New-York tribune., 1919-11-07
Toustmastcr of Fifth Ave-
nue. Association Declares
All Admire Man Who Isn't
Afraid to Attack Reptile
Hearst Not Mentioned
Governor Makes Plea for
Port Treaty and for Im-
proved Stale Government

Governor Smith addressed members
Of the Fifth Avenue Association last
night at their annual banquet at The
Waldorf.
Governor Smith concerned hmself
largely with an appeal to the Fifth
Avenue Association and kindred bodies
Tor support in a campaign of economy
which he forcshadowed, and which, he
declared, would not be "politically
popular.
The Governor avoided any reference
TO his fight against William Randolph
Hearst
Gage F. Tarbell, the toastmaster
Hearst when he introduced the Cover
nor, and a demonstration Of friendship
tor the Governor followed.
We all admire courage in q man.
said Mr.. Tarbell, land we particularly
admire courage of the type which does
not fear to attack q reptile when it
is coied to strike. | venture to say
that all OF US feel much more kindly
disposed toward the Governor at this
moment than we did few weeks ago.
before he gave US that remarkable
greatly admire him"
The Sentiment Applauded
Tins was loudly applaudcd. and AS
the Governor stood up, every person
in his audience also arose ard chcered
him for two minutes
Governor Smith referred at length
to the proposed revision Of the port
treaty between New York and New
he
Of a committee Of the association to
study the provisions OF the nov treaty.
which, he declared, was OF primary I'M
portance IN the secure establishment
OF the port OF New York as the marine
cratic headquarters of the country.
lhere was necessity for strong public
sentiment 20 support government en-
ecutives. ne said. Without it they were
poWerless.
The state had reached its Limit in
indirect taxation, the Governor said
Hence the income tax. which he char
actcrlZod as an excellent measure as
written. The danger comes in tho
temptation TO succeeding Legislatures
10 move the income tax rate upward
lie had prepared q plan, which would
not De popular with the politicians, to
prevent such action being taken. and
III thls connection he asked the sup
port OF tNOse present.
Too Much Money Spent
IN the course Of Il further discussion
Of the necessity for economy, the Gov
crnor declared himself dissatisfied with
the present system of state govern
nent.
There is no necessity for spending
I. great part of the money which is now
spent hy the State OF New, York" he
SnlN do Dn+ bniio,-o ,-o,.os,,
ment Of this state requires the main
tenancc of ls7 different boards and
commissions TO carry out its purposes.
It Is a practical imnossibility for any
one ordinary human being 10 keep
track OF them all cant do il and
don't believe any one else can"
he Governor closed with an appeal
Tor support for Public Service Com
missioner Nixon in his fight to prop
| cry ADJUST the transit problems of
New York City. He said Commissioner
Tlfces 20 accept the post, and that he
vas making every possible eFor, 70
equltably solve the very great diff
culties which confronted the city.
Show Street of World
Archbishop Patrick J. Hayes spoke in
warm praise OF Fifth Avenue. which
he called the show street Of the
world" The avenue was nli the more
precious 10 the people of New York
he SAID, since It had been cousccrated
by the tramping feet of thousands of
American heroes, to whom it had been
the last recollection on departing, and
their tlrst welcome on returning.
The table of honor WAS set under an
electric sign, which read, What Helps
4 flfth Avenue Helps New York; Robert
Grier Cooke, president of the associa-
ton, was in the chair. Before the
specchmakng began a company Of the
list Infantry, National Guard, Carried
/ into the room the flags of the Allies
which were used at the Altar of Lib
erty during the Liberty Loan drives.
These were unfurled from the second
balcony, while the national anthems OF
the United States, England ard France
were played by the orchestra.
Will Resume Restriction Fight
Mr. Tarbell declared that with two
Republican members OF the Board of
Estimate the association would return
next year to its light to rcstrict build
ing privileges on upper Fifth Avenue.
confident of victory.
signed water color copy of the
picture "The Avenue of the Allies" bv
! Chl-de Hassan, was auctioned off by
Joseph T. Day. It was bought by
Michael Friedsam, president of b. Alt
man Co., for $1,000. Mr. Friedsam
promptly turned his purchase over to
Governor Smith, who declared he would
Rave II properly superscribed and hung
at Albany An autographed copy OF
the book. "The Avenue of the Allies, "
was sold for $3.50 70 j. NJ. Giddings.
who immcdiately presented it to Mrs.
Smith. The proceeds viii go to aid
children in the r-devastated areas
Mrs. Smith celebrated her birthday
at this banquet, and on her table was a
birthday cake presented by Mrs. Lewis
Nixon.