New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-02-06
THE NEXT STEPS.

Thanks TO careful and intelligent PREPARATION
the investigation Of the Surrogate oilicc hau
scarcely begun when Surrogate Arnoid nlaue
I'D his mind to resign rather than race me CON
seouences His retirement. Indispensable as II
was from every point of view still leaves much
TO be accomplished The purpose OF the inquiry
will not have been fully attained when an I'M
worthy incumbent has been succeeded ny man
thoroughly qualified in mind and character 10
administer the grave and delicate trust WHICH
has been so long abused. II cannot be doun'ed
that Governor Roosevelt appreciates the lhpor-
lance of the appointment which he is suddenly
required 10 make and will remain deaf To per
suasionS in behalf Of any candidate whose per
sonal or professional fitness is open To Suspicion
He knows that n man of unbemished reputa-
tion excellent ability and sober Judgment would
not fill the place unless. in addition 10 those
qualifications he were possessed or an enor-
aetic spirit and a resOute will. Some or MS
own most conspicuous qualities are needed III
Surrogate Arnold's successor. for new system
ms well as a new man is in prospect
II is believed that the Assembly committee.
short as the official investigation was. has Sc
cured sufficient basis for remedial legislation.
Otherwise il would have been unwise and i'm
propcr not TO go on. The statement made on
behalf Of the committee last Friday and in eX-
planation of its course will be followed in due
time by full report Of its discoveries. There
is no agreement limiting It's freedom in that re
spect. and it's findings will be practically aS
complete as a much longer inquiry could have
made them. They will show not only that judi
cial powers have been abused. but also that the
law has permitted serious hardships to be In
IL. IL nir Of Il
estates. and that a large license now exists in
respect TO the patronage OF the Surrogate Oh
flee which should be much curtailed. For an
exact account of these matters we must wait
until the committee makes It's formal report. but
the general nature Of the evils which ought TO
be corrected. and which no Surrogate can
wholly cure without the assistance Of the Legls-
lature has been already indicated.
1t is evident therefore, that serious and
presumably not an altogether easy task will
soon confront the Republican majority AT Al
bany. Democratic members opposed the reso-
luton for an investigation with characteristic
faulty, and though Mr.. Croker, being better
advised as to what was impending. subsequently
declined to make an effort in behalf of Surro-
gate Arnold. il is not to be supposed that Tam
many will cheerfully consent 10 legislative in
reference with powerful office of which it
expects TO regain full possession in the near
future. The Republican leaders will therefore
peed to proceed in such a manner as TO avoid
all suspicion Of subservience TO personal or pO-
litical interests and TO command the support Of
public opinion in their cndeavors to institute a
far-reaChing reform. 1t would be unfortunate
and discredtable if SO excellent a beginning
failed TO lead to thoroughly satisfactory results.