly ork can afford, but how much New
York can adyantageousy invest. There is room
for honest differences of opinion On that point,
but there is no time for Wrangling. We hope
that the Merchants Committee, in whose name
Mr. William f. King is performing a great
amount of useful and unSelsh labor may soon
be able to convince the Legislature Of the need
of prompt and liberal action, TO the end that the
danger of arousing partisan prejudices may be
avoided and the honor and interests Of the State
secured.