New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-23
NETWORK AND CONSOLIDATION.

Tho IocisIot,,re has adjourned until WedneS-
dov nicht ON account of the Republican Con-
ycnt,on in this city, and the olhclal "eeh a'
Albany will, therefore, be short one II Is pos
sible however, that before 1t closes the MOST
,rrorton- hill Of the session will have been
passed; for on Thursday the consolidation meas
ure comes up on special order in the Assembly
We call this the most important Dill or the SEES
s;on for such il Enthusiastically seems to us to
no both in.rinsically and with reference 10 1ts
political consequences. We have little expec'a-
ton that it will be defeated in the Legislature
or even that its passage Will be long ueiaytu'
though ii is absolutely certain that 1t VIII DC
strcnuously contested in the courts win more
than a possibility Of final annulment Nor 40
we expect that any argument new or DID, VIII
change the purpose of those who acung unue'
orders which leave no room for private ludS-
ment. have steadily evinced determination
10 MT the measure through. But we DO not
intend TO make ourselves liable to reproach for
neglect of any obligation arising out or this
grave matter.
Hitherto the opposition TO the consolda'ioh
proect has concerned itself chiefly with the
state of public opinion in Brooklyn. This was
onite natural. inasmuch as in Brooklyn popular
sentiment on the subject Is far stronger than II
Is known to be in New-York; and yet 1t would
no q serious mistake to overlook various consid-
eratons which affect this city When the vote
vas taken in 1894. after a campaign in which
many other issues thought to be of far more
vita, ,mnortance were under discussion. the
op,nion then expressed on the consolidation
ouestion apparently reflected substantial
though not a very keen desire for union of
viz
rounding 1t within the limits Of tho State. But
II Is dishonest 10 ignore the fact that mere rs
we'll as in Brooklyn, that expression OF opinion
was merely in favor Of general Idea not en-
bodied in any definite proposition There had
been no calculation Of advantages, and the sen'l
mental ambition for great increase Of popula-
ton. making this surely and forever the chef
citv Of the continent was the only influence Of
which the majority were probably CONSCIOUS
Since the scheme advanced to n stage Of prac-
teal development great many persons WHO
two years ago had given it little serious thought
have learned to look forward with considerable
soicimde to the probable necessity of anneXins
not only the population, but the debts ana 'he
not unreasonable requirements Of Brooklyn. II
is at least debatable question whether II Il
vote were now TO be taken the people OF New
York would NOT, Oh tnlS score uIohe' ue'hHo u"
accept so great a responsibility.
But there Is another point In the controversy
| which has not been sufficiently considered.
| Though New York was in 1894 and still may be,
| decisvely in favor Of consolidation, looking at
the question only from It's own point OF view, We
| are firmly convinced that the people of this CITY
| have no desire whatsoever TO force consohda-
] ton upon Brooklyn To cXtnguish the munic
| ipal existence of n city Of 100000 inhabitants
| Is q momentous act Of sovereignty; and we DO
not believe that our people would Willingly con
| sent to take part in it, knowing that such
| union would be repulsive to their neighbors
But considerations Of municipal advantage, OF
self-respect and Of common fairness toward
sister community are not the only considerations
which are forced into prominence by the appar
ent intention of the Republican majority a
Albany. That majority in a broad sense repre-
sents the people; but 1t Is also responsible IN {
large measure for the reputation OF the party
and the party may well pray to be delivered
from an act Of fantastic folly which would ar
raw against 1t tens Of thousands OF Its once
stanchcst supporters In Kings County.