New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-02

dss the maxim thai f he d kns
authority and his successor takes II up while the
'mechlnery Of the Government moves on noiseess-
Of or hs h s s aSe
n n9t iail into anarchy upon change OF public
oilcers. The laws are executed and obeyel with
the same authority and acquies ,ence as II the
same person continued 10 administer the govern
We have come to the close OF another admins
tratIon the first under the new Constitution. and
moving forward in its career of primacy. destined
e, TO continue. as 4 has been so many years: the
Empire State" Pliny. the Younger wrote Of the
majesty Of Roman peace" hut It peace In
spired by fear and maintained by force We enjoy
peace not less majestic, and Infinitely more
benehcent for II Is founded upon the intelligence
and devotion of our people; mantained by th".~
tional barriers and safeguards. \ written Consti-
S tut rsGosnz% Ing ard projecting the De S o,
wisdom in the administration OF social order.
PREVIOUS CONSTITUTIONS.
Our State has passed through three constitu-
tional periods each OF which was period Of
luton and development. The first Constitution Of
M was the product Of revolutionary conditions.
adopted during an armed conflict for independence.
when government IN transition state. and
preservation of existing Institutions and in dissolv
than in framing and putting into operation more
theories of admnistration Hence that Constitu.
respects the transition from Colonial TO State gov
eminent merely formal and almost mper-
ceptibe II was soon discovered that this Con-
stituton was inadequate for the wants of people
they could not under It's limitations accomplish
In 1892 the people adopted a now Constitution.
broader in scope more elastic in it's provisions and
suitable for the development OF free govern
ment. This the fundamental law for nearly a
quarter OF century. bu; 1t could well continue
without embarraTsng people Tso felt more snd
and who were constrained by The limitation i'm
posed upon them.
In 1876 the third Constitution was adopted. which
changed In respects tho sch or admins
ira don prescribed by former instruments. II was
thought that this Constitution was sufficiently elias
tic to admit he greatest growth and development.
and for nearly half century with few modihca-
tons II continued TO be the basis Of government
and administration During this per.od the judicial
system was reorganized. the departments Of Pub
nc Worxs and Prisons were created important lin
iaions upon the power OF the Legislature were pre-
scrlbed. and many fragmentary attempts made TO
modify and perfect the fundamental law.
THE NEW CONSTITUTION.
The convention OF $50, revised the whole Consti-
tuition modifying n branch OF the Government
The Legislature was increased one-fourth in num-
bers and additional limitations were imposed upon
its powers. The executive branch was also
changed and the judicial system received important
modlfcatiors. Many changes were also made in
the administrative features OF government. several
statutory departments were made constitutional
and the scope of the entire instrument greatly
broadened. This Constitution ratified In all its
parts by the people and in OF its provisions
went Int operation on the first day Of January
OF the ONCE If Governor on the same day. and 10
begin my administration with the opening OF our
fourth constitutional period. How long this period
will continue even conjecture. but be-
leve il tn almost universal opinion that We
now have a Constitution ample In its scope, simple
and clear I'm ITS dec arati OF principles sufficiently
elastic In its provisions and adequate for all gen
eral purposes OF government under present condi-
tons: and ] court II no small honor that have
been permitted occupy the office OF chief Magis
trate OF this State and 10 take some part IN carry
ing into effect the mandates OF the new constitu-
ION.
Mucn legislation has been required. and also
many notifications OF existing institutions. The
changes in administration have also made II neces-
sarv 10 change well-established precedents and
methods OF transacting public business. All these
things have required careful and patient attention
departments by the courts and by the Executive:
new constitutional provisions 10 the every day at
fairs OF State administration We ind the machinery
OF government running smoothly IN all its parts.
During the last two years the body Of legislation
has been large. and much OF II very important.
Municipal development and the concentration OF
population and wealth In cities required special
tention at the hands of the last Constitutions.
Convention and provisions were Incorporated In the
Constitution for the purpose OF comforting
upon these municipalities modified measure OF
rule. The resllt OF this constitutional amend
mcnt and the legislation consequent upon IL has
been relieve the Legislature In some measure
from responsibility, and TO impose upon the gov.
crning bodies OF the cities n corresponding respon-
operation Of this constitutional provision has been.