New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-11-15
OPPOSED BOROUGH Plan.
Unity the Keynote of Consolidation,
WrOte Dir. Green.

Among the interesting features carried in the
bankers edition Of The Wall Street summary,
published on October p. was article by Andrew
II. Green on The Future Metropolis of the World
In the course of this article. which specially
prepared by Mr.. Green and which contains his last
expressed views the greater New-York, the au-
thor said:
The most significant index of the relation of New
York to the world of finance which has come 10
my notice was the confession which ar. schuesIeiI
governor of the Union Bank of London made
nearly hve years ago. AdqresSlng me SOD m iI
that the United States had become an importa
the future Of European finances; and after COM
mentng upon the influence abroad Of our aouni
great industrial activity due 70 existing con- meI-
markets declared that for the first time it could
be said that 'ft was not Europe which 1nanceg
the United States, but New-York which financed
Five years Of national prosperity and CONNER
cial DEVELOPMENT have only confirmed the state
ment Of the distinguished London banker and
strengthened York's leadership in the World ;
spect however. the product OF many factors, in
states between which and the country at large
the reciprocal relations are so intimate and so
This unique relation Of the metropolis 10 the ma
to the consolidation which nearly six. years ago.
brought within a single mumclpaI jurisdiction an
area of 300 square miles embracing three counties.
two parts Of counties three cities, fourteen towns;
two parts OF towns ana numerous IN E c anu
now containing population OF over S,oVlVJ
AS one who. thirty years before this cOnsumua-
united under a single government and who labored
necessarily for three decades for its accomplish
ment. perhaps I may be permitted aprOpOs Of this
coca sion. indulge in a few observations upon
the last six years experience
The keynote the whole movement for COnsOli-
datiou was unity. but unfortunately. owing to the
concessions made to political extgenCies and local
pride. our charter recently mistakenly amended.
failed TO fully realize idea in ways. The
division Of the city into bOrOughs. with borough
presidents and subdivided authority questions
material Importance TO the whole city, tends to
keep alive old time rivalrieS and to diminish the
beneficial effects Of consolidation originally pro-
jectcd
The narrow policies which have characterized the
construction of the city various periods Of the
past and which have taken into consideration only
temporary requirements should give way 10 a
policy Of breadth scope and dignity. showing
adequate comprehension Of the future needs OF the
metropolis.
In my opinion. the charter should be radically
amended in order to derive the fun benefit from
consolidation. In the first place, the legislative body
should consist OF two houses. one should be COM
posed of local representatives chosen by districts.
The other should be composed Of representatives at
large. elected upon a general ticket
A properly constructed local legislature tending
in harmony with the city's representation at Al
bany would soon put an end TO State interference
with local affairs
Next to a properly chosen municipal legislature
with ample powers for home rule. il is most es-
sentiaI that each Of the great administrative de-
throughout the whole city 50 that the material
works upon which depend the health comfort and
prosperity Of the citizens shall be projected and
executed according To a fundamental and haTmoni-
PLAN and not by borough officers each acting
in the interest OF his own jurisdiction.