New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-15
ALDERMEN HARD PRESSED
HE SAVES THEIR FACES.
j. l.. Gordon Raises Technically
against Port Chester Franchise.

After many Efforts the Tanmany aldermen
yesterday found in the words Of James Lindsay
Gordon at least technical ground fo~ opposition
20 granting permit 10 the NeV-York and Port
Chester Railway Company. ard managed 70 con-
tuus the delay. The hearing before the Rail-
road Committee Of the Board OF Aldermen yes
re-day looked for some time as II it were TO be
s unanimous protest against an aIdermanic hold
ur But ~ last Mr.. Gordon rose as an objector
md affirmed that the application had never been
hsfore the Board OF Estimate and Apportion-
rent and quoted the charter 10 prove that the
aldermen hsd no power in the matter until the
Board q Estimate and Apportionment had
acted Presenting this as a reason for denying
the application. Mr Gordon sat down. Asked
whom he represented. Mr.. Gordon took liberty
none a the friends Of the measure had and de-
cli1ed 10 answer asserting. amid the derisve
laughter Of the friends OF the project. that he
WIS willing. but he must consult his clients
" C. GotshaI president OF The new company.
tner proceeded 10 demoish Mr.. Gordor's argu-
-1erL declaring that he had an opinion from
Corporation Counsel Rives that the step sug-
ges1ed was not necessary; that he found his
s1thority under Section II Of the Railroad LAW.
snd not under Section - OF the charter The
question al issue was whether it was surface
street railroad or an ordinary railroad. Since
Tho Port Chester Railroad had purchased its
right of Way at 2 cost OF Sl+00oo0 and paid
E Tax q $500 on II annually. relatively more
tnan any other street railway company, he be-
,iersj that Mr.. CIor6on's contention was uH-
founded
While Mr.. Gordon alone represented the op-
position. the following organizations were repre-
scented as in favor OF the measure: The North
side Bosr5 Of Trade. the independent Citizens
Union Of Port Chester. the Taxpayers Alliance.
the XXIIId Ward Property Owners Alliance
and the Chester Alliance.
Tax Commissioner Wells was one of the most
earnest spea kers IN favor Of the granting Of the
application He said that from a careful in
vasugstion he believed that if the application
ere put TO q vote every person in The Bronx
would vote in favor Of granting it. Several
meetings had been held before the aldermanic
Railroad Committee and the delegations from
che region 10 be tapped by the proposed road
had exhausted their arguments in favor of the
franchise. He called attention 70 the fact that
th5 building OF the road would benefit not only
the people Of The Bronx. but that it also would
benefit all other boroughs Of New York and
thar IN The Bronx It would help build up ter
ritorv nov neglected because OF lack Of proper
railroad facilities.
There have been hearings enough" h added.
''Now the people OF The Bronx want 10 know
vhsr chance there is Of an immediate granting
of this franchise"
President Niles Of the Taxpayers Alliance Of
The Bronx said that the best proof of the de-
sire 70 see this road get the franchise was the
lsrge representative gathering Of citizens from
TIE BrouK and West Chester. The Union Rail
uE- c0mrsHy. which had 2 MONOPOLY Of the
rrciev business in The Bronx. he contended. was
giving pooT service while. on the other hand,
fhe Nev-Yors and Port Chester road had given
she people positive assurance Of its fua nCiai
ability 70 hu.ld the road and give the people
S-st class service. He said every obstacle TO the
granting n the franchise had been removed IN
fhe courts and before the State Railroad Com
mission
President HAYES of the Common Council OF
Mount Vernon said "a would he vast benefit
and Improvement TO his city 10 have the road
HuIr. Fe added thar the subject had been be
fore fne Railroad Committee for seven months,
and that i- had had plenty Of time IN which n
a. and that this committee owed II 20 the peO-
I'@ 10 tell them what ir intended 10 do.
President Haffeu of The Bronx also urged the
granting Cf the franchise. As president or the
borough hH had f0uud q unanimous opinion IN
favor ~ fne franchise.
Chairman beGler called = meeting Of the
Railroad Committee for -o-dEy- At the close Of
The hearing h. would make no comment. The
Roer5 % Aldermen meets today