New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-20
THE BEDELL BILLIARD AFTER.

The Bedel bill incident has finally been dis
posed of with due regard for the welfare OF the
people of New-York. At the request OF Mayor
Low the Governor has vetoed the measure
together with the Apgar bill. which required
the New-Yorll Central Railroad Company to DIS
continue the use of steam in the Park-ave. tun-
mel within three years The fact that he found
the latter veto necessary corollary to the first
shows how proper it was for the city officials
in the beginning to concede to the State author
tiles an appellate jurisdiction which would en-
able them TO secure for the railroad faclllueS
for the Improvement which by State law they
would be obliged to make. Their error was III
failing to note the dangerous latitude they We're
giving not merely to the Central Railroad in
connection with the tunnel improvement but
TO other railroads desiring increased terminal
facilities.
Probably the bill would have done no actual
harm if its application could have been confined
10 the particular problem which the city author
tiles had In mind. but, as they themselves dis
covered when they came 10 review their work,
If could not be so confined. There is not the
slightest reason to suppose that anybody con-
cerned failed to act in good faith. and the dema-
gogic outcry against the bill grab and a
surrender" was not worthy of the slightest
consideration Nevertheless, the Governor is
right in saying: 1T is to be regretted that the
duly constituted authorities OF New-lork did
mot prepare and report bill in n perfect
.forrn" Their mistake was an error OF mad
vertence but it was error of a sort which
the city administration cannot afford 10 repeat.
The Corporation Counsel Is supposed 10 he able
to draw measures which will accomplish the
object he has in mind. without endanGcring all
the property and franchises not merely of this
s1,t,,r !, GOLF
justified In following the advice of local authori
ties and indeed public opinion in this city has
in the sacred name of home rule" been insist
ent that it should. Any impairment Of that
confidence would be most unfortunate. If the
lawmakers are once allowed reasonable ex
cuse for saying that they cannot trust New
York authorities to send them safe measures.
our chance Of good legislation will be small
indeed.
lust what IS to follow, that the Bedell
bill has been killed, is not yet apparent. The
tunnel is still nuisance which must be abated.
The Governor suggests that an extra session
may be iustifable to provide relief 1t is by no
means certain that existing law is not sufficient
if the New-York Central directors are really
sincere in their professions. If they are merely
PLAYING with the subject and seeking excuses
for delay undoubtedly they can take advantage
of the present situation. IT, on the other hand,
they really want to install electricity, they
should be able to reach an agreement with the
city under the provisions of the Pennsylvania
tunnel act, as it is said they would have done
under the Bedell bill without recourse to the
State Railroad Commission. The most serious
difficulty is likely to be over the periodic revalu
ing of franchises under the Pennsylvania tun-
mel act That however ought not to be insuper
able The Central people are justified in asking
O perpetual franchise. as the alterations will
become an integral and necessary part of their
existing system held in perpetuty. They ought.
however, to pay for the value of the new prv-
leges obtained, and if those privileges become
more valuable with the growth of the city they
should pay accordingly. Some form of contract
could certainly be drawn up which would safe
guard them from any danger of being held up
in TWENTY-FIVE years for the value of the
whole terminal system instead of being assessed
merely the reasonable value of the new grant.
The municipal government should at once set to
work and if possible force beginning of opera
lions under present laws.