The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-04-13
Whitman and Mitchell Help
city Celebrate Anniversary
Of Charter Day.
B0TH SPEAK AT BANQUE FIT

Troy. y. v. April 12.-Troy's charter
day, the Tooth anniversary OF the found
Ing Of the city. was observed to-day.
Every bell In the city sounded 100 strokes
at noon n industry generally ceased.
A salute OF twenty-one guns was hred
at the W~atervliet arsenal across the
river.
Gov. Whitman and Mayor Mitchell OF
New York city were the guests VI The
city this evening. They were welcomed
by the city officials and the school chill
dren. The exercises included singing by
the children and a band concert. Mayor
Mitchell was the principal speaker al the
banquet in the evening.
Gov. Whitman. among other things.
said that no state In the union had used
its strength more Justly. Its wealth more
wisely or tried with greater zeal to
remedy the mala djustments Of life tina n
New York.
Mayor Mitchell said In part:
at Is because we are now conscious
OF the power Of great bodies of citizens
concerned only for the common welfare
that We In New York State desire the
liberation of our cities In local anairs
from the control Of a central govern
itleHt. IL ~ tIlS tudl VIC IiCat Wh'f wv
urge home rule. Not freedom from re-
sponsibility. hut power to assume re-
sponsibilit, not freedom from burdens.
but power to carry burdens.
1T used to be said. and not without
Justification. that New York city re-
garded It's interests as generally Opposed
to the interests OF the remaining cities
Of the state. This condition has been
cured by an increased mutual UNDER
standing and a friendiier relationship
largely brought about through the an
nual conference OF the Mayors Of New
York cities.
we in New York city do not ask 10
be released from our just share Of the
burdens OF State government: We ask
only that We be given specific powers 10
deal with our own problems as we see
! ut, and thai We no longer be required
TO compel the Legislature to concern
Itself with a multitude OF details which
| are only Of local interest. we ASK ina
privilege equally for every city OF tine
state.
NO one doubts the business and In
dustrial capacity OF the responsible citi-
zenship OF the cities of the State. but
many pretend to doubt the capacity o,
these same men intelligently to direc'
the public affairs OF their cities. In 8
measure this doubt Is justified. for warn
as are our protestations of interest ant
devot,ou 10 city advancement. We have
not yet fully learned to take upon our
selves responsibility for good govern
ment.
The conservative business man u
often lacking in courage and imagliia
ton. The zealot il generally lacking II
ability TO remember tomorrow what n
" ishes 10 do to-day. Between these Nv
lies the opportunity Of the adroit poll
ltician. To prevent political government
business men must become more zeaIou
for the advancement Of their cities an
reformers more practical in their de
mands.
Jus, as better city government Ia In
dispensaDle as "A step 10 improved ciNi
life and advancement Of the nations eco
homie welfare. so more effective atten
ton to our national needs Is essential I
the preservation OF our fundamental lib
critics. We often forget in America tina
the privileges We enjoy are not bestowe
by nature but have been wrought and Is
tahlisiei by the sacrifice and service q
men and m
1T remains for the people OF Aineti"
to demonstrate through the s~elf-sacrino
Of preparatory service. the elements
ability of the republic to rerpetuate thi
great nation and preserve It's institution
of free government against every aggres
sion aud attack"