New-York tribune., 1898-12-17
Mr.. CROKER on RAPID TRANSIT.

statement attributed 10 Mr.. Croker. pre-
umably with full authority. expresses his ap-
roval Of underground rapid transit roads built
.ith private capital and his belief that the
obstruction Of such roads will be begun during
= favor Ven Wyck's administration. 1t cannot
. denied that Mr.. Crokers support is favora-
le TO the enterprise In which men controlling
,rse interests are now supposed to be ready to
mbark. provided they can have the terms ar
anged 10 suit them: while, on the other hand,
ia opposition TO an issue Of Ncw-York County
onds for tie purpose is prejudicial to that plan.
fe speaks for Tammany and the municipal ad-
Illustration. which have pcrslstently stood in
oe way OF the Rapid Transit Commission, and
that he says must be taken into serious ac-
onnt: bu nevertheless at one point his state
lent seems 20 60 considerably further than ii
, necessary 10 follow him, If. as we suppose to
. the case his reference 10 what the city Will
rant and require is meant to imply that the
resent Commission will have 10 be abolished
nd negotiations conducted directly with the
,unicipal authorities.
It is admitted. even by those who favor the
chen1e of county loan and county ownership
hat there are some serious difficulties in the
say Legislation authorizing that arrangement
rould be necessary, and such legislation might
OF be easily procured; moreover If it were pro
ured it's validity would be subject TO attack on
Constitutional grounds. and would certainly
ave to be determined by the Court OF Appeals
efore contracts could be let on that basis. The
sgal arguments supplied to the Rapid Transit
Commission. while ingenious and persuasive,
re not conclusive. A final decision by the
ighest court would be indispensable to the sue
ess Of the plan which the Commission pre-
ers. The alternative proposition. that con-
ract for the underground roads should be sold
utright TO capitalists who would furnish the
aoney 10 carry It out likewise involves an ap-
cal TO the Legislature, but would encounter no
Constitutional objection. and the general impress
ion is that II would better suit the men who
re understood 10 be taking an interest In the
business But the question on which side the
Alance of advantages 10 the community lies Is
,ow open to discussion II deserves and is likel!
q receive serious attention here and at Al
any. and there is no reason why the standing
+ tho Commission should he affected in tho
east by any decision which may be reached
6r. Orr and his colleagues possess the entire
onfidence Of the people. who know that the!
rill ably and faithfully discharge the trust
ommitted to them Hitherto, through no faul
{ their own. they have been prevented IRON
ccomplishlng practical results. Now that CIT
umstances are In some respects more favora
Ne. ana there is a prospect Of success in one
vay or another II is all the more desirable tha'
he enterprise should be left In the hands or the
nen who have conducted II to this point. Tic
aet TINT TammAny has finally received insfruc
ions 70 support the general scheme or under
rouud roads does not constitute reason FOL
uruins the management Of the enterprise over
"a Tammany administration. On the con
- Il surgests anew the Importance Of pro