New-York tribune., 1901-04-24

have planned to give away West-st. which is
worth perhaps more than any other street in the
world. whose value is practically iliimitable to
a corporation whose financial backing chal-
lenge any to reveal. These gentlemen are
the members from Ontario Chenango and
Orange counties. They have put their heads to-
gether to push this bill through, and are going
TO carry out their plan. They have perpetuated
the outrage of coming down and seizing West-st
and giving It away to men they are afraid to
name.
The franchise which we about to hand
over to these people is invaluable. Who can
measure in dollars the value of a franchise
which will permit the railroads OF this great
continent to connect and run trains alongside of
the great ocean steamers of Europe and the
world? II is a gigantic enterprise that staggers
the brain, and yet IL is to be rushed through at
this late hour without chance of protest
even of consideration.
The bill is rotten to Its core. No who
votes for II dares to stand up and tell what he
has voted for. No. Not one.
FURTHER DEBATE CUT OFF.
Mr.. Aids here succeeded in choking off further
debate by moving the previous question, which
voted.
Assembyman Seymour, in explaining his vote.
said:
While am always willing to extend what help
is possible to New-York City either by means
OF canal Improvement or by the extension of
railroad facilities that more money and more
people may be brought to the city, nevertheless
L cannot approve Of this measure. My relations
~ lhe NeW-1orh ana NeW-JerSey Bridge COM
pany are peculiar. l for some time the
counsel of the company in an action to obtain
iand for the company which II might build
the towers and the approaches of the bridge.
But L believe that this is a bad bill. 1t gives
away franchise which is the most valuable Of
It's kind ever given away by the legislature of
this State. The revenue the company is TO give
the city for its privileges is only paltry per
cent, and by no means fair compensation. II
is not a fair bill Such franchises should be sold
at public auction.
AN ATTACK ON Mr.. ALLDS
On the rollcalI Mr.. Bell made an attack
Mr.. Aids in which he said:
The proposition made by the leader of the
Republicans here is an insult to every honest
legislator. He has proposed that turn
the responsibility of passing the bill on to the
Governor. j, for one, can't abandon my con-
science and leave what is my outspoken duty TO
Governor Odell. What we here for If not to
do duty?
Assemblyman Dooling. or the rollcall, said:
l took an oath along with all the rest of you
at the beginning of the session to support the
constitution. Now | asked to vote for a bill
that is acknowledged TO be in violation OF the
constitution. l protest in the name of New
York City against this outrage.
Assemblyman Duross said the passage Of the
the doom of the party that stood sponsor for It
Assemblyman Frisbie said that the bin robbed
New-York City of its true prerogative-the
right of controlling its own streets
Assemblyman Lynn spoke briefly for the Dill.
Assemblymen Bennett, Cooley and Seymour
spoke against the measure.
The bill now goes to the Governor. 1t is ex-
pected that public hearing will be given next
week at which the fight in the Legislature Will
be transferred to the Executive Chamber