New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-04-10
TIE MAYORS VETO.

Nayor StrOng's veto of the charter in DehaH
the people Of this city is an honorable ana
.ghly commendable act though 1t still leaves
him committed to the support OF numerous pro-
visions which are not generally acceptable IL
is not surprising that the veto caused almost uni
yersal establishment, nasmuch as the Mayor AT
the last hearing In his office took particular pains
TO defend the charter against the general attack
which had been made upon it, 1t seems 10 us
that he would have done better If he had WITH
held that encomum end made 1t part or the
communication which he sent TO the Legislature
Yesterday, thus avoiding certain semblance OF
frlyolty in dealing with an Issue Of momentous
importance. That, however, is not vital con-
alteration. but a question Of appropriateness, as
10 which the Mayor can please himself without
barming others The main thing Is the veto,
and that. so far as 1t goes, Is an excellent piece
of work.
The Tribune said few days ago that Mayor
Strong, in deciding whether to give or withhold
the city's consent to an enactment profoundly
affecting its credit and welfare. was bound 10
act conscientiousy according TO his present judg-
ment. without regard to the opinions when ne
expressed some time ago, and that II ne nad
changed his mind duty required him TO change
his course This is precisely what he has DONE
and angry imputatons Of inconsistency ought
not to disturb him in the slightest degree HIS
memorandum to the Legislature is a perfectly
frank statement of the reasons which now In
duce him to veto q charter which he was willing
TO recommend as whole two months ago, be-
lieving that its merits outweighed its defects.
During the interval further reflection, aided by
continued observation Of grave evils which the
operation Of the charter in its present form
would Derpetuate has convinced him that he
was wrong, and consequently, under n deep
sense of his obligation to the community, he
reverses his position. 1t is very easy to accuse
him of inconsistency, and we observe that some
members Of the Legislature lost no time in doing
co. In language which discloses their vulgarity
and. we hope their apprehension also. What
the Mayor has really shown is fidelity to his
trust and contempt for shallow and noisy crit
icism He is justified by all the evidence before
him In believing that the charter as IL was passed
would work great harm 10 the people and that
the people do not want IT,
If Yesterday had not been short day with
the Legislature and many Of the members out
of reach, 1t is probable that a majority might
have been induced TO rush the charter through
second time over the veto The pleasure which
that immediate action would have given 10 the
minority who still assume 10 control legislative
proceedings would have been very keen. and
perhaps II may be enjoyed in somewhat smaller
measure early next week. But on the other
hand. many Republicans representing country
districts originally voted for the charter with
q pretty strong conviction OF the folly and in
Justice to which they were consenting. The
Mayors veto gives them an opportunity TO with
draw from position which they heartily dis
like. and which we have not the slightest doubt
that they are more than willing TO abandon.
The reins Of the authority which they have gen
orally acknowledged heretofore will have to be
drawn very tight to keep them from boiling.
Before Monday night, moreover, they are likely
to receive mass Of additional proof that the
people Of this city are Overwhelmingly opposed
to having this or any other charter forced upon
them. And II is just possible that the Repub-
lcan organization at tomorrow's session Of the
political Sunday-school will receive, warning
which It will not dare 10 disregard.
Whatever course the machine the Legislature
or the Governor may adopt. Mayor Strong has