New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-20
WANTS LIGHT ON RAMAPO.
A RESOLUTION IN THE ASSEMBLY ASK
ING THE VIEWS OF THE MAYOR
AND CONTROLLER
AND CONTROLLER

Albany, Feb 10 (SpeciaD.-The Assembly had
presented TO IL tonight resolution by Assem-
blyman Wheeler. Of Cattaraugus County, re-
questing Mayor Van Wyck and Controller Coer
of New-York. to state whether or not they think
a contract should be made by New-York City
with the Ramapo Water Company any other
private water company to supply New-York
with water, and what bills ought 10 be passed
by the Legislature to guard the interests OF
New-York in regard TO its water supply.
Mr.. Wheeler is an old member Of the Assem-
bly, and desires 10 act intelligeHtly. If possible
on any subject under the consideration Of the
Legislature Thus far the bills affecting the
Ramapo Water Company have been smothered
IN the Assembly Committee on Cities, and there
has been discussion in The Assembly Of the
problem Of increasing the water supply OF New
York With view Of gaining possibly valuable
information from the city authorities regarding
the Ramapo Water Company and the needs
OF the city far its water supply is con-
cerned, Mr.. Wheeler offered the following reso-
luton:
Whereas. The question Of the water supply
Of Network City IS attracting widespread at
tenJion. and several bills designed TO prevent
the city from entering into contract with
private water company now before the Com
mittee Cities Of this body; and
Whereas, 1t is alleged in the public press
and in official communications that officials
Of the city government of New-York stand ready
to award such contract 70 such private com
pany; and
Whereas. The Governor Of the State, in his
annual message has declared that public policy
requires that the city Of NeWYork should own
its own water supply, and
Whereas, The Legislature. desiring to have
ali the Information upon this subject. guide
its action; therefore
Resolved That the Mayor and the Controller
Of New-York City be requested TO transmit to
the Legislature their views TO whether they
deem il in the interests Of the city Of New-York
that a contract should be made with the Ram
apo Water Company any other private water
company. and their Judgment as to what bills
should be passed to guard the interests Of New
York City in regard to Its water supply
While the resolution was being read TO the
Assembly there visible excitement among
the members OF the Tammany Hall delegation
and also the part OF Kings County Demo
Gratis. Mr. Aids, the Republican leader also
seemed intensely Interested in the resolution.
and finally seeing Assemblyman Trainor about
TO speak he said: You do the Directing"
Mr.. Tranor replied, after listening to the
reading OF the resolution TO its conclusion: 1t
only asks the Mayor and the Controller for In
formation. I no harm in it,
We'll. object to the immediate consideration
OF this resolution" shouted Assemblyman Nc
Keown, Of Kings County.
There's no harm in IT," said Mr.. Trainor.
turning to Mr.. McKeown; 1t simply asks Mayor
Van Wyck and Controller Coier for their views
Mr.. Mckeown shook his head. L object" he
again shouted TO the Speaker.
There being an objection said Speaker Nix
! on. the resolution goes over until next week
| for consideration under rules"
AS the resolution was laid aside Assemb yman
Roche said 10 Assemblyman Trainor: We
don't want these Cattaraugus fellows to interest
themselves in our affairs
Assemblyman Davis stated tonight that he
should make a motion in the Assembly Com
mittee on Cities tomorrow that a favorable re-
port be made on Assembyman Fallowss bill
providing that the consent Of the Board of Esti-
| mate and Apportionment and Of two-thrds Of
| the members Of the Municipal Assembly be re-
! qured TO the making Of a contract with a pri-
vate water company for supplying New-York
with water. Secondly. he should move that a
| favorable report be made by the Assembly Com
mittee on Cities on Assemblyman Morgan's bill
! giving New-York City the right 10 take surplus
water anywhere found in the State for its reser-
! voirs, which, it is believed, would obvtate the
necessity of the city making contract with a
/ private water company.
AssembIyman Morgan, Of Kings County, sub
! nitted 70 Assembyman Kelsey. the chairman OF
/ the Assembly Committee Cities, a memorial
| prepared by the Merchants Association Of New
! York favoring the Morgan water supply bill
! The memorial states that the Merchants Asso-
! citation comprises about l. 400 business and
/ manufacturing firms of New-YOrk- represent
ing one hundred different lines Of trade. The
| association asks for a favorable report on the
/ Morgan bill for the enlargement Of the powers
! Of the city Of Network in condemning water
| rights in order TO obtain a sufficient water sup
/ ply for the city
! The memorial declares that present acts pre-
! clude the city OF New-York from taking by con-
! domination any Of the surplus waters OF any
watershed which is devoted even in small part
! to the water supply Of any other city, town or
I village Of the State. but they do not preclude
the city Of New-York from purchasing the
waters belonging to such rights from private
! companies which already have by statute the
right TO acquire and sell such waters
| The memorial then goes on to say:
| The purpose OF Assembly Bill No. 759 is 10 en-
/ large the bowers Of New York to condemn water
/ rights so as 70 permit the city 10 take the sur
/ MUS OF any watershed which is not actually
/ used There is no limitation upon the power OF
/ condemnation similar TO that which is imposed
/ bv Section No. 4T2 Of the Greater New-York
! charter upon the powers OF concentration Of
/ the CITY Of New York. Il is extremely necessary
! that The powers Of the city Of New-YOrk 10 OBJ
/ taf1 an adequate water supply shall be extended
/ al the session OF the present Legislature 1t Is
/ not necessary 10 do more than 10 point out the
/ fact that the necessary increase in the water
supply Of New-York cannot be obtained in
period Of less than two or three years. II
/ liberal policy is not adopted with regard 10 the
! civ Of New York il may perhaps be the case
! tha- New-York will be obliged 20 enter into
/ contract with private company for its water
supply which viii ultimately impose upon ii
/ greater financial burden than it might be obliged
! 10 assume II it enabled TO own and Oper-
/ ate entirely its own waterworks-
CITY COLLEGE TO CONDEMN LAND.