New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-10-26

much longer period. the city OF New-York Is
10 be governed solely in the interest Of Its citi-
zens or in reference to the aims and policy OF
National and State parties. In this respect the
| election OF 1897 will be a crisis so important a.
to demand Of every citizen the full performance
OF his public duty. Experience has demon
stratod. first that good city government cannot
De secured through the agency of existing par
ties organized upon National and State issues.
and. second, that 1t can be secured through
the united action IL citizens earnestly deter
mined that the city shall be governed solely
with reference to the welfare of the city and
It's citizens. But IL is essential that this ac-
ton shall be concerted and that It shall he
thoroughly organized. large number Of cit-
Gems have resolved to unite in furtherance of the
principle OF separate elections and independent
business administration. and for this purpose to
organize Citizens Union. BY this term Is
! meant en- association OF voters devoted to the
one END on securing permanently for the city
MONIES. government and efficient administration
OF the citys affairs. unqua!iliedy pledged to
disregard all considerations Of National and
state poiitics and parties in the election OF city
officers and the government OF the city
The separation OF municipal from State and
National politics and the honest. efficient and
independent administration OF the city govern
ment are the principles Of the Union. It's OBJ
1ects. as stated In the accompanying deciara-
ton. are to carry these principles into effect.
renewing that you are In sympathy with these
principles and objects, we desire your co-Opera-
ton In forming a Citizens Union upon the dec
larauon herewith submitted. and ask that you
VIII hecofne member OF the Committee OF Or
gnnization 1t Is requested that you will signify
your acceptance by signing and returning the
accompanying form at an early date.
PRINCIPLES OF THE UNION.
Responses to this address we're numerous. and
thousands Of citizens. without regard to party
utilization. were soon enrolled in the Union The
declaration Of principles and objects subscribed
to was as follows:
!. We uphold the principle now for the first
time embodied in the Constitution OF the State
that municipal elections shall be held separately
from State and National electors. to the end
that the business affairs Of municipal corpora
lions may be managed upon their own meritA
uncontrolled by National or State politics: and
this Union Is formed to carry that principle into
effect.
z. We demand that the affairs OF the city OF
New York be administered independently OF Ma
tional and State politics, and that local officers
be chosen solely with reference TO their qualin-
cations
We will nominate no candidate unless his
character and record are such to justify pub
lie confidence in his assurance that. II elected,
he will not his Office or Permit II to be used
for the benefit OF any political organization but
VIII administer 1t In ali respects in accordance
with the principles Of this declaration
.. We demand that the Civil Service require
ments Of the Constitution and laws of this state
be iinpartiay enforced by such methods as will
Insure practical and reasonable test OF fitness
and the selection or subordinate officers upon
their merits. irrespective Of political influence
so AZ to afford a fair chance TO every citizen
without regard to race religious belief or poli,i-
cal affiliations.
4. We demand that the city shall retain the
ownership Of its franchises and tina. all grants
thereof be- for limited periods. in order that
increases Of value shall accrue TO the people:
we demand stringent supervision Of gas and
railroad companies. and Of all other corporations
using city franchises. so as % Insure adequate
service al reasonable rates.
= We demand better rapid trans, facilities
without unreasonable. delay.
u. We demand that adequate school accommo-
datons be- provided for all children OF school
aCr and that the efficiency OF the public schools
be steadily increased by the adoption of the best
educational methods.
:. We demand that the .ight-hour labor law
now On the statute books be enforced as to all
employees ~ tho city and its contractors: and
that all such employees be paid Mt the prevailing
rat" " wages In their respective trades. = re-
guired by law
"a The more crowded parts ~ IN" city be- ex-
tended That baths and lavatories adequate to
the public needs Ice established
That the policy OF putting the best paycmonfs
in the streets u the most densey pcofcd dis
tri'ts shall I've carried on and extended
And that all the la"s providing Tor the ina
rroNeiusnt and better sanitation Of tenement
houses - carried into effect At the earliest prac-
ticlhlo date
. The way in which our streets have been
cleaned under thu present administration is an
Illustration ~ IN" results To- be obtained by
applying business methods 10 municipal Affairs:
and we demand that la the government " tho
ciy there shall b. no return 10 tn" former sys.
ten Of inc.lic!cncy and waste.
Without calling upon any citizen u sur.crd,V
in any degree hi' slcginnc" Ia his party sc
insist upon entire separation Of municipal
government from National and State politics.
and appeal to all good citizens OF WhateVcr
ef