New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-07
GOVERNOR BLACKS MESSAGE.

1t was not to be expected that Governor
Blacks first message would exhibit any remark
able insight into the affairs Of the State Gov
eminent. He has had neither in politics nor in
Office such experience as to make his views Of
special significance Realizing this himself. he
has attempted to make recommendations only
Of the most general character, and in most cases
of a nature to meet with general agreement.
His advice that appropriations be based on de-
partmental estimates instead Of owing their
amount to the zeal Of individual legislators, is
good one He wisely urges the necessity Of pro-
viding labor for cOnvcts, and suggests that
short-term prisoners might well be employed at
making and improving roads. His remarks con-
corning banking and insurance are sound, II not
novel. What he has to say about labor is aca-
demic in character and mildly suggestive of a
plan to avoid disputes which the Governor has
heard works we'll in England
Mr.. Black proposes an innovation in the or
ganiZatiOn Of the National Guard which is
worthy of favorable consideration. 1t is not to
be denied that the militia has at times suffered
from having as it's actual head an officer gen
orally appointed for purely personal reasons, and
retaining his office only during the term Of the
tive officer free from political control would be
benefit to the service. 1t would be fortunate, as
the Governor wltty suggests. if the staff could
be treated in the same way. The Constitution.
however, while not designating the number of
staff officers. prescribes the terms and manner
of appointment Of the chiefs Of the staff depart
ments How far this would prevent reorganiza-
ton with departments divorced from the Gov
ernOrs staff Mr.. Black does not attempt to de-
termine. The hard work and small pay OF the
farmer receive sympathetic mention from the
Governor, and a large appropriation to enforce
the ELECTROMAGNETIC law Is called for. what
the message says about the Capitol will meet
approval everywhere. After over $22,OOO,OOO
has been spent or sunk" in the structure, 1t is
high time that 1t should be completed speedily
under contract. 1t is true that "the State needs
1.-THE structure for its USES but 1t needs still more
ito escape the scandal of building of enormous
"cost and unparalleled extravaganza undergoing
''at the same time the process of construction
"at one end and decay at the other"
The canals the public schools and the Excise
law receive judicious treatment and some sensi-
bic suggestions are made concerning them. The
Governor comes out squarely in support Of the
State Commission in Lunacy and its plan for the
Stare care of the insane. 1t is evident that those
who for political and trade reasons desire re-
turn of the asylums to local control need eX-
pect no aid from him for their reactOnary
schemes Mr.. Black also speaks with intell- |
gence and force in favor Of extended expendi- |
lures for the preservation Of the Adirondack |
forests This is subject with which he is evil |
IDENTITY acquainted. and he IS urgent In calling |
for immediate action What he has to say con-
corning Greater New-YOrk legislation Is per- |
functory as may we'll be the case when the sub |
ject is in the hands of a commission which has |
not vet taken final action, and the Governor has |
nothing to do but commend whatever may be
the result of their labors to the attention OF the |
LEGISLATURE The message closes with n recon-
mendation for biennial sessions and prayer to
the Legislature to pass as few laws as possible
and adjourn early.
All these discussions combine to make cred
liable message from a Governor who. like all
new Governors has to look at questions from
the outside rather than the inside. 1t is unfOrtu-
nate. therefore, that Mr.. Black should mar what
Is otherwise a dgnfied document with fippant
treatment of a subject about which the most
substantial citizens are much concerned he
has taken Zeal from the DOCK OF
Mr. Abraham Gruber. and desires to serve no.
tice on all reformers that he regards them as
clamorers." He talks about civil
Service" when he means competitive eXalnina-
TONS and says the system will work better
with less starch He seems to have forgotten
the decision Of the Court Of Appeals and to he
under the delusiOn that the Constitu-
ton may be a dead letter without legislation.
Therefore he asks the Legislature to get rid of
ideas so delicate as to be worthless in actual
and by permitting appointing officers
to select any man from an eligible list, to enable
politicians to put 1.-THE kind of men they want
in office 1t u.s. indeed. strange if Mr. Black
does not realize that such liberty would prac-
ticaiy nufy the merit system and make ap-
pontments depend entirely on favor. He ought
also to know that it would destroy the competi-
tive character Of examinations and possibly be
regarded as unconstitutional by the courts.
Nevertheless he promises to sign bill to this
purpose il sent to him. This Is the one feature
Of the message which really attracts attention,
and it Is to be regretted that Mr.. Black should
give so unsatisfactory an account of himself TO
that part of the community which Is not con-
cerned in pacegetting and place-filling.