New-York tribune., 1900-01-01
STATE AND CITY.

In New-York State the year 1899 was one of
more than usual interest, if not more than
usual accomplishment. 1t began with the in
PRODUCTION of Theodore Roosevelt into the Gov
ernor's chair, and his restless and forceful
character all through it exercised a powerful
influence both in the enactment and in the
prevention of legislation. The leaders of the
party in power failed to carry out some of the
plans which they most conspicuously urged.
The attempt to take the Police Department of
this city cut of Tammany's hands, first by
special legislation and then by the establish
ment of State police system. was a failure.
As a political measure the Mazet investigation
into the affairs of New-York City was also
failure The committee lacked the power to do
really effective work against Tammany cor
ruption, and. lacking impartiality and courage
to probe local Republican scandals which it
happened upon, it failed to command public
confidence. AS a basis of legislation. honestly
remedial or purely partisan, its work belongs to
1900 rather than to 1899 Another conspicuous
failure Of the last session was the Astoria gas
bill, private measure foolishly made partisan.
In spite, however, OF this frittering away of
strength, some legislation secured which is
likely to mark last year one of more than
usual Importance. The Franchise Tax law
takes first place in this category. AS originally
passed, it classed the value Of franchises in the
streets and public places as real estate and sub
jected them to local taxation, like any other
property. At an extra session of the Legislat-
ure this was amended to avoid unequal local
taxation by ordering the value of these fran
chises as real estate to be fixed by the State
Board of Tax Commissioners.
The Civil Service of the State was much i'm
proved last year. The law providing for sep
arate merit and fitness examinations, which
was the practical negation of the competitive
system, was repealed, and a rigorous Civil Ser
vice law substituted No definite solution of the
problem of the canals has been reached. Gov
ernor Roosevelt has administered them on
business principles, and taken them out Of
politics far as he could while the old canal
politicians retained many places in the de-
partment. The future disposition Of the States
waterways is now under consideration by an
intelligent commission. Until 1t reports the
question of completing improvements begun,
adopting a new plan or letting things remain
as they will stand where it has stood for
the last two years. The administration of State
charities has been marked by Governor Roose-
velts adoption of the wise policy of taking
State institutions from under exclusively local
control The second class cities in November
elected officers under Uniform charter passed
In 1898.
New-York City has to rejoice over the con-
version of its authorities to the support of the
plans Of the Rapid Transit Commissioners and
bids for the first section of the tunnel will be
opened early in 1900. The work of preparing
site for the New-York Public Library is also
under way. While these Improvements are as
yet entirely In prospect STILL the removal of
long standing obstacles to their realization is
worthy to be chronicled among the years
events. By the adoption of a constitutional
amendment last fall the city's borrowing power
was increased, and the city officials are planning
to spend large sums on bridges and other public
works Perhaps the most significant act Of the
city administration was its negotiation with
the Ramapo company for a large amount of
water during n long term Of years from that
private concern. The pressure of public opinion
and the opposition of the Controller have so far
prevented the making Of n contract commonly
regarded as a wasteful bargain on the part of
the city and audacious speculation the
part OF the company. The Controller has also
attracted attention by opposing other Tam
many plans, particularly the extravagant bridge
schemes now in contemplation.
In brilliant contrast to its many governmental
shortcomings, New-York won distinction by vel
coming Admiral Dewey on his return from Ma
Mia with demonstration which excited the in
terest and admiration Of the whole country.
The city was thronged with visitors, the streets
were profusely decorated, the beautiful trium-
phal arch was erected at Madison Square, and
the whole celebration surpassed anything of the
kind ever seen in the United States.
IN OTHER LANDS