New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-30
SENATOR PLATT'S EXCUSES.

Lemuel Ely Qugg never produced more
remarkable document than Senator Platts
statement 10 the people on the Franchise Tax
law That Is high standard Of distinction for
Senator Plat to reach. but anybody who takes
time TO appreciate fully the significance Of his
words WILL we are convinced, agree that we
do not overstate the achievement We think
Mr. Quigg would have hard work to surpass
this announcement in the assertion of leader
ship that did not lead, the denial of defeat that
does not deny, the expression Of satisfaction
that is not satisfied the profer of excuses to
corporations when an excuse Is confession of
failure.
Mr. Plat assures the public that IL Is all
a mistake to suppose that there were seri-
Gus divisions in the party over franchise tax
alton. He is still master, and without him
Il never would have been possible TO carry the
Republicans of the Senate sOlidly for the meas
IRE at the extra session He worked harmoni-
ously for It's success. Nevertheless, please do
not blame him for il. He did not want the
Ford bill passed. II was. he is sure. a mighty
bad bill, which violated every principle of
sound legislation was "carelessy drawn and
thoughtlessly enacted" and any child could
see 1t was not the sort of bill to rush through
Accordingly. Mr.. Platt came 10 the rescue. and
passed for the Governor a new bill. of which
the Republican party can be proud, and in
which Mr.. Plat takes great satisfaction
Nevertheless. If il does not work we'll and he
is not sure 1t will, he washes his hands of il,
and is indeed ready to receive bids for re-
modelling TO suit purchasers at the earliest OPP
portunity.
II you really like franchise taxation. and
want TO know who ran the Republican party
and secured il. then be assured that Senator
Plat Is the man to whom you owe acknowl-
edgments. If. on the other hand. you feel that
the bill is a bad one not to speak of being q
base failure TO protect you in your tax exemp-
TONS know that Mr.. Plat sympathizes with
YOU and did his best TO help you. But do not
think his failure means loss OF power. He is
still at the old stand and even If you were
thrown down once, with the next Legislature
he may be able to help you.
Clearly to appreciate this masterpiece Of bal
anced claims and disavowals we must remem
Der Mr. Platt's peculiar and difficult position
Then II appears a work Of genius quite sur
passing anything previously produced by Mr.
Qulgg. Mr. Plat cannot express dissatisfac
ton with franchise taxation without admitting
that he lost control Of the situation. He can
not make himself responsible for the Ford bill
or even for the amended bill. which contains
the essence Of the original and IL only les
ungrateful to the franchise holders wthou
losing the support Of those corporations. So III
Is driven TO talking little on all sides. II any
incline 10 curse him for going back on then
md letting them be assessed they are expect
ed TO recall his attempts TO swing the Governor
around TO gross-earnings tax, but they arr
TO be grateful in silence and not call attention
TO bis failure. II people think he was heater
let them look at the way he handled the Legis
lature at the extra session. and not ask to-
curiously II he did il to make the best OF
bad job in allowing hNpassage Of the orielna
bill.
And speaking Of handling the Legislature
there Is mystery about the passage Of tn
original bill. How ala II get through the Ser
ate? We all know that the Governor and pull
lie opinion forced It through the Assembl