New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-01-22
THE TRANSIT Bull PRAISED.
FAVORABLE COMMENT ON ALL SIDES
ONLY RICHARD CROKER SPEAKS AGAINST IL
HE is NOT SATISFIED WITH THE De-
MoCRACY OF TWO OF THE CoMMIs.
SIONERS-TALKS WITH NIB.
DEPEW AND r. NJ. GAIL
LAWAY,

SIoNERS-TALKS WITH NIB.
DEPEw AND R. NJ GAL
LAwAY.
Senator Fassett's Rapid-Transit bill was sub.
ect of general discussion in this city yesterday.
Its publication had been preceded by so much
speculation to its character that almost every
body interested in reading its provisions.
Seldom, indeed has measure so important been
received with such general favor. The criticism
against it on the part of Richard Croker was
exceptional. and what might have been ex-
pcctcd since the bill not drawn in the interests
Of Tammany Hall, fact sufficient to condemn
it in Mr.. Croliers estimation. The Overwhem Inning
sentiment the part OF citizens who Judged
the bill by its merits was decidedly in its favor,
and ustiies the belief Of its makers that it fully
meets the requirements of the situation in every
respect.
Charles j. Canda, vice president of the Western
National Bank, who is one of the commissioners
named in the bill; declined to say anything about
the subject. He said that the bill not law
yet, and until il became one he did not care to
discuss it, Colonel William l.. Strong, who is also
named as one of the commissioners, declined ia
discuss the measure. Colonel Strong represents
many important institutions and his appointment
is looked upon as an exceedingly judlcious one.
Joseph j. O'Donohue is i'll with the grip and could
not be seen yesterday Frederick I. Brown re-
fused to talk about the bill or the work TO IA
done under it.
Mayor Grant said that he had as yet had no op-
portunity TO read the BILL and was therefore r'o
prepared to express opinion regarding IT, "hen
asked if he would accept the appointment OF Com'
missioner, as designated in the bill, he answered:
Il was not aware that had been nominated
III i. Il. 1,ip af
ent."
Commissioner Gilroy, Of the Department of Pub
lie Works, said that he had not read the bill fully
but on the surface it appeared to him as violating
the principle of home rule. Further than this, he
believed that some person ought TO be made
responsible for carrying out the provisions of the
act and that it should not be divided up.
OPPOSITION OF CHAMBERLAIN CROKER.
Chamberlain Croker in alluding to the CONS
missioners named, said that Joseph j. ODonohue,
who had been inserted to represent Tammany
Hall, was no longer connected with that organ
zation Mr. ODonohue had resigned from Tam
many Mr. Croker said, last fall. :" l don't know
how much politics there is in this bill, Mr.
Croker said, for do not know the details OF tie
scheme, To all intents and purposes Mayor Grant
is the only one of the Commissioners named who
actually represents the Democratic party. Mr..
O'Donohue resigned last October from Tanmany
Hall. ] don't know why he resigned, or whether
ne knew that he was be named a Commits
,ioner at that time BIT l have no
doubt that political motives to some
extent actuated his resignation Regarding
Charles S. Fairchild, Mr. Ceveand's Secretary Of
the Treasury, Mr.. Croker said that he was only
fgure-head, and could not be counted upon TO look
out for the interests of The Democratic party, even
if he had the desire TO do So Charles j. Canda.
Mr. Clevelands Assistant Treasurer, Mr.. Croker
said was also on the list as a Democrat, but he
couldn't see why II he is Demo.
crat why, Mr. Croker asked. did he accept
the nomination for President of the Board Of
Aldermen from the Republicans last year? Mr.
Canda is creature OF the Republicans Mr.
Croker continued, "and they command his
services whenever they need them. Therefore
Mayor Grant is the only real Democrat on the
list There are arrayed against him three straight
out Republicans,-one gentleman who is anything
that the occasion demands, another who. so far
as know, is at present connected with no po
litical party and who can, therefore, do as he
peases, and still another VINO Is very llkly TO
make a positive error one way or the other.
Ii one of these commissioners should die his sue
cessor must be confirmed by Republican Sem
ate The object of the bill is to
nut the matter Of rapid transit in tho
hands of the Republican party"
AN ANSWER FOR MR.. CANDA.
Charles j. Canda was seen by Tribune reporter
last evening at his home, No. POS West Four
teenth-it but politely declined to say anything
regarding his possible selection as a commissioner
under the proposed bill, or in TO Chamber
lain Crokers structures upon his standing .
Democrat 1t would be unbecoming in me-
said the eX-AsSiStant Treasurer of the United
States, ito make any statement at this time
4 close and intimate Democratic friend Of Mr..
Canda, however, thought an answer ought TO be
made and said to the reporter Ii Ill becomes
Richard Croker 10 call III question the Democracy
of Charles j. Canda. During the last three
Presidential campaigns he has occupied the dls
tincuished post OF treasurer OF the Democratic
Natiosal Committee. and the zeal and efficiency
with which lie discharged the pressing duties
of the place and the earneStness he displayed IN
supporting the nominees Of the party IN 1850,
1854 and lsss are well-known 10 prominent Demo
! Gratis throughout the country Regarding his Sc
! lection as commissioner. thlnk III an eAcellens
oue Mr. Canda has been closely connected with
the efforts to obtain rapid transit for New-iorE
City from the time OF the initial movement IN
lS6s Then he became treasurer of the New
York civ Central Underground Railway, which
was atfempted under the act OF the Legislature
pasScd through the influence OF Lewis b. brown,
10 secure an improvement upon the morse rdliroaqs
/ but failed for want of pecunlary support lie
+ Lns ALWAYS been foremost in aiding enterprises
for the public benefit and was appointed by Mayor
| WiclIbam tyyho was certainly enough OF Demo-
crat to suit politicians of Mr Crokers strlpe):
one of the original Commissioners Oh
the Brooklyn Bridge. Aiterward he ne
came a rapid-transit commissioner under
Chaptcr 800 of the Laws of 1873. which created
the commission which laid out the present lines
/ OF he Manhattan Elevated Railway subsequently,
Wr Canda represented Governor Tiden's interest
as n director of these roads and as long as the
Ex-Governor lived enjoyed his personal confidence
and friendshp-a sufficient certificate OF democracy
for most people. .,
AS to Mr. Candas candidacy for president OF
the Board of Aldermen last fall upon ticket
indorsed by the anti Talnmany Democracy oil thIs
citv he has no need to offer any apologies. III
| ali the Democrats Of Ncw-lork who distrust
| Tammanv Hall and believe that IL has obtained