New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-01-08
BETTER LATE THAN NEPER.

The CITY Club was organized last spring for
the purpose of securing honest and efficient
municipal government. Men of all parties as
sisted in It's formation. The sentiment which
called it into being was shown to be strong
and prevalent by the rapid growth of the or
ganization. Within few months the mem
beiship became very large and the financial
basis was sound from the beginning. Its creed
was simple and direct. unainted by partisan
ship or prejudice of any sort. owe believe
in good LEGAL government and will endeavor
to get it, That was virtually the mutual
pledge of all who joined. The object was
laudable and the means adopted to accomplish
it seemed to be well chosen. The movement
was apparently fortunate also in the time OF
its inception. Certainly the hour had arrived
for striking a hard blow at the theory and
practice Of municipal administration in New
York The members of the City Club felt no
doubt oh that point Their union on single
article Of faith was of itself conclusive. More
over National election was approaching, and
it was thought that the campaign would sup
ply convincing test Of the sincerity and cour-
age and determination which inspired the club
at the very time when such demonstration
would be most conspicuous and valuable. name
w. in the first year of It's existence. 1t was
noted with special satisfaction that a large pro-
portion of the Democ ratio members were out
spoken admirers of Mr.. Cleveland and there
fore could be trusted to keep right OH with the
work of municipal reform. whoever might be
nominated for President, uninlluenced by spe-
cious appeals to party loyalty.
Under these auspices and with these eXpecta-
tons the City Club began its career Thou
sands of men whose names were not on lis
list of members belonged TO it in spirit All
the circumstances attending its birth promised
long life of incessant activity and useful
ness. 1t seemed that here at last was an or
ganized force capable of removing mountainous
burdens and establishing new order Of things.
4 refreshing breeze blew through the town
and a now day appeared to be brealiinS-nay.
rather 10 have gloriousy dawned. The early
meetings of the club were resonant with hopes
and resolves Just on the verge of fulfilmcnt.
There couldn't be any mistake about II. The
wisdom of age and the fire of youth were com
bined in the most felicitous and effective man
ner. not to criticise and repine. but to achieve.
And the fast lengthening roll OF members gave
assurance that there would be incXhauStiblc
resources Of yigor and enthusiasm 70 draw upon.
1t was luxury to be alive last spring.
But alas, as the fervid blasts OF summer
succeeded to the mild and genial warmth of
May the youthful prodigy began TO langui>h;
and not later, we think. than the 22d Of June.
its vitality having been completely exhausted
it withdraw altogether from public ObSerya-
ton. This was indeed a mysterious and I'M
expected disappearance. Everybody was ask
ing what had become of the City Club. and
nobody seemed TO know at least cared -
tell Certainly there was urgent need of it~
inspiring presence and leadership. \ powerful
and audacious combination was at work 10
strengthen the grip OF profiigatc and tyran-
ncal machine upon the people and institutions
of New-Ycrk and the young giant that had
sprung into being for the express purpose of
rescuing the community from such fate was
nowhere to be found. There were some who
made show Of keeping IN their spirits. " II
is merely going through material process Of
development" they said land will presently
reappear upon the scene and show lis teeth.
But it came not through all the long, bright
summer, nor caught one fleeiing glimpse OF
the solemn splendor Of October days and
nights. II was mourned sincerely, and then
for such is human nature-it was forgotten.
But suddenly. on November ., if our memory
serves US, rumOr filtered through the com
munity that the City Club was still alive. In
credible but true. II was not dead but sleep
ing, and now, having become thoroughly
aroused from its long slumber il is seen to he
in Just abou. the condition in which it dropped
off last June, and preparing TO make a noble
fight against Croker, Gilroy, Scannell, Koch
& Co. IIurrah Every good citizen must
hope for its success We promise our hearicSt
cooperation. But we cannot help deploring
that it slept clear through its first and best
opportunity and awakcd to discover the enemy
behind intrenchments Of enormous strength.