New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-27
ATTITUDE OF THE BOARD
FORD AMENDMENTS ACCEPTED WITH
COMPLACENCY.

PROSPECTS FOR MUNICIPAL CONSTRUCTION
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. F. ORR TO RETIRE
The members OF the Board Of Rapid Transit Com
missioners were not much disposed yesterday to
comment upon the amended rapid-transit legisa-
ton They preferred that the additional powers
asked for should be granted. in order that they
might not be impeded In getting the tunnel built
by private capital in the event of municipal con-
struction being found impossible. They accept
with complacency Senator Fords amendments, for
the reason that the prospects for municipal con-
struction are brighter now than they were when
the Board asked for power to contract with pri-
vate corporation for the building OF the under
ground road and for permission, in IFS discretion.
10 grant an unlimited franchise The adopted
amendments would become imperative II municipal
construction should become feasible would be
the II the proposed constitutional amendment
separating the city and county Indebtedness is rat
fed by the people next fall. II Is regarded as GER
tain that the people will vote In favor OF the
amendment, and so remove the debt-limit obstacle
which Induced the Board some time ago to look
to private capital the speedest means OF obtain
ing the tunnel road.
I'VE have all along been in favor OF the rapid
transit tunnel being owned by the city," Alexander
E. Orr said yesterday. land now that there Is
fair prospect OF along that line It Is not
material whether the Ford amendments are passed
or not In point Of fact. Senator Ford has merely
nut us back to the place where we were before
We wished TO have the additional powers we sought
from the Legislature so that we should be IN
position to receive and act upon every offer that
might be made Whether or not the lmita-
ton OF the life Of the franchise will prohibit con-
struction by private capital am unable to say. 1t
IS entirely a matter Of opinion -
II u Vreeland president OF the Metropolitan
Street Railway Company. yesterday reiterated nls
assertion that his company was out OF the tunns,
project for good. 1--WE will not bid ne repeated
ito operate a tunnel. city built or built by our
selves under a limited franchise and would not
renew our old bid even If we received the promise
OF a perpetual franchise. o,,..- -,
Alexander r. Orr, president OF the Champer OF
Commerce announced yesterday that In no CIR.
cumstances would he again be candidate Tor uhat
ofnce The annual meeting of the Chamber VIII De
held on Thursday May T. when Mr.. orr sue
cessor will chosen. 1t is understood that the
Nominating Committee has already selected
ticket Morris K Jesup Is the senior vice presl
dent OF the Chamber and 1t Is generally peheVeo
that he will succeed Mr.. Orr - 80. 49,
Il Intended to resign last year. SAID MT Ut "a
"bnt because OF the war with Spain / consented
to run again with the distinct understanuihs' ho"
ever that It was for one year only. ,... ,o-,
Mr. orr intends to 60 abroad IN inc a'ssI pa
Of Nav and will not return untlf late III oeP'e'"
her His trip will be one OF pleasure Ill, .iso
Mr. Orrs retirement will mean that ne VIII az
,oave the Rapid Transit Board lie is Hle"iy " !
~ that body by virtue OF his presidency OF inc
Chamber OF Commerce