New-York tribune., 1902-09-05
ENOUGH JOCKEYING.

II is of course necessary for Mr.. Cantor to
make a record as "a friend of labor" He is
seeking the Democratic nomination for Gov
ernor and repute as a valiant champion OF
trades unions eight hour days. prevailing rate
of wages, compulsory arbitration and general
corporation tail twisting would be extremely
useful TO him. and must he had at any price.
without regard TO the business interests of New
York and the convenience OF the mass of its
neonIe Therefore the efforts of Mr. Cantor TO
force into the Pennsylvania Railroad tunnel
franchise labor stipulations of doubtful legality
and entire superiuity are easily understood and
have been patiently tolerated. But there is
season for all things. Some time the record
must be made. Mr. Cantor's position as a noble
champion of labor perfected, his hold upon the
labor vote secured, so that the general progress
of the community may be resumed. Why not
now: Let us all at once c0ncede the p0stulate
thai Mr.. Cantor is friend Of labor. His heart
beats true to union demands. He has mort
gage past due on the labor vote. If he runs for
Governor we will all acknowledge that the
workingman has no cause for complaint against
him and promise 10 make criticism of him
on that score. but to let pass unchallenged all
campaign literature and speeches dwelling on
his heroic boarding of the Pennsylvania Rail
road out of love for the wage eArneFS.
Let US then, consider that settled and go on
without delay TO secure the building of the tun-
mel which the people OF this city so much de
sire II must be evident that, aside from Mr.
CantOr's need of a record which rs we admit
has been amply made, the rights and interests
of labor are adequately safeguaTded in the pro-
posed franchise. and there is not the slightest
need for any additional provisions such Mr.
Cantor has sought 10 impose on the company.
The Pennsylvania officials are perfectly right
in refusing to give up control OF their own
building operations and incorporate in the fran
ehise promises which al best mean nothing and
at worst subject the company to the mastery Of
bodies which can be held to no responsibility
for the reasonable use of power. The Penn
syIYania Railroad has no quarrel with organ
lied labor. 1t treats its men fairly. pays union
wages will LET out its contracts TO persons who
will be bound by the conditions Of the New
York labor market and no legitimate interest Of
workingmen will be served by the proposed
labor clause. The Court of Appeals has de-
cided that the city cannot make such require
ment Of contractors who BID for municipal work
as If is low sought to impose on the Pennsyl-
vana Railroad. The legality OF the city re-
curing the company to do what it cannot do
itself is not evident. and even If such course is
legal It is improper and demagogic. 1t is not
the business Of the city to say whether the rail-
road shall employ union non-unlon men,
Irishmen or Italians. Methodsts Presby-
terians, or what wages it shall pay to its presi-
dent or its trackman. The city's business, if 1t
wants the railroad. as il undoubtedly does, Is
to grant franchise for a reasonable compenSa-
tion with due safeguards to protect the inter
ests of the whole people In the construction and
use Of the tunnel not TO serve the special pur-
poses of any set OF men, whether walking dele
gates or vote seeking politicians
Much time has been spent in negotiations
over this franchise. The railroad people have
shown readiness 10 modify their requests and
accept reasonable suggestions. Aldermen and |
others who objected to the original terms of |
the franchise were entitled to have their views |
needed, as they have been. The people of this |
city are not however, disposed TO tolerate sense
less obstruction. They want the railroad con- |
nectlon and are not going to let petty consider |
atoms block it. That fact should be clearly |
understood. Those who have helpful and senSl- |
Die proposals to make should bring them for |
ward AT once Those who, whatever their mo- |
i've want to hold up the enterprise should |
realize that they invite the forfeiture Of such |
power as they chance to possess. There is 60 |
ing 10 be a North River tunnel, and if 1t cannot |
withln reasonable time be secured in one way,
II VIII be in some other. There has been enough |
lockeying with this matter by the aldermen.