Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-31

the constitutionality of the legislation and
the propriety of his signing the bill.
After the charter had been granted by
proper authority interest in the election
which was to provide officers for the new
giant city became active at once, an
interest which was scond only to that
which enters in a national election.
New York had always been regarded
as both doubtful and a pivotal state in
rational elections Even under old condi-
tons the city of New York had often
swayed the result in the state, and under
the new, with its tremendously Increased
voting population. the influence of the city
was proportfonately increased. The old
aaage, as New York state goes, so will 90
me e.ls election, became all the more a force
ful fact, when there was gathered under
one municipal administration nearly twice
The voting strength that had made the old
tions. '-e~'
Hardly had the bill granting the charter
become law before the practical poli-
tlcians began their schemlng for adyan-
tage. The old Lire. or what is generally
termed the Tsmn any democracy. nomf-
mated Robert A. Van Wyck for MAYOR. The
regular republican organization nominated
Gen. B. F. Tracy, formerly Secretary of
the Navy under President Harrison The
Citizens Union, an Independent organiza-
ton, composed largely of republicans and
Inc better class of democrats, nominated
Seth Low, who had taken a prominent part
in the organization of the greater city
Henry George. the noted advocate of the
single tax doctrine, was nominated by sew
eral reform organizations and that ele-
ment of the democratic party which had
actively supported William ]. Bryan in the
previous presidential election. Under this
alignment of forces the campaign waXed
hot and furious, attrac ting almost as much
attention throughout the country as the
Presidential election, which occurred a year
previous.
One of the most interesting features in
the campaign was the presence of Richard
Croker. former Tammany boss, who had
left New York under the pressure, it was
said, OF the Lexow investigation of some
months previous. but who returned to take
part in the great contest at hand. In fact,
Mr.. Cookers name appeared quite as prom
inently in the contest that Of any of
the candidates. Indeed, the contest might
almost be said to have narrowed down to
Croker and anti-Croker fight. The most
scathing criticisms which the reform ele-
ncnt, represented by Mr.. Low and Mr..
George, brought to bear in the canvass
were directed at the former Tammany boss.
Mr.. George even went SO far as to say that
If he was elected he would land Mr.. Croker
in the penitentiary for acts Of corruption
while he was the power behind the throne
under the previous democratic regime.
The climax was reached when the leader
OF the Independent democracy died sudden
ly at his hotel on the morning of Friday
October 90, only few days before the cleo
ton.
Mr.. Georges death utterly demoralized
the reform element and caused an entirely
new alignment of forces. His son, Henry
George. jr:. who was nominated to fill his
place on the Independent democratic ticket,
failed utterly to hold these diversified forces
in line. The result was breaking away
from both the Low and George people and
re alignment under the old party organi-
zation and the triumphant election of the
Tammany ticket. headed by Mr.. Van Wyck,
by an Overwhelming majority.
Richard Croker at once sprang to the
front as the greatest political power in the
state of New York. and has since become
&. prominent figure in national politics.
The patronage Of the new city is second
only to that of the United States govern
at from $55,OOO,OOO to s65, OOO, 600. The city
starts in with a bonded debt of about
$217,OOO.OOO. In fact, the city of Greater
New York at one pound became the sec
ond city in population in the world-Lon-
don alone exceeding it. Besides its po-
htical Importance, the new metropolis, in
commercial point of view, far outreaches
any rival in the western hemisphere. The
result of the great consolidation will be
watched with interest alike by both poll
ticians and political economists.
ALASKAN GOLD DISCOVERY.
One OF the most absorbing incidents of
the present year was the discovery along
the headwaters Of the Yukon river In Alas
ka Of irrmense deposits Of placer gold.
gion for several years previous of rich finds
Of this precious metal. but not until the
summer Of 1897 had any real idea of the ex-
tent of the wealth of the country been ap-
preciated. Returning prospectors brought
news of digSings which rivaled in riches
the great discoveries in California and Aus
tralia of nearly half a century before. Com
ing, as 1t did, during period of depression
ard stagnation in business. the effect was
almost electrical. Gold seekers from all
parts of the Union fiocked to the ports on
the Pacific coast for the purpose of reach
ing the Lew Ell Dorado in quest of fortune
The limited transportation facilities were
taxed to their utmost. Men did not stop to
consider the difficulties and dangers attend
ing the exploration of a remote and isolated
country situated almost within the bounds
OF thu arctic circle.
With the reports of newer and richer dis
coveries came back from this ice-bound re-
gion predictions Of suffering and disaster to
many Of those who had gone unprepared to
face the rigors Of this Indictment climate
TO meet the emergency Congress author
lied the Secretary Of War to take steps
within prescribed limits to relieve the suf-
ferers.
A relief expedition, under the guidance of
the Secretary of War, was organized and Is
ow about ready to carry the needed sup
plies to the unfortunate ores who had
sought the new Ell Dorado without sufficient
preparation.
1/dte news from the new ROlQ neiUS, now
ever. indicates that early rumors of pros
pectors' suffering had been somewhat ex-
aRgerated, and 1t now seems that the gold
seekers in the Klondike will be able to tide
over the winter without serious inconveni-
cree. Estimates of the amount of gold
" hich the new Ell Dorado will yield have
been placed high up in the millions, and it
seems not altogether improbable that this
late discovery of the precious metal may in
a measure supply that lack of the cir
culating medium to which one of the poHt-
foal parties has called go much attention
and made it the basis of national cam
paign.
ARBITRATION TREATY REJECTED.
The Senate of the United States on June
by vote Of 43 yeas to % nays refused
to ratify what is known as the arbitration
treaty with England AS the rules of the
Senate require a majority Of two-thirds for
the ratification Of treaties 1t appears that
four more votes In the affirmative would
have secured a favorable result Nineteen
senators were paired. long and acri-
monious debate on the question was in
dulged in. AS a rule the support of the
treaty came from senators from the north
ern and eastern states. and the opposition,