New-York tribune., 1902-05-20
INDORSES CIRCUITS VIEWS.
MISSIONER FAVORS SELF
PERPETUATION

Alexander z. Orr, president of the Rapid Transit
Commission. ndorses for the most part. Controller
Grouts criticism of the Rapid Transit law Mr..
Orr had not read the newspapers yesterday, and
had therefore not the correspondence be-
tween Controller Grout and ex-Controler Green.
A Tribune reporter. who saw him the
mittee meeting the Office of the Rapid Transit
Commission late yesterday afternoon, gave him
the text of the Controllers views Mr.. Orr said:
''If Mr.. CIRCUITS remarks along the line of the
sentiments of Mayor Low as expressed in his
memorandum to the Governor the Pennsylvania
tunnel measure 1 heartily indorse them. 1 do not
think there is a member of the Rapid Transit
Commission who is in favor of selfperpetuation.
The Mayors memorandum the granting of the
Pennsylvania franchise through the Rapid Transit
Commission, contained the following:
I am obliged however. to recognize that in TAX
Ing this view l asserting to "A very broad ex-
longing this board do not believe that it will
be permanently satisfactory to have these great
perpetuating. The board that exercises powers
such these should be in each city that it affects
a city board appointed for long terms by the
Mayor Of the city concerned. Continuation OF ser
lens to be dealt with is not to be picked up in
day. But each city is certainly entitled to take
the present Rapid Transit Commission cannot be
improved; and it is to be hoped that the city OF OF
New-York may have the benefit of the services OF
these gentlemen for many years But ! aPprecatee te
Will lead sooner or later to change IN the status
OF the board. II Is noticeable in this connection
has been amended, at the instance of the Governor
so as TO the State from responsibility for the
actions of the board. This recognition OF the fact
that the board is in effect, il relates 10 the city
of New York. a local board, adds weight TO the
views just expressed.
Continuing, Mr. Orr said: 81 believe that the law
might wisely be amended so as to remove this
feature. Regarding the exemption from taxation
of the tunnel l only say that when that pro-
vision was inserted in the law had had no eX-
perienCe in tunnel building, and 1t was necessary
In order to induce some 10 take the contract.
Tunnel building has progressed beyond the
experimental stage, and We probably will not nave
lyn extension had with the present subway"
Mr.. Orr WAS in conference for the greater part
OF the afternoon with Controller Grout and the
other members of the committee which is prepar-
ing the plans for the Brooklyn extension. Presi-
dent Greatsnger of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit
Company present for the purpose of making
suggestions which be embodied in the specih-
will do to obtain bid from the railroad company.
MIR. Shepard and Mr.. Boardman. counsel for the
commission. also present. The only addition
Mr.. Grout would make to his correspondence was
this:
Another objection TO the law which was not
mentioned in the correspondence between Mr..
Green and is this: IF Buffalo should reach one
could go there build railroads for that city.
This shows what extraordinary powers this com
mission possesses. extending from end of the
State to the other. | wish. however. TO be under
stood as alta cking the system. and not the men
that constitute the commission"
Mr.. Shepard declined to discuss the subject. say
ing: 1T would be highly improper for counsel 10
SNiI m a.