New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-01

Ing OF announcements by Charles sprague Smith.
the managing director Of the Peoples institute.
When this over. Mr. Smith paused until alb
solute quiet relgned. Then he said slowly
BY our constitution. the Peoples Institute car
play part In politics. and Is partial 10 any
political party. We treat all alike here no matter
what their political beliefs and that Is secret
OF our strength But when the interests OF all
New Workers are affected. It is fitting for to
take n stand and that time has come refer
to something OF which you already oware-the
proposed granting Of the perpetual franchise to
the Metropolitan Traction Company-and tha;
sag. should be denounced crime, outrage
and theft Of the peoples rights"
The audience applauded vigorously and the
speaker continued. becoming more vehement with
every word
In olden times the sovereign had the highest
right. and his power supreme Nowadays this
power belongs to the people. They have replaced
the ancient king. and they have certain rights
which no Individual under the wide arch OF Heaven
can take away. This granting Of franchises in our
streets is one OF them and the subways should he
controlled by the people and for the people (Ap-
plause) Il is their right. say without fear that
this proposition OF the Metropolitan Traction Com
pany is a direct afrront the people OF this city
and the possibility OF the Commissions accepting
II Is monstrous outrage
Now. | propose that the Peoples Institute
formulate a protest against this action. I think a
committee OF from three 10 five should be appointed
TO draft resolutions which shall be brief cogent
and ringing They should be presented at our next
meeting on Monday night. ara II accepted should
b" sent to other organizations In the city. The
peoples voice must be heard ! would like 10
know how long tho people Of NewYork arc going
TO give I'M 10 any individual any brutal individual
who chooses 10 rob them. When W. stand up for
our rights then only will have free govern
ment. This institute represents the plain people
Of this city. and they should make their position
clear by condemuing this outrage | consider no
ords too strong to characterize an act or Such
Criminality this n Is the backest of crimes -
people.
all progress. and the perpetrators OF The crime
should be damned TO the lowest abodes Of the
damned" loud APPLAUSE
A man whose name was later ascerrained to be
Thomas W. +. Scanl0n. then rose from the audit
and put the motion.
I'VE all opposed 10 his grab he said. wv .
cannot wink our eyes any longer We have peel
receiving gold bricks long enough. There was not
that did promise that franchises should De
owned by the city. and our New-Nork charter
says franchise shall be granted for longer
tine thar. twenty-five years
The motion was seconded and carried unant-
mously by a rising vote. Then committee was
appointed consisting Of Thomas w F., Scanlon
" " Wharton Mr. Clymer, Ernest H Crosby
Charles Sprague Smith and Or RainsfOrd Inc
name Of Dr.. Rainsford was enthusiastically
cheered. . .
THE protest will be put through" said MI
Smith. III I that Rapid Transit Comrnis-
sion for about five minutes ] would give them
piece OF my mind
The speaker said that John De Witt Warner mad
already drawn no resolutions. which however
were too long as he wished them 10 he contained
I'm about twenty-five words. -,
Professor Griggs was then Introduced ana MS ms
lecture. which has already been reported IN Inc
Tribune was received with close attention anu
frequent outbursts Of applause