New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-13
TIE M4YOR,S CONFESSION

In bringing TO abrupt close yesterday
afternoon a hearing bill sent down TO him
from Albany Mayor Van Wyck exclaimed: Il
IAN tired of it all. When my term expires l
will be glad to get out of this office" We re-
greet the Mayors erroneous choice of an auxil-
larry verb. but it does not surprise 1t used
to be said that no American born out of New
England could tell whether shall or will
wanted for the expression of ais thoughts,
but though that generalization was too sweep
ing Intentionally made so. doubt, for the
sake of effect-the dismal fact remains that
the auxiliares commonly employed with
distressing lack of discrimination. and there is
some reason to fear that the time may come
when even those who know better will cease TO
practise what they now preach. However, this
is gramma teal detail which we have 10 pres
ent purpose of discussing in connection with the
Mayors declaration. The interesting IEIng Is
that he is tired of his job and will be glad to
have it taken off his hands January l. 1902.
The public officer who habitually invites at
tention to the weight of his burdens seldom
gains the pity for which he pretends TO appeal.
In reality his lamentations are generally Spu-
rious; he likes his place and would be indignant
if a way We're found to relieve him even on the
most honorable terms. But il is dne TO Mayor
Van Wyck TO say that he has not been acous-
toned to make such drafts on public patience.
He has attended 10 what he cOncaives to be
the business of his office with exemplary dill
gence. and far we know. with a copsid
cradle degree OF executive ability. Ills under
standing of the part is extremely imperfect, and
for the blessings ii enjoys the city Is under
slight obligations to its Chief Magistrate;
but when he says. think for the first time,
that he lis tired of it all" his remark suggests
the question. Why?
Unfortunately. it is scarcely possible TO sur
mise that Mayor Van Wyck is weary of serv-
ing Tammany and has begun 10 wish that he
had served the city half we'll His devotion
TO the purposes of the organization has always
seemed TO be not compulsory and sluggish. but
jealous and agreeable To his feelings. We
pect that if yesterdays avowal signifies any
thing more than a mood of temporary depres-
sion. induced possibly by vile weather or an
imprudent lunch it due TO the subjective
sction of that unhappy temper which His
Honor has often manifested at the expense
of others. From the moment when he entered
upon the discharge of his important and inter-
esting duties he has appeared to find particular
satisfaction in making citizens having bust
ness in his office uncomfortable We have been
willing to suppose that he commonly said more
than he meant when he tartly admOnished them
to be ashamed Of themselves, and we have re-
peatedly urged him to cultivate a more philo-
sophie spirit and habit Of amiable speech
and demeanor But regret TO say that he
has consistently rejected this excellent advice.
We do remember occasion when a delega-
ton of school teachers-not the which lately
clamored for his approval of the Davis bill
waited upon him to solicit his good offices and
went away rejoicing in his suavity. We re-
member also that we hastened to point out the
mutual benefits of that exceptional experience
and to express the hope that the Mayor would
not deny himself the privilege of following
delightful a precedent; but alas. he relapsed
forthwith into his old ways and left the com
munity hopeless of any lasting reform
Can it be possible that the Mayor is tired Of
his Job because he is tired Of himself? If so,
It is not yet too late to pray for his salvation.