New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-27
THE SEVEN MILLIONS CANAL BILL.

A letter from an advocate Of canal improve
ment printed in this issue discusses with con-
siderable warmth the question whether or not
the people shall be enabled to vote this year
for or against an appropriation of 100000 to
| complete the disappointing work which has al
J ready absorbed 100000. A bill providing for
such determination has been introduced in the
legislature and our contributor holds Governor
Black responsible for the obstacles which are
supposed to lie in its way. This is generally
understood 10 be the fact. we believe, but there
Is some exaggeration in the statement that the
Governor virtually constitutes the whole opp0si-
ton Nobody knows enough about public sentl-
ment 10 warrant such an assertion. But 1t is
reasonable 10 inquire what the welfare OF the
State demands. and perhaps possible TO reach
a sound conclusion.
1t has been said. and is probably true. that a
large part Of the outlay already made and con-
tracted for will 60 for little or nothing If addi-
tional millions are not furnished to finish the
Job Of canal improvement and it has been uni
versally conceded that the people ought 10 say
whether not they want 10 go on with the
work The question has been in what year
they should vote upon the proposition. 1t Is
represented that Governor Blacks reason for
wishing 10 postpone the decision is that he be-
l.eves the people. more less disguised with
the application Of the $4,000, 900 already grant
ed. and perhaps misled as 10 the facts connect
ed Herewith, are not in a mood 10 vote wisely
and are likely to defeat proposal which their
real interests require them to adopt. Undoubt-
edly there would be much force In this con.
tention. at least from the Governors point OF
view, il the vote were TO be taken in the near
future. without more accurate knowledge Of the
case than Is now accessible But the situation
will be different next November. BY midsum
mer the commission appointed by the Governor
"a commission Of able and honest men, though
perhaps too strongly committed 10 canal extern
slon--will have completed their investigation
and made q report which will be open TO the
inspection Of any citizen. Between that time
and the election there will be ample opportunity
for thorough discussion Of the question based
on that report and our impression is that If
the people, having a fresh interest In the sub
ject and an unusual amount Of information re-
lating TO it, are not prepared to decide intelli-
gently in November whether or no; ii is de-
sirable TO invest 100000 more in the canals
they never will be prepared.
There is another important point 10 be con-
sidered The Constitution provides that the
people shall not vote upon such a proposition
Eat any general election when any other law
"or any bill or any amendment 10 the Constitu-
'tion shall be submitted TO be voted for or
against" Though If additional millions are to
be expended a reasonably prompt authorization
should be made years delay might not pro.
duce serious mischief. But II the proposed canal
vote is not taken this year II probably cannot
be taken until 1900. for It is now generally be-
lieved that the biennial sessions amendment
Will be passed a second time by the Legislature
of 1890 and submitted TO the people in the fall
OF that year Moreover, 1900 is a Presidential
election year. and further postponement might
On that account result. This consideration and
others to which we have alluded have been
brought 10 the attention Of members Of the
Legislature and will be more formally presented
again this week at the committee hearings by
the committee Of the Chamber Of Commerce.
We are disposed to believe that they are suAi-
Client to justify the passage Of the submission