New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-09-18


mold their designations always ready "a
Dc presented 70 him AZ his request. /,
vas an unprecedented demand. but il
Illustrated his high sense of response
b lily.
Stood for Business Administration.
Throughout both Of his terms his
self-reliance and fearlessness were al
ways apparent He stood for a bust
ness administration Of the peoples gov
eminent and brought this 20 the high
est state Of efficiency that Brooklyn
ever enjoyed as separate city.
The expiration Of his second term as
Mayor found Mr.. Low preparing 20 20
TO Europe. There he remained for sew
ersl years, which he devoted 20 travel
and study.
; In 1889 he entered upon the greatest
sphere Of his life's usefulness. Presi-
dent Barnard Of Columbia had died.
In searching for his successor the trus-
tees OF the university turned toward
the man whose youthful ability he had
praised nineteen years before.
Mr.. Low had been a trustee of the
college since 1881. Into his hands were
now thrust the reins which Dr. Barnard
had dropped. He was then forty years
old
Put Theories Into Practice.
He was not the accepted ideal of a
dignided, aloof college president.
Rudy of face frank in manner and
open and hearty in his dealings, he was
more the successful man of affairs.
Such he proved himself in his admins
tration at Columbia.
What he had learned in the MAYORS
Office in Brooklyn and in the admins
tration OF his own business ne put into
practice 10 build'up the college
His energy was untiring. The sturdy
man. with MS ready smile and his sun
burned face, seemed ever at work,
whether comforting gravely with pro-
feSsors or, attired in knickerbockers
and Norfolk jacket, Sprinting up Fifth
Avenue on MS bicycle. He rode much
IN those early days of wheeling. and
those who were in college at that time
love best the memory of him on his
safety
He made q university of the college
He took it from its unimposing loca-
tion and set il upon Morningside
Heights. The great library was built
with his gift OF million dollars, as
memorial TO his father Through his
energy and personality many other
millions came 10 the institution as gifts
and beQuests.
Led His Bible Class.
During this time, while doing the
biggest and most enduring work of his
life, he found time to lead a Bible
class. The meetings were informal
and were attended by men in various
walks of life. Here, once a week, he
forgot the cares OF Columbia. and acted
as referee in hot discussions on
Scriptural topics.
In 1897 he was nominated for Mayor
of New York, and was defeated. In
1901 a reform wave carried him into
the Office. lie had said what he would
DO to Tammany. especially its instru-
ment. the police force, and he pro-
ceeded 20 do it.
He swept the Chief Of Police. ". s.
Devery. out Of office. He dismissed
two inspectors and SIX captains. He
retired six other inspectors and TWEEN
ty-seven captains. lie broke M the
most offensive manifestations OF the
city's vice. increased New York's Dor
rowing capacity, and appropriated in a
year and a half Sl9OOO,OO0 for the
public schools.
The same business administration
which he had put into effect in Brook
greater New York. He was perfectly
fair and impartial in MS dealings. even
when the decision concerned himself.
He found an error in his own tax as
sessment. and insisted on correcting IL
BIZ paying 10 the city S27 1929.
At another time. il was noticed that
he was flushing the steps of his home
with hose every day. When asked
If he had a water meter in his house,
he replied that ne had not. and was
then told his action made him liable
for a fine. He laughe and paid H.
The same day William C.. Whitney
was discovered a the same offence.
IF the Mayor pays. Mr.. Whitney
will pay said Mr.. Low. and Mr.. Whit
ney did.
After the conclusion Of his term
Mr. Low did not relinquish his inter
est in the welfare Of the city and the
state He was delegate 70 the Hague
Peace Conference IN 1899 and a dele
gate at large 20 the state constitu-
tional convention in 1915. He served
a. president OF the Chamber Of Com
merce from 1914 until May OF this
year. when III health forced him to
retire. He was connected with a score
Of philanthropic, educational and
q