New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-12
NOT 4 TIME TO SWAP HORSES.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: u am opposed 10 anything that looks like a
monopoly or Ike a reflection upon the other two
million nine hundred and nnety-nine thousand
This was the last word OF a conversation that
took place the ether day regarding the renoIIla-
ton OF Mayor Low. The speaker quoted had said;
Il believe in Mr. Low. but not in favor Of his
denomination because DO not ike the idea that he
is the only man among the three million people OF
Nevy-York who is At TO govern this city.
The reply was: Il cannot see how the renonina-
ton would imply such a reflection. Inc mooeTn
idea OF civil service IS that where a man has cone
good work in an Office he should be continued in
that Office that the State may have the beneht OF
the training it has already given him"
Il arprove Of that principle IN Offices where men
are snpointei but not where they elected"
..Kybat IS the diference7 Why should not the
eone in their elective power. apply the same wise
PRINCIPLE which they expect their elective officials
and their Civil Service Commission TO apply? Mayor
Low is well called the logical candidate Being
IN the first place. Of good character Juos-
-. :act. education and independent means he
has had a most extraordinary training for this Of
ace-two terms Mayor Of Brooklyn. In the prime
OF his young manhood: then long term as presi-
dent az Columbia University. and as a public
snirited citizen OF New-York throughout that
reriod: IN 1897 an active campaign as candidate for
the nayoralty and for the last two years the work
OF the mayorslty Of New-York. What other canci-
cate can be named who has been SO thoroughly
trained and tested?'
Then came the remark first quoted above: II am
orrosed 10 anything that looks like monopoly or
Ike a reflection upon the other two million nine
hundred and ninety-nine thousand"
The speaker was a thoughtful man ana success
.-l business man. and there may be others who
have the same idea. The answer seems very sim
ME II that business man had a tremendous indus
trial enterprise over which nc had appointed a
s,Jperintendent. and that superintendent had for
,vro years managed the enterprise as well as o.
letter thaa any OF his predecessors, and II II were
considered doubtful Whether any one else could or
NoulS conduct the business satisfactorily for the
-evf two wears would he appoint some one else
hecsuee OF anfi-rnonopol site sentiment Why snolo
Ire gigantic economic interests or the city OF New
YoriV lie inserfered with and made 20 suffer by
frfrging in new and untried CfIcers every two
,-e.rs nartlv because Of such sentiment as tnls
How many OF the other 2.s990eo could be elected 10
he once Of Mayor within fcw years. To chooss
the most available candidate. one who Is already
dofnr the work well. s certainly no reflection upon
eDv one eiFe Would IL rot rather lie a renecIlon
,,Tov she presert successful occupant OF the once
~ select snv other candidate?
r-,-e-v ore ADMITS that Mayor Low has done wei,
- shss ts a good time 10 let well enough alore
Ah~ata-n Ifncoin said. Never swap horses Will
-[l,-oseirg a stream We literally crossing a
s--eaTa With TUNES end bridges and We are hgu-a-
ffyelv crossing streams with numerous great public
sy,nrovereuts. is Il not worth while 10 reaIize
tbat NE have an efficient Mayor, ana 10 use our ut
roet en6eavors TO secure his valuable services Tor
aDo.ber term ARTHUR BRENTON COOK.
New-York Sept 6. 1903.