New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-09-04
DEADLOCK OVER TUNNEL.
PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD REFUSES TO
ACCEPT LABOR CLAUSE.
II THE ALDERMEN DO NOT YIELD THE
COMPANY is LIKELY TO APPEAL TO
THE LEGISLATURE

Inc pennsylvania railroad Company says no
10 the proposal that d clause be inserted in the
tunnel contract providing for the prevailing rate
OF wages for men at work the tunnel and for
a eight hour day.
Because of its emphatic refusal to entertain this
proposition. which is insisted on by the Aldermen.
the conference committee which met Yesterday AT II
a m. at the offices of the Rapid Transit Commits
sion to talk the amended tunnel contract
failed to make any progress in agreeing on a new
contract.
had written letter to the conferrees in which he
said that his company ought not and can not con-
sent to provision IN the franchise which either
has meaning If it has any would deprive
them of that liberty of action in dealing with their
employees which is essential to the continuance
efficient service to the proper conduct of their
business and to the protection and safety OF the
public.
Borough President Cantor says that he will in
sist upon the labor clause. and in this is sup
ported by the Aldermen generally Controller
Grout is said be of the opinion that the Alder
asking too much.
The Pennsylvania people VIII do all they can be-
tween and the frs of the year toward get
ting a suitable contract. and If they do get
1t they will probably appeal 10 the legislature
The charter could be amended giving the Board
of Estimate and Apportionment power TO grant the
application of the company. thus ignoring the
Aldermen entirely.
The conference yesterday vas attended by Presi-
dent Orr, of the Rapid Transit Commission; Con-
trolIer Grout President Fornes OF the Board of
Aldermen: Chief Engineer Parsons, Edward NJ
Shepard Commissioner Langdon Borough Presi-
dent Cantor. Aldermen WaIkley. McInnes, Good
man and James. and several representatives of the
railroads. including Vice-Pre sident Green
Regarding the proposed station at Fourth-ave
and Thirty-third-st it urged that such a
privilege would open a direct avenue of connection
with the New-York Central and the New-York.
New-Haven and Hartford. for which totally in
adequate compensation was proposed Borough
President Cantor joined Mr. Vaikey in urging this
objection. Mr. Green said tkere possibility |
of a physical connection between the roads. and !
Mr. Orr asserted that SUCH connection would re-
qUire entirely different arrangement and new |
franchise II vas finally agreed the suggestion |
of the Controller. that a clause be inserted pro- |
vlding that the rights granted limited to the |
landing and e1nbarkins Of passengers. and not for |
switching
Mr.. Green read the communication from President !
Cassatt. II said in part:
The suggestion that the tunnel company shall
indemnify the city against any claim for damages
that may arise out OF the closing of Thirty-second-
assented TO- for the reason that in agreeing the
price Of 600 for the ground within the vacated
ing what is admitted to be the fu fee simple vs1e
of the land and which value laTgeiy results IRON
city to meet such damages. if any. occasioned by
the vacation, for which It may be held legally liza
BILE It can hardly be claimed that the tunnel com
pany would first pay full value for the land and IN
tial part OF such value
On the rate Of wages the letter said
Counsel advises that this whole question has been
80 Fg dS iRa IS 2g s 10 DO more Snan
say that the law is now settled and that the
building of its own subway The work will be let
70 contractors, VINO VII! necessathy nave 10 con-
York
Mr.. Cassatt referred TO the amcabe relations be
tween the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and its
employees and told OF the company's pension sys-
tenn.
Controller Grout suggested change providing
for the arbitration Of any differences causing
sLrlhe y. tAs 80 bv .6a nompa8v to srbftrate
He asked II this would be accepted by the road.
city of New-York interfere in our business. or cur
relations With H cf our If 9 We Will not
Asked If he would agree 70 labor clause, Mr..
consent to act simply to attract the labor vote"
Alderman sullivan said that Mr.; cantor v9lced
mTn and thar there would be good deal OF oppo-
70 me labor Clause Nj Green agreed 10 sub
nit the Controllers arbitration clause to President
The conference VIII be resumed on September II
feren Iie adjourned If he would agree to compro-
mis- in order to insure building of the tunnel
u ~ aT lust as ANXIOUS any one see the
tunnel 9ol' yo,d he willing 20 waive practcaHy
everything asked for by the COMPANY put shR4 I
5e5aTy should consent to pay the prevailing rate
C9F2paHS md agree to an eight hour day The ,
Ci+,,"s Experience with John B Mcdonald in con- :
rettion with reforming the jerome PARK Reservoir
contract is a case in point. We have Just agreed
TO nav yr. Mcdonald 100000 in order to make II r
corigf1 rhar undesirable help shall not be emu oyed
on tbe reservoir. We don't want repetition OF | :
tba+ evnerenCe ! believe that the differences VIII ,
he smoCthed out eventually . go
Controller Grout would not talk for publication
III, +-ieTfs "a Y that and the Mayor do think
alike about the OF the aldermen in regard 70
.bd +,InneI contract It IS said he is in favor OF
ha,-ing tl,a Board OF Estimate and Apportionment |
hands he subject. II 1t should require an | '
u T1srIr,ent 10 the charter
Mayor Low said he hoped that the conferrees
~ President Green after the adjournment said
..rrFs a-tffrde we taken Is a final and |
III or re EIDE IL under any circumstances
IF the Board OF Aldermen wishes TO block this |
- tr1,-nysrn-0t all say is that is I
~ fitart n do it, but 7 have better opinion OF
a. tI of New York than to think that the people
tf, In. their aldermen to block Improvement
Nh. LII nduest iorabIy be of the greatest benefit
10 me ~ ot IN position that shall appeal
o. ~. 1arIsIa tire in the aldermen refuse