New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-01-01
THE NEW yH4R

The country enters upon the new year with
the comforting assurance that 1t is the last one
Of Il political Olympiad which has been marked
throughout by financial disturbance, business
depression and commercial distress such as have
characterized no Quadrennial period since the
foundation of the Republic 1t is the Prcsi-
Dental year. and all the indications point TO
return of prosperity through wiser legislation by
Congress and the promise of a change of Admin
istration. which is in itself the harbngcr of bet
ter times. Republican Congress has already
made most excellent beginning by the prompt
ness with which 1t has laid hold Of the bust
ness which seemed most urgent and pressing.
and the devotion to the public interests which ii
has shown in making the unusual sacrifice OF
continuing in session during the annual holiday
season. Herein is the best encouragement for
the suffering business interests of the country.
that Congress recognizes their actual condition
and its duty of prompt and intelligent action
in their behalf Whatever obstacles there may
be in the way-and there are obviously many
10 the consummation of It's endcavors-;hc sim
pie fact that we have Congress which under
stands its duty. and does ii, will 90 long way
toward restoring the public confidence, which
is the basis of prosperity.
In the State We have a Republican adminiSira-
ton and Republican Legislature. 20 which.
notwithstanding the drawbacks which iactonal
differences and personal ambitions may be eX-
pected 10 intcrpose. We may safely look for what
will be- on the whole. sound and Wholesome
legislation For. after all whatever collisions
of interests may occur ana whatever differences
of opinion upon pending questions may arse
Republican Legislature IS not APT 10 forget lis
responsibility II constituencies which Watch
IL with jealous eyes. IN the SENSE of non
esly and jus tee and in he main in M intciii-
gent comprehension Of all important iS'u'''
which characterize these Republican consul
uences We may safely confdc. The Republican
party is So thoroughly committed io me reforms
which were only initiated last year that HES
Republican Legislature cannot fail 10 continue
the work then begun and make il more effective
bv needed legislation. Whatever personal, pri-
vate or fractional interests may be invoked I"
defeat or retard such reform measures. W" are
confident that the majority Of Republicans in
the Legislature will In the enc lay aside all other
considerations and fulfil the pledges which the
party has made 10 the people The party'S
plgh,ed faith as we'll as the best interests OF
the people will he at stake, and they cannot
safely disregard it,
In the city we continue with an adminiSlra-
ton practically unchanged. Through the blind
obstinacy and folly Of some Of those who last
wear secured places which they have since di>-
praced by noisy demonstrations in favor or re-
form. a few places Of no importance except Tor
their salaries and patronage were filled III NO
yember by Tammany adherents. but otherwise
the municipal administration continues without
change While ii would be idle TO deny mat
mistakes have been made. and that our munic-
ipal administration is far away from the Ideals
that some Of lis had set up for 1t, ii would be
valuable fact that in almost if not quite, all OF
our municipal departments there has been dur
ing the last year gratifying improvement. We
need not detail them here. The readers OF The
Tribune have been made aware Of them as they
occurred Whatever else may be said of the
municipal administration, ii has certainly aimed
at honesty. integrity and efficiency in all It's
opcrations and has so far succeeded that we
have no reason now 10 be ashamed OF the ma
ioritv Of our officials In the coming year we
NAV well hope that with the additional lcgiSa-
tion granted. which is so much needed. a still
greater Improvement in all departments will
be effected.
So in Nation, State and city we enter upon The
new year with high hopes and the most cheering
prospects Upon this outlook The Tribune con-
graduates all its readers, and wishes them \
Happy New Year.