New-York tribune., 1902-12-05
ODELLONP. R.R. FRANCHISE
THINKS GRANT At ALBANY IGNORING
CITY AUTHORITIES WOULD BE
I-NCONSTITU TIONAL-

Governor Odeu ipttmated Yesterday at the Fifth
Avenue Hotel that he believed any legislation py
which the legislature might seek to give 'he
Pennsylvania Railroad permission TO build a thh-
mel here ignoring the authorities of this city,
would be unconstitutional
The Governor had a busy day yesterday He
saw and talked with d number of Republican Lead
ers He did not see Mayor Low again. and has no
intention TALKING with him further at this time
1t is understood that he is thoroughly cognlzant
of the Mayors ideas about what should be done
in the way of legislation in Albany affecting tns
city, and the Governor has such subjects undef
advisement but is not ready to discuss them at
this time. 1t is believed that the Pennsylvania
tunnel is one of these About legislation increas-
ing the power Of the Mayor in giving him greater
supervisory powers certain departments and
amending the liquor law to increase the license TAX
the Governor had nothing to say
''Will an appeal he made to the legislature 10
grant a special franchise to the Pennsylvania
Rairoad?'' he asked.
Wouldn't that be unconstitutional? he replied
The Governor was then asked: Ibid you not veto
the West-st. terminal and bridge bill two years
ago on the ground that it was in violation OF the
constitution ?'
IT did," replied the Governor
.aWouldn't it be possible for a bill to be passed
taking away the present powers OF the boara OF
Aldermen in regard to franchises ana FeSuhs 'ie
same in the Board of Estimate?
such a thing, in my opinion, would be possible
That would mean amendment TO the cnarter'
though you know.
will such bill be passed amending the char-
ter?' the Governor asked
'I have no idea what the Legislature will do In
this and many other matters. 1 have arrived at
no decision myself. and don't care TO discuss the
subject"
Would you veto such a bill If it reaches you?
Here" said the Governor good humoredly. that
is like the old question If your grandmother was
a man would she have been able 10 hit a hen with
a stone?' I don't know what would happen Nal'
until such condition arises
In the forenoon the Governor talked with many
Republicans OF Importance. Senator Elsberg. Ed
ward Ilauterbach Abraham Csruber. Robert &
Morris president OF the Republican County Com
Tnittee: Frederick s Gibbs national committeeman:
Senator Slater. James p Marcn, LleQleildhI Tov .
ernor Woodruff and many others saw MN; Ro2ert p
an hour At the end of the talk none would DIS
cuss the subject of the conferences 1880
made to the Governor against the re-elecuon OF
Robert c Morris as president of the County com
lions are not sustained by the Governor Mr.. Nor
ris il is said. will be reelected chairman or tne
County Committee at the meeting on Decstnoe[ 70 Is,
There may be more or less talk ana possibly STe
recrimnation, but il is believed that there viii De
no actual change in the makeup OF the committee
Lieutenant Governor Woodrun said;
Il believe that things viii remain as they are
in the county organiza ton. There may be some
hot fights in the primaries next year. We nave had
our primary fights in Kings, ana the situation there
There can be no change In district leadership
before the primaries. II is believed that the Cow
can club has been attained in that he has stirred
up all the leaders TO work harder and thus bring
the county organization up 10 a state or greater
efficiency
Tavern IN the afternoon dned with William Brook
field last evening attended the performance at
Weber Fields's and will return 70 Albany early
He would not talk about possible appointments,