New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-15
PLNGREE SPEAKS HERE.
GOVERNOR AGAIN vENTI-
LATES IDEAS ON TRUSTS.
CHARACTERISTIC ADDRESS-CHARLEs
sPRAGUE SMITH ARRAIGNs THE
APERs-REsoLUTIONs
SENT TO ROOSEVELT.

SENT TO ROOSEVELT.
Governor Hazen s. Pingree of Michigan the
speaker before the Peoples Institute last night in
Cooper Union The hall crowded. every seat
being occupied and people standing when he ap-
peared on the platform He greeted with
cheers. which were renewed when Charles Sprague
Smith, the chairman OF the meeting. introduced
him
Governor Pngrees subject was Trusts" and
his Views upon this subject better known than
he is as platform orator to New-York audiences
In appearance the Governor is commanding, being
tall and large in proportion to his height. Last
night his address was really lecture, and he
fined himself closely TO his notes that the effect
was not pleasing to his audience He seemed UNI
able to decipher his own typewritten notes at
times and hesitancy and stumbling resulted
He was slow and deliberate throughout. His voice
carried well and was pleasing
After fifteen minutes OF patient attention on the
part OF the audience n small but steady stream
began to flow outward. Others who remained APP
peared to be weary
In the latter half OF the lecture, however the
Governor woke up and at the same time greatly
pleased his hearers by his denunciaton of trusts
and their "ev influences and his advocacy OF
municipal ownership of street railway franchises
Some of the sayings that gained the most favor
were: Harsh 1t may sound the trust will
divide the people Of this country into sharply
defined casses-masters and slaves" Men can
not be machines and freemen at the same time"
There Is something TO live for besides accumu-
lating wealth"
But when the speaker, referring the EVIL
influence of the trust upon the politics Of the
country" said: TITS silent workings in our State
Legislatures might be illustrated. Its methods of
corruptng the press might be exposed" he was
interrupted by cheers and applause lasting a min
ute, and this repeated when he advocated
Government and municipal ownership and oper-
alton OF railroad and street railway franchises.
At the close the Governor was cheered to the
echo, and then the chairman presented to the
meeting the following resolution. to be sent as
telegram to Governor Roosevelt:
Two thousand of the citizens Of Greater New
York assembled tonight in Cooper Union. protest
against cession of subway In perpetuity TO the
Metropolitan Traction Company
In presenting the matter to the audience Profess
Charles Sprague Smith. In mpassioned
speech, said Before you ask the Governor any
questions, l want to present and get your indorse-
ment OF a telegram to Governor Roosevelt. We
want to make beginning and take this oppor-
tunty express opposition to this giving
away of great franchises. applause and cheers)
There is wonderful silence in the press of this
city regarding this question do think that the
press ought to be more the voice OF the people
EDITOR knew what was good for him he would
listen, hearken to and heed more the voice Of the
porters that are getting tired of this sort OF
thing Great applause want to offer ,h motiSIn
Appause) You shall not have one franchise more
from the people, giving away OF fran
hises absolutely no more. Nppause) We have In
dorsed this sentiment over and over in this hall
applause and cheers)
motion then made to send the telegram,
and by a rising vote It was adopted. The chairman
counted four rising in opposition
One man created a small uproar by Insisting that
his reason for voting in the negative ought to be
heard. He had the chance, but ruled out Of
order for discussing another subject AFTER con-
siderable hubbub he finally squeched.
After Governor Pngree had answered some ques-
tions put to him the meeting adjourned to the In
stitute's rooms where a reception was held.