Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 15.djvu/517

 MUNICIPAL REVIEW, 1908-1909 503

contract and supply to eliminate the petty graft has been estab- lished, and may be considered the most important single civic event in connection with Providence's municipal life during the year.

Hartford, Connecticut, is another city which may be regarded as on the whole very well governed. As one of its leading citi- zens puts the situation : "Hartford is a city of ten talents. Much has been given her; therefore much is required of her; but I believe she realizes it, and is willing and desirous to meet the demands which her great opportunities and possibilities call for." This same statement may be made of a number of other New England cities, notably Springfield and Worcester. The latter city has for its ma)^r, Hon. James Logan, who has made an enviable record for honesty, efficiency, and a high regard for public welfare.

In November, Tammany was effectively defeated in New York. It is true, its candidate for mayor, Judge Gaynor, was elected ; but the rest of its ticket was decisively defeated. Judge Gaynor was elected, not because Tammany was particularly fond of him, or placed particular dependence on him. but because it was felt that his character and record would pull him through. As a matter of fact he was the only one of the Tammany can- didates elected; and all the rest of its mongrel and disgraceful ticket was defeated.

On the other hand, the Republican-Fusion forces won a victory of far-reaching importance, in that they control not only four out of the five borough governments constituting the city of Greater New York, but also the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, which will have nearly a billion dollars to spend during the next four years. Moreover, its candidates were generally of a high order of character and efficiency. Among those who were elected to office was George McAneny, former president of the City Club of New York, a thoroughly well- equipped man. One of the Tammany leaders said when Mr. McAneny was nominated: "Well, if we are to have a presi- dent of the City Club as a borough president, we might as well go out of business." This is just what the Borough of Man-