New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-05-24
THAT MYSTERIOUS FRANCHISE.


Those retiring, not to say sccretivc, inli-
vduals upon whom the Legislature and the
Governor, under the auspices of the Hon.
Timothy DryDollar Sullivan and Mr.. J. Ser
geant Cram, bestowed the privilege of dis
pensing compressed air and salt water to this
city may possibly find that they made a mis-
take when they left the Constitution of the
State out Of their calculations. We note with
pleasure the opinion of Controller Myers that
their franchise is worthless. for the reason that
the bill comforting il was not properly described
in the title. The fact that il purpOlted TO be
a measure relating to the sale OF flowers might
not trouble the cOnSciences of the projectors
of the enterprise, but they will doubtless be
extremely annoyed in case the courts are in
vol1cd to consider the validity Of the law under
which they are preparing to begin operations
But nevertheless, even at the risk of seriously
offending them we hope that this course will
be pursued.
We must not be misunderstood as opposing
the distribution Of compressed air and salt
water under suitable conditions. We are not
quite clear as to the blessings which salt water
on tap is capable Of diffusing through the
metropolis On this point the measure re-
Gently passed and the meagre admissions of tho
New York Power Company leave much 10 the
imagination. For the present it is sufficient
to say that we are open to argument But
the efficiency and convenience and iractabiliiy
Of compressed air are not disputed. II happens
that its scrviceablc qualities have lately been
demonstrated on rather largo scale in Lu-
ropean cities, fact which has not improbably
attracted the attention of the projectors of the
scheme now under discussion. II may readily be
conceived that well-ad and well managed
service of this sort would prove popular and
profitable in this city. What we strongly OBJ
iect 10 is the manner in which an important
and prospectively lucrative franchise was Sc
cured at Albany. The legislative machine at
the Capitol ought TO turn out the advertised
product. and not something aS radically differ
ent from the specifications As noSceay is
different from an hydraulic ram. There has
been altogether too much Of this covert and
sncaking business, and il no other consideration
were involved a stern rcbukc and practical
notification by the courts would be most
proper and salutary.
But this is not the only consideration. The
franchise permits its possessors TO subject the
community TO great injury and discomfort, and
in fact to DO just about as they please with the
streets of the city. They are not restrained by
such conditions as experience has shown are
necessary to safeguard public and private in
tercsts. but left free to execute their plans
according to the suggestions OF their own
sefshness Furthermore, for privileges Of an
extraordinary character and great prospective
value they are required to make no recompense.
II any power to impose suitable terms is re-
served to the municipal government 1t is not
likely to be exercised for no intelligent citizen
can suppose that this significant measure was
enacted without tho knowledge and consent
Of our Tammany dictators. Franchises which
ought to have been made to pay the whole cost
Of local administration have been given away
in the past ard there is every reason why the
city should not continue to bostow such rich
fayors upon individuals. Controller Myers has
sound ideas on this subject and has frequently
expressed them with refreshing emphasis. We
are glad to see that he is watching the New
York Power Company intently, and preparing
to make strenuous effort in behalf of tho
city treasury. lie ought not TO be left to make
the fight alone