New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-27

EXECUTIVE MANSION PREPARED FOE
HIS OCCUPANCY OF 1T.
NO DECISION IN REGARD TO SUPERINTENDENT
OF PUBLIC wORKs-COMMIssIoNER LYMANs
REFUSAL TO BE CONSIDERED.

NO DECISION IN REGARD TO SUPERINTENDENT
OF PUBLIC OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES LYMAN's
REFUSAL TO BE CONSIDERED.
Albany Dec 26 (SpeciaD.- Governor-o'ect
Roosevelt is expected here this week with his
family, and the Executive Mansion is practically
ready for his occupancy Of it. For three weeks
Frederick P. Easton. the Superintendent OF Pub
lie Buildings. has had men AT work cleaning the
carpets and furniture and painters also have
been busy In the house. The mansion there
fore has brighter and more homeke appear.
ance than for some time past.
The Governor elect is coming here with his
choice for Superintendent OF Public Works un-
known. and it is doubtful If he has yet selected
the man he desires for this great Office. After
the declination Of James A. Roberts. the State
Controller Colonel Roosevelt apparently re-
solved to make a most careful inquiry in regard
TO the characters and capabilities OF the men
suggested to him for the place.
Colonel Henry II. Lyman the State Excise
Commissioner, undoubtedly would have been
supported by various Republican leaders for the
position, but he positively declined in New-Yorh
on Saturday to permit the use Of his name for
the Office. Before he started for New-York he
had stated positively that he would not consent
to being transferred 10 the Department of Public
Works. and therefore surprise was felt here
when it known that he had told Senator
Platt and other prominent Republicans in New.
York OF his decision.
Colonel Lyman, II may be stated, has become
greatly interested in the Excise Department
and believes that the collection OF S12.0OO.0O0
OF revenue yearly by it is fully as valuable "a
the State as the work done in the manage
ment Of the States canals by the Department
% k.f~v
be supposed. also no satisfaction in the
prospect Of assuming the unpleasant task OF
cutting down the overloaded payros OF the
Department Of Public Works. The man who
undertakes that task may as we'll know in ad-
vance that he will at once acquire the hearty
dislike of powerful politicians in every canal
county Of the State. Colonel Roosevelt's policy
undoubtedly will be one OF strict economy IN
this Department and therefore his Superintend-
ent Of Public Works will have to reduce the
number of employees 20 large extent.
1t is understood here that the Governor ELECT
In his annual message to the Legislature will
recommend that an act be passed submitting to
the people at the polls the question OF further
expenditures on canal improvements. Whether
this recommendation will apply to S4OOOOOO OF
canal contracts let but not completed, or solely
to the proposal TO expend some SS,OOO.OOO ad-
ditiOnal TO the S13 600 0O0 which will have been
expended II 81 100000 is added to the $9.0O0O0O
already spent, Is not known. The Legislature
may possibly think it we'll to complete the half
finished contracts. Such policy would compel
the Senate and the Assembly to pass an appro-
priaton act, say, for 81 100000. for canal con-
tracts this year. Savings can be made in vart.
Gus directions which would enable the Legis-
lature TO make such appropriation without
increasing the State tax rate
Silas w. Burt, Of the Civil Service Com.
missioners, II Is reported. has been assured that
he will be reappointed. but It Is doubtful ac-
carding to report. II Governor Roosevelt will
reappoint George p. Lord and Willard A. Cobb
his associates.