New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-17
THE RAMAPO WATER BILL.
OUTLOOK FOR 1T UNPROMISING-RE-
PUBLICANS IN THE SCHEME.

Albany, Feb. 1G Especial. Once more action
on the bill repeating the cha OF the Ramapo
Water Company similar bill, like those
of Assemblymen Fallows and Morgan, to guard
the city of New-York from the imposition of
contract for millions with private water
company. has been deferred by the Assembly
Committee on Cities.
Before the Legislature met 1t believed
that some such bill would be passed soon as
it convened, for the proposed contract with the
Ramapo Water Company threatened to involve
the city of New-York in committal to an ex-
penditure of 5000 100000 Governor Roosevelt,
in his message, recommended such legislation.
1t must be remembered also that the law courts
have been appealed to to prevent the making
OF any contract with the Ramapo Water Com
pany.
But it is clear that the Tammany Hall officials
of New-York wish themselves left free to make
a contract with the Ramapo Water Company or
with a similar company and Controller COler,
therefore, receives aid in his strong effort to
guard the city treasury in this particular NO
Democratic member from New-York City has
thus far presented any bill to check the making
of extravagant contract for water with any
water company.
Meanwhile, it is apparent that some powerful
members of the Republican organization are
laboring also to prevent the passage of any leg
that would prevent the city of New-York
from making such a contract. Edward Lauter-
bach, the counsel Of the Ramapo Water Com
pany, was permitted to bring about a post
ponement of a hearing the RamapO Water
Company Repeal act and the other water bills
until yesterday.
1t might naturally be expected that the AS
sembly Committee Cities, having heard argu-
ments at length yesterday the Ramapo Re-
peal act, the Fallows Water bill and the
Morgan Water bill (Which is supported by the
Merchants Associaton) would act upon some
Of these bills. The committee met this
morning, however, and took action on any of
the bills The Assembly. therefore, will not re-
ceive the bill next week. and Mr.. Odell the
chairman of the Republican State Committee,
has fixed March - as convenient day for the
Legislature to adjourn. 1t is obvious that the
Ramapo Repeal act and all the other water
acts thus being killed by delay.
The members Of the Assembly Committee on
Cities are Otto Kelsey, of Livingston County;
Merton E. Lewis, of Monroe County Abram
De Graw and E. C. Brennan, Of Kings County;
y. ]. Miller, Of Erie County; Gherardi Davis,
of New-YOrk; G. q. Graham, of Orange County;
Assembyman Burnett. of Ontario County; AS
semblyman MCCreary of Albany County; As
sembIymen McKeoWn and Cain, of Kings Coun-
Assemblyman Kelsey said to-day: Il doubt
If the committee will decide on Tuesday
next to report the Ramapo Repeal bill or
any other water bill, because there is a divided
opinion on the bills. We set aside to-day all
the bills over which there is any controversy.
and 1 doubt if any of the water bills will be
acted upon favorably Tuesday next
The prospect therefore. is dark for any Of the
water bills or the Ramapo Repeal act getting
before the Assembly next week.