The sun., 1896-10-30
CIVIC PRIDE.
It Might DO Lot for New York city n
Properly Administered.

Properly AdmiuiHtered.
To THE EDITOR OF THE SuN-Sr: A recent
issue Of your paper contained an interesting re-
port of q passage at arms" between Gen.
Collis Of the Public Works Department and
Comptroller Fitch, In which the former de-
tended his actions and purchases OF new lamps
and new poles for electric lights, &c. on tho
basis OF civic PRIDE"
By the use OF these two words he not only
completely foored his opponent. but likewise
the entire organization and former administrn-
tion OF affairs in New York city, to which tho
Comptroller is the only survivor, and for which
fact we should bo so thankful
The utter absence Of civic pride In the man.
aRement Of the city by its former administra-
tors makes the words seem new, and they are
really refreshing; and II we have even one
Commissioner who processes to have some
"civic PRIDE" would 1t not be we'll to increase
his powers and field Of acton2
am sure the taxpayers would not Rrowl over
the increased tax ratio IL they had visible evil
dence that the city had used the amount In
honestly expended improvements.
Without intending In any way to criticise tho
present reform Government, tho only evidence
OF real reform patent to the ordinary citizen is
the street Cleaning Department and the report
tary s conditions prevailing at the present time %
But Just think OF the possibilities of reforms.
I'll IL oS qsars Ms.. Ss
might some day have the streets lighted by
electricity-samea as almost every village In tho
land OF over 5000 enhabitants enjoys.
Now the great west side with population OF
say l5o. 900. 10 surfeited with gas companies,
and during tho present summer was obliged TO
submit to hayine the streets opened up and
another line of gas pipes laid. making three gas
light pipes in every street and not one electric
line
II we had had some civic pride among our leg;
out to the gas combine.
And yet. there is the beautiful Riverside
Drive still lit by coal OIL lamps that struggle
hard to combat with single candle. IL in fact
they burn Mt all.
Civic pride might do away with the "CAb.
cab. cab" nuisance at the depots and ferry
landings
| No city or town In the world is so afflicted,
| and might say, no such outrage is permitted
| every person coming to New York until the
| average citizens blush from shame at the wild
attempt TO initiate q lot Of Comanche Indians
thattakes place on the arrival Of every train at
| Forty-secOnd street.
| Civic pride, II any left. would prevent turning
| our great thoroughfare, Broadway. into q rail-
road yard. with Its switches and switchmen and
| swinging lanterns OF many colors. &c.
Al all events. It would compel the cable car
| companies to put on life-saving tenders on all
| cars-the came as all other cities and towns.
Why 10 1t that Now York city is so backward
| in some things2 Most certainly 1t is not due TO
the people that live here-they are Of the most
advanced and Intelligent type of citizens! The
| real trouble is tho lack Of civic pride among
| those in power. and when wo have found ono or
| two Com mmissioners like Coils and WarlnR. let
US not begrudge them n single dollar OF the In
eosss sd 1a =. ns
general good h. l.. II.
NEW YoRk. Oct 20.