New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-05-08
I UOPIL COMFY ISLAND.

The annexation Of Grayesend to Brooklyn has
wrought IN immediate transformation in the
fortunes OF McKane's former kingdom. With
Il small squad of Brooklyn police hastily as
signed TO duty on COncy Island municipal law
was enforced. and there was the quietest and
most orderly Sunday that has been known there
for many years. Mayor Scheren and Police
Commissioner Wellcs had announced their de-
termination to regulate the new ward precisely
as the other wards I'm the city were controlled
under existing statutes. Liquor traffic was ut
once brought under restraint. The front doors
Of the saloons were closed, and the gambling
places and dives were deserted. All lcwd and
disgraccful concert saloons and shows were
either closed outright or the offensive character
of the performances was changed. Mckanc
would hardly have recognized Surf-ave. and the
Bowcry if he had sauntcrcd through those noto-
rious haunts of vice on Sunday. There We're
no arrests and the police made no attempt to
harass the proprictors Of these low resorts. but
the new order Of social reformation was accept
ed with one consent by the frequentcrs Of what
has been for many years the most immoral or
the metropolitan suburbs.
1t is fortunate that the annexation Of Graves
end has been carried into effect under a munic-
lnHl administration lndl COHllldHuS puDHC IL
spcct and is pledged to enforce the laws without
compromise or discrimination. The same meas
urc if signed by the Governor a year ago would
have been rendered imperative by political
pulls and backstairS bargains. McKane would
have had a secret understanding with McLaugh-
ln and the island would have been policed
in the interest Of lawbreakcrs. No arrange
mcnts Of that kind can be made with Mayor
Schicrcn and Commissioner Wcllcs. They have
promptly decided to bring this popular resort
with It's uncnvablc notofiety under the re-
strantS of law. Whatever can be done in other
Brooklyn wards on Sunday or any other day of
the week will be allowed on Concy Island.
Whatever is contrary 10 law is prohibited there
as elsewhere in the city The saloons will be
regulated by the statutes. No lewd dancing
nor exhibition Of any kind that is offensive to
public dcccncy will be- allowed. The concert
saloon prOprictOrs know that they cannot bring
any political influence 10 bear upon Mayor
Schicrcn and his heads of departments. They
are compelled TO suspend the carnival Of vice
which has been conducted for many years with
out regard for law or morality. For twenty
months at least Concy Island will be a we'll
ordered urban district
The new order Of municipal administration
will be beneficial and remedial in many re-
spccts There will De 10 more dSgraccful prize
fights Public conscience has been aroused, and
no cyasions Of law under the guisc Of glove con
tests and Splrring matches will he tolerated in
the new ward. The racctracks will he under
the control of the Brooklyn police and private
rights will not be ut the mercy of McKane's
officers and Justices If the peace. This is a
practical reform which will inspire public con-
fdcncc increase the attendance at the tracks
and tend 10 raise the standards Of racing What
WAS once q lawlcs> district. governed by the
arbitrary capriccS ~ yrannical politician. will
be- city ward. regularly policcd and subject 10
all The moral restraints of public law. Coney
Island will lose its reputation rs the most dis
reputable metropolitan suburb. and will regain
its natural advantages as the most accessible
and comfortable brcathing-SpOt Of Il great centre
of population Unless all human experience be
AZ fault. the Transformation from immortality
10 morality will be highly advantageous to prop
criy owners and vested interests. Long before
Mayor Schicron rctirrs from office Mechanics in
fluatcd subjects will nave learned the lesson
that morality like honesty. Is the best policy.