New-York tribune., 1900-03-27


sell it to the cities or towns OF the state: the
companies could be found in every part OF tne
included in this list The Governor, continuing
said this multiplicity Of private water com
panies showed the absolute necessity OF having
the Morgan bill passed. .
In ending his little speech the Governor said
he could not but regret that he had not hearo
from the city authorities OF New-York. except
Controller Coier. about the steps which should
be taken to protect it from the private water
companies. He did not mention the Ramapo
Water Company but this company was, OF
course. the private water company he had espe-
cially In mind in calling attention TO the apathy
of Mayor Van Wyck and other Leading ram N
many Hall authorities of New-York, as weli as
OF the Tammany Hall Senators and Assembly
men. IN the matter Of protecting New-fork Ci,y
from the Ramapo Water Company. Home rule
rights of New-York City might be invaded. the
Governor concluded, in passing the Morgan Dill
as amended. but it nevertheless ought to De
passed. .
In reply to an inquiry little later the Gov
ernor said he saw need of sending message
TO the Legislature in favor OF the Morgan Dill.
DOUBTS EXPRESSED.
Members Of the Assembly express grave doubts
tonight as the passage Of the amended Nor
gan water bill In the Assembly this bill was
read and referred to the Committee on
Cities. In the Senate it was introduced by Sen
ator Ford. and on the objection of Senator Grady
was referre1 TO the Senate Cities Committee.
The stagrs OF the amended bill therefore is
II is still in the custody of committees which
hitherto have manifested a desire to delay and
defeat such legislation Indeed, the prospects OF
the bill, although II has been changed to meet
all objections thus far raised are still dubious.
It is the consensus OF opinion. however, that if
any district may be available for a water supply
for New-York City it will be the Adirondack
region. This embraces the counties of Essex,
Fulton. Hamilton Saratoga and Warren. Essex
County is represented in the Assembly by Mr.
Beebe. In speaking Of the bill Mr.. Beebe said
that he was opposed 10 its provisions.
There is still definite regiou selected he
said and until I know just what streams are
wanted / could not support the measure"
Alr Harris. 81 Fulton and Hamilton counties,
said that he could not support the measure until
il was made more specific. Mr.. West of Sara
foga County. was found 10 be in decided opposi-
,ion. Mr. Hitchcock OF Warren County. how
ever. favored the new features OF the bill. He
said:
Although have not studied into the question
of New-York's water supply in direct reference
70 my county. I believe the measure to be fair
one. We have large streams and lakes. whose
utilization by the metropolis under the condi-
iions imposed by the bill 1 know will work no
hardship TO any one The courageous attitude
of the Merchants Association has particularly
enlisted my interest, and will help them all
can
KELSEY OPPOSED.
Mr.. Kelsey, chairman Of the Assembly Cities
Committee TO which the bill was referred, as
sumes a similar attitude toward the amended
bill as toward the original. 1t may be reInem-
bered, however, that when a struggle was made
10 discharge the Cities Committee from the
consideration of the original bill he stated the
very objections which the amendment has
sought TO overcome. Mr.. Kelsey said then that
tf the bill localized If certain districts were
chosen If New-York City would point out eX-
actly what she wanted she would get it, Never
theless, in speaking of the amendments tonight.
he said:
The weakness OF the measure is chiefly this.
II is not specific enough. True, it limits the
water sources within certain groups of coun-
ties but it should do more 1t should specify
the particular watersheds. The rowing COM
mission still exists, but within smaller boun-
daries.
The lowest group mentioned in the bill, that
OF Rockland and Orange counties, present an
obstacle. In these counties many streams have
their rise, which flow southwark in New-Jersey.
The taking of water from these streams, there
fore, would arouse any number of injunctions
against the city by the State of New-Jersey.
The middle group Of counties has already been
taken up to a great extent by the Ramapo
company. What is left therefore. is the
Adirondack region. Here is where l believe
New-York City should come, and when the city
does come with a specific watershed in view
and with a definite plan Of legislation, L will
gladly lend all my support to such a scheme.
Assemblyman Morgan said tonight that, In
talking with different Assemblymen regarding
the bill he was constantly asked how could sup
port be sought for bill which was not recog-
nized by the municipal authorities of New-York
City These members raised the argument that
the bill is official 1t was not demanded by
the municipal government, but private asso-
citation. Even if the Adirondack region is Sc
tected the authorities Of New-York might dis
tlairn such selection. not having their approval
EXPERT REPORTS TO THE CONTROLLER
Controller. Coler has received report from Mr
Freeman, the engineer employed to look into and
report on the sources OF New-York's water supply
the possibilities Of obtaining adequate sup
ply OF for this city for years to come with
put regard the region from which the Ramapo
Water Company proposed to draw its supply. The
report is a lengthy one, and soon as 1t was re-
ceived MI Coler sent IL to the printers TO have II
printed. He intends TO have it presented TO the
Board Of Public improvements. and will make II
public as ii is returned from the printer.
NEW. YORK ERA NNHLSE T4YES