New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-21
Still. NEGOTIATING.

The precise date of the delivery to the Man
haitian officials of Mr. Orr's letter relating to
elevated railroad extensions is not a matter Of
prime importance, and there seems to be no
good reason for an angry controversy about II.
At the same time Mr. Gould's warmth Of temper
Is not an unfavorabla symptom. for f. indicates
more real interest in the negotiations than he
was supposed by many persons TO feel. His
suggestion, moreover. that the correspondence
has gone on about long enough and that per-
sonal conference might expedite the business,
tends to confirm the impression that he really
desires to reach an understanding and does not
consider himself irrevocaby committed against
q compromise on those details which are still
the subject Of a rather wide disagreement.
The essential principles for which the Com
mission contends are that the Manhattan COM
pany shall assume definite and enforceable
obligation TO the city, and that no concession
can be granted which would interfere with the
Commissions main purpose and duty Of pro-
vlding genuine rapid transit for NewYork by
means of underground roads. On these points
we do not see how there can be a compromise
The Commission Is clearly bound. as 1t says, TO
make sure that the franchises which 1t grants
shall be used for the general benefit and not
merely held ut the convenience Of the company
10 foreStall competition. Nor is there anything
in the history of the company TO make such
precautiOn unnecessary. If Mr. Gould thinks
there is he is Uniformed as to the opera tons
OF the corporation which he represents. The
Commission is further bound in law and morals
10 provide. If possible. an extensive system Of
rapid transit. and not a mere expansion Of the
elevated roads which can never meet the
Quirements of tie situation. Ii is commanded
by the statute from which ii derives It's exist
ence and It's powers 20 do this in obedience TO a
popular vote of more than three TO one in favor
CT municipal construction. There is substantial
reason 10 believe that the enterprise so i'm
pressively authorized would have been practi-
cally under way before now excepting for a re-
newal Of the ancient alliance between the Man
haitian company and Tammany Hall The diff
culties so placed In It's way do not release the
Commission from Its obligation. 1t has no
right to grant TO the Manhattan privileges
which. while of relatively small value to the
community. might be employed to leopard and
perhaps defeat the far more important project
which the people have approved.
Turning from principles to details, we under
stand that the chief remaining disagreement
between the Commission and the company re-
lates TO rentals. Mr.. Could says einphsticaly
that he will not pay per cent Of the gross re-
cepts Of the West-st. line. Mr.. Orr has init
mated that redueea rental might be accepted
If all the franchises which the Commission has
offered were taken. Mr.. Goulds latest com
municatlon appears 10 mean that they all will
be taken II terms can be agreed upon, and In
several important particulars he has yielded
his original position. This is certainly indica-
Ave of willingness to yield still further, and