New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-04-09
FOR CANAL INVESTIGATION.
TEXT OF SENATOR LAUGHLINlS IMPOR-
TANT RESOLUTION.
NO CAREFUL INQUIRY MADE IN FIFTEEN
YEARS BY A LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
INTO THE MANAGEMENT OF

THE CANALS


lYRoM THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUSEa
Albany, April Ex-senator Laughlin introduced TO-
day a much needed resolution, providing for in
vestigation OF the management Of the canals of the
State the occupation Of State lands along the lines OF
the canals and the actual needs of the canals SEN
ator Laughlin, chairman Of tho Canal Committee,
could not but think that the Legislature should be
better informed than IL is concerning the management
Of the States canals and the expenditure of the vast
sums appropriated yearly TO keep them in a navgabe
condition. Since the canal tolls abolished and
the canals were made Free the cost of canal MAIN
tenance has steadily increased until 1t has reached
vast aggregate
For fifteen years. ever since Governor Illdens
famous canal investigation committee finished their
noted work, and the members of the Canal Ring were
prosecuted, there has been careful inquiry made
by legislative committee about the management OF
the canals and the way canal contracts are awarded
1t time that the books of the Superintendent OF Pub-
lie Works were carefully examined, and evidence taken
concerning his performance Of his duties What is the
responsibility Of the State in the matter Of construct
ing canal bridgesl Should they be built for any city
or village that desires them built Should the num-
Der of canal bridges TO be constructed be limited only
by the amount of money in the State Treasury? These
are questions frequently asked by members OF the
| Legislature.
senator Laughin therefore introduced the following
resolution, which made special order for consld-
efduOn III tne senate neAJ Weeh luesu"y
FOR CANAL INVESTIGATION.
Whereas During the last few years the Legislature
has been annually appropriang about s15OOoOo when
is expended each year for the superintendent, ordinary
repairs Of the canals of the State, for
improving canals and frightening the locks thereon
and for building and repairing bridges culvert retain
ing walls aqueducs, feeders and other structures ap-
pertaining thereto; and,
Whereas, Since the canals were made free by con-
stitutiona amendment the only revenues received from
them are paid the State for leases grants and
permits to occupy USE other than for the purpose OF
navigation lands and property belonging or apperainng
to the canals forming part OF the canal system and
Whereas In the judgment of this Senate the said ex
pendturcs and said occupancy and use Of all lands and
other property belonging apperaning to said canal
system by any person persons company or corpora
on should be thoroughly investigated for the purpose Of
asceraning the canals he more economically main.
tanned and improved and revenues can be obtained
by the State from the said occupancy and use OF SAID
lands and property therefore, be 10
Resolved That the Senate Committee Canals or any
subcommittee thereof to be appointed as the committee
may direct and include at least one Of the minority
members be- and 1t hereby authorized land directed to
hold time and place IL may deem necessary
or proper State during the balance ofthe year
1891 for the purpose Of investigating the condition and
management State canals including the expenditure
OF any moneys appropriated by the Legislature for their
maintenance or Improvement making any repairs
improvements upon relating TO or made necessary by
said canals And said committee or subcommittee shall
also investigate and ascertain what leases grants or per-
mts have given by State officer or officers to any
person or persons company corporation authorizing such
persons, corporation 10 occupy or
use any lands property belonging or appertanng 70 the
canals or forming part OF the canal system OF the se
and the consideration for such leases grants or permits
and whether or any person or persons company or
corporation occupying or using any such lands or
property without authority, or without paying compehsa
ton therefor TO the State.
The said committee subcommittee is hereby author'
lied and empowered subpoena and examine under oath
any official or person whose testimony may be re-
oured and to send and examine all books, papers
and other relating TO any matter which Is o
subject of the investigation And, for the purposes
herein mentioned, said committee subcommittee may
employ stenographer and whenever they deem neces.
sary an etomey whose compensation shall be audited
and rnid by the Controller, the same as the Claims oi
stenographers and attorneys in such cases are usually
audited and paid. . -,
The said Committee Canals shall make report OF
all proceedings under this resolution and recommend
such legislation In its judgment ought to be enacted
with reference TO the future management and improvement
Of the canals well the property appertanng thereto
70 the next Legislature before the first day oil RED
| Iuary 1892.