New-York tribune., 1899-04-20
HOPES FOR THE BILL.
RAPID TRANSIT BOARD EXPECTS THE
MEASURE TO PASS.
ITS MEMBERS DO NOT THINK THERE WILL BE
ANY MATERIAL AMENDMENT-A E. ORR

ITS MEMBERS DO NOT THINK THERE WILL BE
ANY MATERIAL AMENDMENT-A E. ORR
TELLS OF HIS VISIT TO ALBANY.
It is expected by the members OF the Rapid Tran
sit Commission that the Legislature will pass. with
out material amendment and by large majority
in both branches. the Rapid Transit bill now before
it, Alexander E. Orr. who. In company with george
l. Rves and Charles Stewart Smith, associates on
the Commission and A. 3. Boardman. OF counsel
for that body had conference on Tuesday with
Governor Roosevelt concerning the measure. said
yesterday:
The Governor stated that 1t seemed to him at this
time, and with the thought which he had been able
to give to the matter undesirable ana unneces unn,,,y
but he took pains to add that he had expressly de
Son veto 's ANY, S wds SS the
sion 10 grant such franchise that he had refused
and his manner made it clear that he had not de-
cided the question and that he was open 10 con-
The representatives Of the Commission positively
refused TO assent TO an amendment TO the OH iGr :
sqans ssme me we ssd to the Governor that If
itatlon OF the franchise were inserted IN tne Di,
but go ahead and do the best could. for In that
the responsibility for failure 10 secure rapd
suit from such Imitation. Would not rest upon us
but upon the authorities AT Albany .,A >. .
The only change in the pending bill TO wnicn tne
Commission agreed the retention in the law OF
the provision which we had proposed to elirnnatie
the approval of the CorporationCounsel our reasons
for proposing omit this provision were that INC
law already required numerous sanctions Ui W
contract-by the Mayor. by the Park and Public
Works departments ny the Supreme Court ..I ano tno
Appellate Divsion-and that Il seemed unnecessary
after all these safeguards. 10 place the conlIact a.
the mercy Of an empoye or the city governments
the Corporation Counsel Is ...-
We opposed the amendment proposed oy oera'ol os
Ford. depriving the Commission OF power 70 awsI
the contract except 10 the lowest possloe pluuer
after competition following public sdver ~ rego
because IL would have embarrassed US IN heso-
tiatfng with the METROPOLITAN capitalists -
The Commission. whatever its powers, Will rndhe
the best possible bargain: but am willing 70 20 on
ncipa ownership is perceptibly near II VIII pc PEI
ter for the city Of New-York to give TO private
capitalists a franchise In perpetuty rather tnah
go without rapid transit. The Commisscners nov ,.
should build and own the railway. II that Is pracu-
cable within reasonable time
Mr. Boardman in speaking Of the conference at
Albany with Governor Roosevelt. said:
The members Of the Rapid Transit Commission
such thing is possible. but they have DOUBTS as
10 whether or not this can be done. what they
want is rapid transit. and they think that the mar,
should be put off. Therefore they explained
the situation as II is 10 the Governor
Corporation Counsel Whalen was present az the
conference. and he suggested that II would ne
the Corporation Counsel the right pass upon any
measure that Nigh, be adopted He represents the
Mayor and the citizens. and none OF those present
offered objection to his proposition. When tney
would probably pass with amendment embracing
Mr.. Whalen's views.
After the bill has been passed IT will come 70 the
Mayor. and think II IS probable that he viii then
give every IN the city chance TO express him
self on the subject Of rapid transit After this the
bill will go to Governor Roosevelt.