New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-02-02
TO FAVOR CONSOLIDATION.
REMARK OF SENATOR LEXOw INDICA-
TIVE OF THE TENOR OF HIS REPORT.

HE DECLINES TO ADJOURN THE HEARING FOR A
wEEK-ARGuMENTs FOR AND AGAINST THE
PROJECT BEFORE THE SPECIAL COM
MIr-rEE-FEw PEOPLE PRESENT.
comparatively small attendance at yester-
days hearing before the special committee OF the
Senate and Assembly upon tie Greater New
York bill indicated that the people OF this city
are either generally in favor OF consolidation
with Brooklyn and Staten Island or are indif-
ferent about the result Of the committees IN
vestigation. 1t was the first and last session OF
the committee in this city. after several near
inys in Brooklyn and only about fifty people
went to listen to the arguments while the per-
sons present who were opposed to consohda'loh
numbered less than a dozen.
The committee met about 10 a. in the Grim
inal Part of the Supreme Court. on the first Moor
OF the Criminal Courts Building. Senator Lexow
presided and other members Of the committee
present we're Senators Brush, Grady and Page
and Assembymen Keenholtz McKeown. OGrady
and Wells. For nearly five hours the commit
tee listened to arguments. first hearing speeches.
made by the men opposed to consolidation anu
then the speeches Of the men In favor OF con-
solidation There was an almost amusing va
rety Of speechmakers ex-governor FIower De-
ing brought into contrast with able lawyers on
one hand and plain workingmen on the other
hand and the variety in the arguments al
vanced was noteworthy. The applause at in
tervals showed that large majority or the
persons present were in favor of constellation
incidentally there was something ike an open
avowal by Senator Lexow that il is the intention
Of the committee to report in favor of speedy
consolidation. He declared that the committee
could not spend time in considering objections
70 the equalization Of taxes to follow consoiloa-
ton, as arguments on that subject coulds De
heard after the Legislature had passed the Dill
TO consolidate the cities. At the close or the
hearing he was also understood to assure Alex
ander II. Green, who was present and prepared
TO make a long address. that it would not De
necessary for Mr.. Green to continue the argu-
ment in favor of consolidation as there had oeen
no serious arguments to induce the committee
TO report against the Greater New-York BILL
OPPOSED TO EQUALIZATION OF TANh%
BENJAMIN F. Romano. of the Taxpayers Anti
Eoualization League of New-York. said his or
ganization not opposed to the pohUcal con-
solidation Of New-York and Brooklyn. but 70
equalization of taxes. Augustus Andrade LeVey'
of the same association. enlaged upon the views
Of Mr. Romaine declaring that the committee
ought not to rush through the bill without hear
against the equalization Of taxes.
Senator LeXow at this point said that II was
very strange that If the people Of New-York were
against the bill the committee had not received
a single application from citizens Of YORK TO
be heard in the opposition
"That is" said Mr. Levey. because the people
Of New-Ycrk are accustomed to be treated ike
a conquered province by the legislature.
Senator Lexow raped his gavel angriiy on
49, fr0i
SELF Mr.. Lcvey, within parliamentary limits
will take your privileges from you
Mr. Levey then shouted that the committee
would have to hear him. He said that he had
only had one days notice of the hearing, and
that was entirely insufficient You know, he
added that IL 1t had not been for the Governor
OF New-York you would not have held a hearing
in this city"
Senator Lexow again pounded with his gavel
and said: "I have heard no suggestion whatever
from the Governor in regard to holding hear
ing in New-York. The committee came TO New
York to let the taxpayes and citizens or
New-York express their opinions on the bill
Mr. Levey then continued his argument against
the equalization Of the taxes. Jefferson NJ.
Levy, who represented ex-Mayor Ely and other
taxpayers, also spoke ainst the equalization OF
taxes He contended that IAN equal and uni
form rate Of taxation as proposed by the bill,
would retard the progress and improvement OF
New-York and increase its taxation without
compromising advantage.
I'VE want Brooklyn" said he. "but we don't
want an increase of per cent In the tax rate.
Brooklyn is heavily laden with debt and must do
something to secure relief at once and by what
easier way could that be accomplished than by
Brooklyn becoming part Of New-York"'
AMOUNT OF TAXEs.
Ex-State Railroad Commissioner William c.
Rogers was the next speaker against the Dill.
"If Brooklyn" he said. became part Of New
York 1t would have to pay s6,0OO,0O0 less IN
taxes, and New-York Sc 00O 900 more. The rate OF
taxation in Brooklyn in 1894 wac about 81 62
on 500 upon a valuation on an average OF about
20 per cent, whereas in New-York the rate OF
taxation is 81 80 assessment Of only 80 per
cent valuation. l don't think 1t is fair to assume
that the majority Of people in New-York are In
favor Of the bill on account of the vote in 1894.
Mr. Rogers said that the vote was simply a
sentiment vote and the taxpayers were opposed
70 the equalization OF taxes between the two
cities If Brooklyn were taken n New-Jersey
would next make IN applica ton to become part
OF Greater New-York
BENJAMIN f. Romano then filed request ask
ing for an adjournment :or one week on the
ground that insufficient notice had been given
Of the time and place where the present hear
ing before the Joint Committee would take place
or that any such hearing whatever would take
place" The request went on to say: 1--WE respect.
fully request that period OF at least one week
be granted for preparation for a further hearing
and that the process OF the honorable Legislature
be issued by way Of subpoena for the attendance
before your honorable committee Of the following
named persons: Mayor Strong Corporation Coun
sci Scott. Controller Fitch. Deputy-Controlel
Richard A. Storrs. Ex-Controller Theodore w
Myers President L. p. Barker OF the Tax De
partment; Tax Commissioners James L. Wells
and Theodore Sutro President Il. c. OBrlen ant