New-York tribune., 1903-01-31
AGAIN ATTACKS ODELL.
Ford Says He Thinks Motiuc M
7dr Repeal Un5Co,fhy.

r. NNNN~'NNN
ernor odell in relation to his attitude to the
Franchise Tax law last night. in an address at
a public meeting under the auspices of the
Franchise Tax and Municipal Ownership
League TO protest against the repeal OF the
Franchise Tax law The meeting was held at
the Sturtevant House.
Telling of Governor odelrs attitude concern
ing the measure and his insistence on the pas
sage Of the Franchise Tax bill with the uncon-
stitutional sections added, the ex-senator be-
came personal in his remarks. He said that the
Governor one day breaking through the ICY
chill' asked him why he had not first SUD-
rnitted the bill Senator Platt for his approval
at the same time remarking. I'm somewhat
interested in franchises myself
Mr. Ford declared that rule he disliked
personalities but he thought that the situation
was one which warranted him in looking for
some motive and ne believed that Governor
Odells motive ''s not worthy one
''I don't believe that the leopard can change
his spots so soon. and cannot believe that the
motives which actuated him in 1899 are actua'-
fro hin, nov 4" he said He might just as well
say TO the people OF this city, You shall not de-
rive any revenue from the docks or water sup
ply He is pledged to relieve the agricultural
counties from taxation at the expense OF the
cities because ii was the farmers which re-
turned him to office. It is time that this city,
when its interests are menaced as they are now.
that the people should rouse themselves ana
under the able leadership of Controller -Grout.
protest against the proposed repeal of the fran
crise Tax law. The legislature would never
dare to refuse any reasonable demand If made
with the united voice
Controller Grout, who delivered a long aTSu-
ment against the repeal OF the law and the
Governors stand on it, said by way of preface:
Il have been warned that my words are being
weighed and are likely to be used against me
and the city of New-Yorl1. L have been advised
TO put down carefully the words 1 desire to
speak on this question. and. after doing so.
stand ready to take the consequences
Mr.. Grout, because of the applause. had to
halt several times while speaking. He said IN
Part:
One of the chief opponents Of the Ford Fl Fran an
State and as Governor he lends his voice to
aid the outc of the franchise corporations asaas.
oepta5le to these % ana th The TS at
tack upon the present law and the proposed rem
edy both come from the same source-fron ,J Jnose
the first question occur to d careful citizen Is
How can we trust remedy coming II IRON i 3 stGn Hea
TO fear those Greeks who pretend to bring us gifts
IeI% knowing cf the alleged Defect in the law
and knowing too, that this defect was put into
' bill to correct It foTthwtth and that the last
legislature let the bill die in committee. and this
same Governor refused last year to aid Senator
Donnelly in his effort to protect in time the inter
ests of the people and the taxpayers of this state
a record was then made by which We may Judge
n.elligenty the purposes OF the recent proposal or
the Governor.
Mr. Grout closed by saying that gossip init
mated that Governor Odell and the head men
of the legislature proposed to hold up important
city legislation in which the Controller was
interested on account Of his opposition to ana
words against the Governor on the Franchise
Tax law He said he did not believe the Gov
ernor or the legislature would act in SUCH a
small way: but, if II We're possible, ne
would not retract one jot in his opposition 10
the repeal of the law.
And if any important city bills are defeated
for such a reason he said, Il undertake to say
that Governor Odell. if he runs again for the
high Office which would thus be abased. or the
candidates whom his party might nominate IN
his place would receive in New-York City an
adverse majority somewhat in excess or that
of last fall =, .
A resolution was adopted reaffrming belief
in the principle of franchise tax, protesting
against its repeal. and declaring that if the con-
stitutionality of the act is finally held TO be so
impaired as to nullify the provisions taxing
franchises the remedy is not by repeal. but by
such amendment of the law as may be neces-
sary TO make it operative