New-York tribune., 1901-02-20
FOR A NEW RAUAPO BILL.
MoRGAN's MEASURE sUsTAINs A DE
FEAT IN COMMITTEE - DEMO
Gratis To SUPPORT 1T.

Albany Feb 70 CSpecian-There is 10 he
another weeks delay, palpaby the part OF
the Assembly Committee on Cities. in taking
action upon AssemhIyman Morgan's hill repeal
ing the extraordinary powers granted the
Ranapo Water Company i'm 1875 Secondly the
repeating act apparently is 10 he amended so
thoroughly that it is doubtful il either Mr..
Morgan or tha Merchants Association of New
York. whose members drew IL. will he able 20
recognize 10 in its new form. There were
rumors tonight that the Senate judiciary Com
mittee also would enter upon the path to-mOr-
row Of amending the Ramapo repeal act, and
that following the example Of the Assembly
Committee on cities today. the Senate Judiciary
Committee would appoint subcommittee 70
amend che a-t
\ third factor in the struggle over the
-.amapo :. peal bin viU be- apparent here to-
morrow when Controller Coler. Of New-York, will
arrive 20 use whatever influence he possesses
.n the LEGISLATURE 70 push forward the repeal
act The Republican leader in the Legislature
rather resent Controller CoIers visit at this
time. declaring that they feel competent 70
drew up a measure to unloosen the grasp Of the
Ramapo Water Company upon water rights de
sired by the CITY ~ New-York. and DO not need
his assistance
When the Assembly Committee Cities met
this afternoon IN executive session II was known
that an attempt would he made 10 get the
Ramapo Repeal bill out IF committee The
motion was promptly made that the bill should
be reported favorabIy hut IL was voted down.
six Assemblymen voting in opposition 20 it and
hve in It's favor The six Assemblymen who
voted in opposition 70 the measure We're Mr..
Kelsey ~ Livingston chairman Of the COM
mittee and Messrs. VI. F. Lewis. Of Monroe;
De Graw. Of Kings. O'Malley. Of Erie; Hammond.
all
Iicans Two Republic ans Seymour and Davis.
# -York-and three Democrats-McKeow
Of Kings Fitzgerald of New-York. and Brad
lev. ~ Erie-voted for reporting the measure
favorablv N was then moved and adopted TO
appoint subcommittee of three members 10
consider the hill and report amendments 10 II
next week Tuesday. This subcommittee CON
sists ~ Messrs. Kelsey. OMalley and Fitz-
gerald
The discussion on the bill lasted nearly an
hour II was n night between the Republican
members Of New-York and the upstate Republi-
cans when Assemblyman Seymour, from the
XIXth District Of New-Nork, called on the
bill he was seconded by Mr. Davis. The Demo-
Gratis in caucus this morning decided to make
the repeal bill a party measure ana ~ on'e
came 10 Mr.. Seymours aid
Mr. Kelsey opposed such action on the ground
that the trainers Of the Ramapo Repeal Dill
sought 10 destroy the Ramdpo Water Company
and there were constitutional grounds. he be
leved why such a measure shouIi NOT be
sanctioned. The company had not been
known to he guilty Of any act which would
excuse the destruction of property rights He
believed il - he the opinion of the Merchants
Association and others who urged the passage
Of the Morgan bill that all that was desired was
only the repeal of the company's unusual and
dangerous powers. Mr.. Kelsey was supported
by NJ L. Lewis of Monroe County.
After Mr. SeymOurs motion had been defeat
cd Mr. Lewis moved that Mr. Kelsey appoint a
committee of three. with himself chairman
whose members should draw up a new bill de-
void Of any unconstitutional objections. and
port the following week In the committee ap-
pointed New-York City is represented only by
AIR FITZGERALD who is a Democrat and there
fore can have little power Moreover, both Mt
Kelsey and Mr. OMsley voted in opposition 10
a favorable report upon the repeal act. Two
members of the Committee on Cities, Assembly
men Cotton Of Kings County. and Burnett of
Ontario County. were absent. MIR. Cotton was III
i'm his room i'm the Stanwix Hotel suffering from
a serious attack of pleursy. He attempted to
attend the meeting. but was restrained on the
advice of his physician. Mr. Cotton has said
that he is I'm favor Of the repeal bill Mr. Bur
nett was away he said. on business.
Mr.. Kelsey said after the meeting: The SUBJ
committee is 10 consider carefully this legtsla-
tion and will report measure which Will prove
acceptable. / believe to the supporters OF Mr.
Morgan's bill, and at the same time be devoid
of any uncOnstitutionaIity. IL is a much dis
puted question whether the Legislature can
repeal a law previously enacted under whose
provisions this company has expended money
and gone ahead and acquired certain options
What Is desired. believe, Is the abolition OF
those dangerous powers which are said TO limit
the power OF New-York City 10 condemn water
sheds ana own It's own water supply.
There is nothing like a fine brandy. and otard