New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-12-25
NETWORKS PROGRESS.

In the year lust closing this city has proved
itself more than equal TO the task or pro'lulns
for armies OF visitors The hosts when came
to welcome Admiral Dewey and those which
gathered 10 view the international yacht races
exceeded any multitudes which had been seen
before OH Manhattan Island or on the waters OF
thc Bay. New-York may fairly claim credit FOR
the splendid hospitality which ii extends 10
those who enter its borders Although rapid
transit Is still in the future. although the ter
minol facilities of the great railroad lines are
not what they should be, although there Is no
bridge over the North River, and only single
arch spans the East River. and although the tun-
nols which in after years will afford the quickest
and easiest means of travel between Long
Island and this borough are not yet digged,
nevertheless Manhattan and the other boroughs
in the metropolis have made remarkable al
vances in 1889.
On most of our street lines the speed ana inc
size Of cars have been increased, and 1t has
been made possible TO cross from river TO river
or 70 traverse long distances in our thorough
fares at pace which keeny grathes the has'e
SO characteristic of Americans. The cab service
supplied by several Of our railroad companies
has lipbtened 10 some extent the excessive prices
which hackmen formerly demanded. and greedy
drivers now rarely 20 TO the extreme OF eA-
tortion. which was so common not long ago
II is lamentably true that the elevated system
is still laggard in the forward path ana It's sor-
rowful victims have no words OF praise lor
the management. An imposing array OF lie"
buildings has been completed or begun Oh po'h
sides of the East River and north OF the iar-
lem Lofty business structures, immense no
tells sumptuous restaurants, superb mansions
and other fine cdifces have been going up III
the metropolis and have added much TO us al
tractiveness No city in America can be com
pared with this in its capacity for furnishing
wellnigh everything which may be looked Tor
hv these who come here either for business OF
for pleasure Ncw-York IS now better equipped
than ever in the past for notable gatherings
for National conventions for religious assem-
blos for great parades and demonstrations. for
celebrations Of every sort. Many things nave
been added unto It in the year just ending, ana
many more will be welcomed in the closing year
Of this century and in the early part of the
next.
Nevertheless. NEWCOMERS must feel that
they have not yet approached the measure OF
EXPANSION which should belong TO the hrSt CITY
of America. 1t is encouraging to observe inc
development Of our universities ana other III
situations of learning, and Of our many noble
HOSPITALS, and to note the progress making III
many lines Of achievement; but years must
pass before the rapid transit system is IN opera
ton. and our public officials ms rule are not
governed by loyal public spirit and an I'M
selfish devotion TO the lasting interests or the
community. Zeal for party, zeal for facuon'
and. above all zeal for private gain, are Of
fensively prevalent In the municipal depart
monts. There is good reason for faulthndlng
in the scanty additions which have been made
TO our pavcmcnts, in the condition of many OF
our streets and avenues, in the waste OF
largo part of our water supply, In the poor
quality of the gas that is furnished by the gas
companies. In lack of vigilance, thorouShness
and efficiency in the work Of our police, Ill the
ouarrels among our officials. in the rapaclty dis
PLAYED every day by troops Of those III au-
thorIty. New-YOrk is great but it ought to Dc
greater. Is it possible TO inspire the men who
draw salaries from the local treasury with
broader views Of their opportunities, with
sincere desire TO do their duty and TO labor to
make New York the best city in the world to
inn