New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-04-20
MIR. DEPEW OPPOSES THE BICYCLE BILL

HE HAS SEEN THE GOVERNOR ABOUT 1T. AND
DECLARES 1T is AN UNJUST MEASURE.
Chauncey NJ. Depew. president OF the New-York
Central Railroad was in Albany last week attend
ing the annual meeting OF the stockholders OF that
railroad. He called upon Governor Morton In
relation 10 the Armstrong Bicycle bill. He was
at his Office In the Grand Central Station Satur-
day. When asked IL he had seen the Governor
about the Armstrong bill. he admitted that he had
When asked II the Governor would veto the BILL
he made answer in such way that one was led
to believe that the Governor would sign the bill
"Ohr' he added. 1.-The Governor is on bicycle
and going so fast that one can catch up 10
him."
Mr. Depew is intensely opposed to the bill, and
gave his reasons yesterday In no mild terms. He
said In speaking Of the provisions OF the BILL Once
upon time was counsel for the New York Central
Railroad and used to consider myself fair railroad
lawyer. Unless l have lost my cunning. and am no
longer able to Judge between right and wrong that
law Is unconstitutional The Legislature has no
right to pass such law as this one. 1t simply
means that we are compelled to give something
for nothing. We might we'll be made by this
same Legislature TO carry all passengers and
freight free. II such a law was passed. and 1t
would be equally as just as this one. where would
get the money TO carry on our railroad? Ger
tainly not from the State or from the Legislature
1t Is simply STEP and II the Legislature passes
such law this one. it might well so on and
pass laws which would turn great railroad into a
He said that the law passed by force and
that the Legislature had been practically ntimi-
dated. The members Of the Legislature passed
they were afraid Of losing votes at some future
Whee.men sent circulars 10 almost every man.
woman and child In the State calling attention TO
the alleged fact that there were 10000 or so riders
| Of the wheel IN the State who wanted to the
in the Iegsaure and demand ' the
sage OF the bill. with the implied threat that If the
D.l not passed the bcyc!is;s of the State would
rot support the men who voted against It, have
talked with many Of our Legislators and they admit
that they would not have voted for the bill except
| piemented the admission with the statement that
they considered the bill the most unjust that had
Se League wheemen are now trying
the same circular game on the Governor. There is
an assertion that there are 1900 riders Of the
| are minors and women. That leaves $1,000 voters.
venture say that 5000 Of these fair minded
that there are not Zoo Of them who would be in,
fuenced in voting by the passage or non-passase OF
| .SThe present system Of baggage requires about
| two baggage cars for each SIX passenge' coaches.
| Under that law the rule would be about reversed.
piled right upon top OF another Bicy cles are Of del
| icate mechanism and must be handled carefully.
| We would have to watch them closely and mucn
| additional space. care and watchfuiness would be
required. and think that some extra compensation
| ought 10 be allowed for it,
1t into their heads to take run up to Sing Sing II
| would be necessary to provide a special train TO
back on the train Again. he argued that wheels
were usually carried only short distances. and that
the railroad fare meagre indeed. He also said
full amount Of its value was put IN He made many
other points against the passage of the bill. The
aa to hs S asS TIE VII
! submitted to the Governor.