New-York tribune., 1900-03-22
FATE OF THE MORGAN BILL
,.u.po LEGISLATORS BLOCKING AC-
rrox on IT-UNFAv0RABLE ATTI-
TIDE OF Mr.. PLATTS UP
STATE SENATORS.
rBr TELEGRAPH TO THE rRTBUNE-l

TELEGRAPH TO THE TRlkLNhi
.,,a,v Mar. 91-CTovernor Roosevelt appears
- be endeavoring by private negotiation with
..A Merchants Association and with the lead
&c ~ the Republican majority in the Legis-
,.-n-a m reach some agreement on suggested
o,aroents to Assemblyman Morgan's bill
,.-n,it1ing New-York City TO condemn land for
-ra purpose Of securing water supply There
y,s - have been a conference in the executive
chamber this morning these amendments, but
:, vas considered good policy 70 defer it for
.,-.-al davs The Assembly has passed reso-
I,tior il viii be remembered. for the adourn-
-,sn. Of the Legislature on March 81.
Governor Roosevelt however. did have con-
.orsnce with large number of the Republican
cs,stors and Assemblymen from New-YorlI
.,a Kings County in the executive chamber
.L,e afternoon at which legislation regarding
.,e Raruapo Water Company was considered
.,5 debated II is reported that the Senator'S
era Assemblymen were informed that the rep
-asentstives Of the Merchants Association had
cone hack 10 New-York TO have some maps
--ensred showing what watersheds might be
mentioned in any act giving 70 New-York City
-be right 70 acquire water by right of eminent
domain These maps it was further stated
vrculd be here tomorrow, ard then the Morgan
set might be amended.
RENOMINATIONs INVOLVED.
Governor Roosevelt it reported, appears
m be much impressed with the arguments OF
certain rural Republican Senator's TO the effect
.hat an amendment should be made to the
Morgan act defining the watershed from Which
New-York expects TO obtain any extra water II
,sess The soIicitude of Platt Republican Sen
s+ors living in Western and Central New-York
those Senate districts could not under any cir
cumsrance be levied upon for water by New
yort, is truly remarkable. The only explana-
ton possible for their deep interest in this mat
ter is that they are nearly all seeking renom-
nations and Senator Platt has the power to
sav whether or not they shall return TO Albany
one word from Senator Platt would pass the
Morgan bill. That word is not given by ben1a-
min B Odeu. jr. The chairman Of the Republi-
can state Committee. who is here acting in Mr..
Platt's behalf The Senators nearly all repre-
sent Senate districts which are supposed to be
beyond the influence Of the New-York voters.
There seems no danger. therefore, in offering
amendments 10 the Morgan act which will shear
II OF -tenths Of its strength. II would seem
as II the leaders Of the Platt machine are not
caring much about offending voters IN New
York City and thus possibly defeating the Re
publican State ticket being so absolutely CONN
dent OF al least retaining control Of the Legls-
Iature.
OBSTACLES IN THE WAY.
The obstacles which some of the Platt Sena-
tors are putting in the path Of the Morgan bill
are strikingly shown in the course of the Senate
Committee on Cities Senator Ford introduced
tie Morgan bin in the Senate over two weeks
ago. Last week he moved in the committee of
which he is a member that the bill should be
reported favOrably. Senator Stranahan, the
chairman OF the committee. objected 10 any ac-
ton on the bill at that time, saying that the
Assembly was considering the subject A hear
ing on the bin also refused 10 a committee
of the Merchants Association which had come
10 Albany expressly 70 be heard in favor OF the
measure
This morning once more Senator Ford moved
that the Committee on Cities should report the
Morgan bill favOTably, and once more Senator
Stranahan successfully resisted any action upon
the bill. arguing that certain people were try
ing 10 amend the bill and il would be best TO
wait TIL they have their amendments ready At
this time n the session OF the Legislature at
least L would have been Just treatment of the
people Of New-Yorf1 if the Committee on Cities
had reported TIE bin favorably and permitted 1t
10 gain q position on the calendar of the Senate.
Il would thus have been advanced to more
favorable position TO be passed If the decision is
made 70 pass II in an amended form; but no
such friendly action was taken upon the bill and
i is still in the clutches Of the Committee on
Cities. Il NAV be remarked that the Assembly
Committee Cities betrays similar tenacious
grasp upon this Morgan bill.
Governor Roosevelt had his guests at din
ner tonight Speaker Nixon Benjamin B. Odell
1r- and other prominent Republicans. II is TO be
presumed that the Governor talked over the Nor
gan bin with Mr.. Nixon and Mr.. OdelL