New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-09-22
ODELL TO FIGHT RAMAPO.
GIVES HIS PLEDGE TO THE MERCHANTS
ASSOCIATION.

The Merchants Association OF NewYork
which has performed valuable service in pro-
tecting the city against the pIundering Ramapo
scheme. has obtained from 3. B. Odeil, jr-, the
Republican candidate for Governor. another and
more explicit declaration OF his attitude toward
the Ramapo Water Company Immediately
after the Republican State Convention made its
nominations at Saratoga, William F King, the
president Of the Merchants Association. ad-
dressed letter TO Mr.. OdelI, stating the Ramapo
case at considerable length and adding:
As the powers Of the Ramapo Water Company
excessive and intended 20 De 50 employed
we purpose 10 ask the legislature 70 repeal the
Specla4 Act OF lss5. from watch ne Kamapo Ma.er
II Is essential that the water supply OF This city
AFTER ana tbersfoTe tq TIE civ should Be clothed
with all powers necessary to procure ana n4l.sea
under Conditions benefcal TO the CITY served might
be desirable. We shall move for one or the other.
may seem best hereafter
As this subject IS one Of the utmost concern 70
the people % the State and your attitude II regard
70 il is OF much importance, It seems proper thar
thereto. I shall De pleased 70 have a statemer,
from you that you favor the legislation stated
Mr.. King yesterday received from Mr.. Oden
the following reply:
Republican state COMMITTEES.
Mr. William 2 King. president Merchants Associa-
ton OF New-IOrk. NeW-YOrk Lie Building
New-YOrk City.
Ny Dear Sir: Your esteemed favor under date ot
the sth inst was duly received I informed the
secretary OF your association, Mr. COrwtne. during
an interview which followed its receipt that pre-
terred 70 make my position known on the question
OF water supply for New-York City first IN
public speech I made such a statement al the re-
ception recently given BY the Republican Club OF
New-YOrk City. This by way Of explanation 20
why have not answered your letter before.
You may recall that in that speech I stated /
only in favor OF New-YOrk City owning
and controlling IT'S water supply. but that I
would give my personal pledge that any remedial
Legislation necessary 10 bring about this result
would have my cordial and active support What
direction this legislation should take depend
OF course upon the obstacles TO Be overcome Ny
own idea is, first, 70 give NewYOrk City the same
full power and authority that is possessed by every
other municipality in the State acquire and con-
denim water rights Second, Z any action hereto
fore taken by the Legislature shall be bar 10 the
granting OF such rights that, OF course must first
Dc swept away This would apply 70 the repeal OF
the RamapO or any other grant that might he a
hindrance 20 the contamination OF this much de-
sired result
In short. 7 desire 20 reterate TO you what I in
tended 10 be absolute and unqualified iuGorse
uent OF the general plan 70 give NewYOrz CRY IT'S
own water supply. and also 10 state that when
used the words remedial legislation used them
n their fullest and utmost meaning. and that is
that the rights OF the city are paramount 20 all
other individual or corporate rights not municipal
7 trust this explanation will be sarisfa Glory. 7
have endeavOred 20 make IL as concise and ex-
pliCiI 7 know how. Yours. truly
BENJAMIN 3 ODELL. JF-