New-York tribune., 1902-01-09
HOW TO SAVE NEW-YORK
MAKE IT EVIDENT TO THE MASSES
THAT REFORM is GOOD FOR THEM,
SAYS MR.. MARTIN.

The only way to keep the Reform adrninistra-
ton in power is TO make ii evident 70 the masses
that reform is good for them-that it watches over
their interests" said John Martin to the Civitas
Club OF Brooklyn, yesterday. in his talk civic
necessities and How TO Save New-York."
THE reform must be made so deep that ii cannot
he lightly brushed aside in two years., he contin-
ued. For this end, all good citizens must be willing
10 work, sacrificing themselves. If need be. 1t is
encouraging 10 know that the new administration
has not net the tendency to shirk that confronted
Mayor Strong who could not get competent men to
fl unpaid positions. Men should feel it honor
10 serve the city, and the women in such clubs as
this have done much. and do much, to create
a public sentiment in that direction"
Mr.. Martin spoke Of the greater degree of that
fern Of public spirit in Europe. proved by the
fact that in 1895 forty-hve unpaid officials in Berlin
celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary OF their
holding the Offices. In London such
frequent. he said. where served thirty
five years chairman of a school board, and
other has served twenty-five years a member
being at the office from a 10 p. m. nearly
every day.
The city charities, it is said, better run
under Tammany than under Strong declared
Mr.. Martin. That must not be true again We
have got to TO II that money is supplied. that
no needy person shall go hungry because there is
no appropriation and so be driven back 10 the dis
trict leader.
But though the charities may have been well
cared for. under Tammany the Health Department
down before. That touches the lives
Of the people. and must be brought to the highest
point Of efficiency"
Mr.. Martin declared that the lack of public baths
in New-York disgrace. London has expended
S,275ceo in fortytwo public baths already, and has
projected and most of the larger cities of
Great Britain have them.
He spoke further of the necessity for more small
parks saying: The rich are amply. luxuriously
provided for, in roadways and drives and beautiful
parks. but for those TO whom a half day and 10
cents carfare rarely attainable luxuries there
Is no provision. What need is the little breath
ing place at the tenement house door
The speaker asserted that the administration
should pToTide baths. parks and amusements, and
said that the school buildings should be made
available for such purposes as municipal concerts
where the people might hear good music in COM
Portable surroundings
In Glasgow he said. some years ago there
was a concert hall cheap prices where good
music was played, bat it going to be closed by
ule proprietor because he could make II pay.
The Glasgow aldermen heard of it, and they said:
This won't DO That nall is a civiizing influence
~ ~ that section: We must keep it,. So they bought
could beh6d te iGeT it paH Gnt almost the
os II 1T II is argued that al this will require LOT
Ui money let your answer be that the reform ad-
Imlnlstrauon is not so anxious merely TO save
worth for every dollar. More than that insist that
the new law that permits franchises to be taxed
the past that gave the city gold mines away for
nohing cannot now be remedied. but at least the
should be put equality with other citizens and
made 10 pay in just proportion
he then rected the experience Of Berlin. where
lew years ago the city granted TO company the
use OF certain streets for surface cars. receiving
" return per cent of the gross income one-half
OF al surplus earnings. after a maximum of 12 per
cent dividends have been paid, and in twenty years
ne whole plant 10 revert 10 the municipality. The
company keeps the in repair the city having
the work done satisfa actorily and sending the bill
70 the company 1T is something to make New
11ork gasp! said Mr.. Martin. But that is not all
s-ster, the same company made even larger offys
LOT the use of other of less value seemingly
" Mhereupon the city government said: IF this right
- so valuable. IL Is duty to II to the
e..uzens And now the municipality is building
The club listened with the closest attention and
frequently appauded the telling points. visitor
sselo- when large room filled such
,esy with young women of fashionable appearance
80 listen 10 address such subject, ! think
t.St the political situation is decidedly hopefulr
me meeting presided over by Miss Jean
tanner, as the president formerly Miss Van Anden.
t0sr - &C Ni'A''h' ~ ~ ~ ~ "''e