New-York tribune., 1901-03-18
CANALS AS FARMERS SAY.
ODELL'S POLICY CONFORMS
To THEIR WILLINGNESS TO PAY.

Albany. March II (SpeciaD.-There no part
OF Governor OdelTs canal message that was read
with more interest by the members of the legis-
lature than the concluding paragraph:
1 therefore recommend that the question of i'm
proving the canals along the line of the act Of 1895
be submitted 10 the people at the coming election
provai that the Expenditure can be more easily
met, and that II will serve all the purposes Tor
which the canal was originally designed
Previously in his message the Governor had de-
clared that the cost OF improving the canals along
the line of the OF 1885, would be s251452il. or
s3sss46 year. since the canal bonds to be issued
for the payment OF such a debt must be paid in
eighteen years. Thus il is obvious that the men,
bers of the legislature have presented to them a
important matter for their consideration
Their consent must first be given and although
they merely submit the question of canal improve
ment to the people. they will be held TO respOnsi
bility for the action. Indirectly they will be con-
sdered to have personally expressed their several
opinions the proposal 10 improve the canals
In the prospect of the Governor sending message
TO the legislature upon canal improvement. there
has already been skirmish in the legislature
the suggestion. That skirmish the conflict
over Assemblyman Merton E. Lews's amendment
10 the constitution prohibiting the exemption of
property from taxation. the fact being recognized
by the opponents of canal improvement that if they
could pass that amendment in the legislature no
proposition to improve the canals could go before
the people at the polls this fall. However the
Lewis dinenOInent mas only pdSSeu tHS ASStnDlN,
and therefore there is clear road for what must
be considered Governor Odelrs canal Improvement
project. No one can doubt who has conversed
with the members Of the Legislature that there
would have been possibility of the adoption of
plan for constructing a barge canal. at cost OF
s97 1926 A. involving yearly tax Of s53997s9 for
eighteen years.
Great as is Governor Odells influence with the
members of the legislature, he could not have
persuaded them to assume the responsibility Of
submitting that proposition TO the legislature.
There will be intense opposition expending s25.
canal counties of the northern and southern cen
traI parts the State but they would have had
aid from many members living in canal counties
if the Governor had suggested the barge canal
plan. One Of the reasons for this hesitation 70
commit the State to enormous expenditures for
the canals is that the farmers of the State, who
mainly Republicans not prosperng 10 as
large a degree in these days of prosperity their
fellow citizens living in the towns and cities. ANY
addition TO the State taxation Is keenly resented
by them. The legislature being Republican, natu-
rally their sentiments are regarded.
The canal in the legislature say that soon
meetings will be held in New-York Buffalo and
other cities in support Of the Governors policy,
and that they intend the present week 10 submit
bills TO the legislature for submission 10 the
people the fall election of the proposition
complete the work of Improvement begun in 1895
with S90G0.0G0 which II Is now will cost go,
o1a 90 S34eo00so in all