same time sufficiently elastic to enable them to incur the necessary expenditures for desired public improvement. An important change has been made in the provisions for the sale of real property for nonpayment of taxes. The present method of selling for a term of years has been retained, but the revision provides that if no bid is made, the property shall be bid in by the village for the term of fifty years. The village is then authorized to control the property, lease the same until the amount of tax due thereon is satisfied, or accept a redemption thereof in the same manner as if the property had been struck off to another purchaser at the sale. It is believed that this provision will obviate much of the difficulty which has arisen in connection with this subject, and will insure to the village the payment of taxes due. A uniform system for borrowing money temporarily, or for bonding the village for a public improvement has been provided, and all the provisions of the general law, the water act and the sewer act relating to such matters are repealed and not re-enacted. The entire indebtedness of the village, exclusive of its obligations for a supply of water, is limited to ten per cent. of the assessed valuation of the real property. STREETS. The court of appeals has recently decided that the provisions of title 7 of the act of 1870 for the laying out of streets are unconstitutional. Article 5 is proposed as a substitute, and we believe furnishes a simple plan for the laying out of streets. An award for damages is to be determined by a board of three commissioners appointed by the county court, and after a full hearing of all parties interested. The present law does not provide for a hearing on local assessments. Section 167 of the revision provides that such an assessment shall only be made after a hearing of the persons interested and an opportunity given to pay the amount assessed. It is doubtful if the present village law is constitutional in this respect. THE VILLAGE LAW. WATER, LIGHT, SEWERS. The provisions of the present law relating to water, light and sewers have become complicated and conflicting through amendatory and supplemental acts. The methods of procedure are prolix, each act containing separate provisions for the acquisition of necessary real property. The law on these subjects has been rewritten and is contained in separate articles. Wherever real property is to be acquired for any such purpose, acquisition is to be made in accordance with the Condemnation Law. WOMEN WHO MAY INSTITUTE PROCEEDINGS. Where a right is granted by this chapter to institute a proceeding, make an application, present a petition, or take an appeal, such right may be exercised by an adult resident woman assessed upon the last preceding assessment roll. CHARLES Z. LINCOLN, V. PROVISIONS OF THE CRIMINAL CODE AND PENAL CODE RELATING TO VILLAGES... 272-280 Part 1. Code of Criminal Procedure. 2. Crimes by and against the Executive CHAPTER VI. RAILROADS IN VILLAGES. NOTE. The matter under each section printed in small type and inclosed in AN ACT IN RELATION TO VILLAGES, CONSTITUT- GENERAL LAWS. The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows: CHAPTER XXI OF THE GENERAL LAWS. THE VILLAGE LAW. ARTICLE I. Incorporation. (§§ 1-32.) II. Officers and elections. (§§ 40-72.) III. General duties and compensation of Officers; ordinances. (§§ 80-94.) IV. Finances. (§§ 100-132.) V. Streets; sidewalks and public grounds. (§§ 140– 169.) |