New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-08
NETWORK AND DUCHESS

mayor McClellan's special message on water
supply suggests the Old prOverb that tbera ora
none so blind as those who will not see We
nave already demonstrated his complete mis-
representation Of the Governor in nrav;ous M.
rerances. Nevertheless he continues IN harm
on the old string and carefully avoids honest
consideration of the fact that the Governor has
offered TO use his influence TO get the Duchess
county water for the city the very terms
that the city has informally offered, provided
only thcse terms be made binding so as TO give
The inhabitants Of the affected region some Of
fectuGl guarantee Of protection in their homes
and industries. Apparently the Mayor does NOT
want the water What his motives are we do
not know. Perhaps he thinks it Is not needed
or that Tammany cannot undertake such an
expensive enterprise but does not dare Take
the responsibility Of abandoning the project
ana so seeks an excuse for saying he IS helm
less. His reason for not asking for an extra
session is palpably an excuse ana q himsy one
at that. lie says
am not convinced that an extra session Of
the legislature which would consist Of the so mo
men VINO passed this measure. would result in
Fenel nom the oppression of this law But
even II II did, such legislation would still have
70 stand the survey Of the Governor whose
ilxea opinion as CLEAN from his memorandum
= opposed 10 anything like a repeal of this law
II may be. therefore, that hope OF relief must
DC deferred until the Senate and Assembly con-
floer the matter in next years session
That is simply trifiing with the question. No.
body contemplates the repeal of the Smith law.
There Is not the slightest reason to suppose
that the same men who passed il would not
allow the city 20 build reservoirs in Duchess
County under conditions safeguarding the local
interests which that act was intended 10 Dro-
tect- As for the Governor, he is specifically
pledged TO aid in securing that privilege. and
IL The Mayor really wants water he will take
The Governor at his word, instead OF dwelling
on his imaginary adverse opinions. 1t may be
that New-Iork would pay fully for all indi-
rect damages, but that has nothing 10 do with
guaranteeing protection TO those whose dam
age would be indirect if the reservoirs were NOT
SO constructed rs to conserve the water mower
1t may be also that the Smith law ut present
Offers them clIy partial protection, and that
private persons could succeed in doing the
harm that the city is now forbidden TO do.
But the private person was not, Ike the city.
threatening 10 take the watershed. And. any
how, the wisdom or adequacy Of the Smith law
Is not the question. and dwelling or such things
is merely avoidance of the issue
The city has said It wants The superfluous
Duchess water, and is willing 10 build resor-
yoirs 10 conserve the water power and safa-
guard the inhabitants Of the manufacturing vii
iages from loss for which they could receive no
compensation II the mills employing them shut
down. no matter how much the mil owners
were paid. Governor Odell has said he will
help the city 10 get the water on those terms.
but he does not think the fulnlment of those
terms should be left TO the city's caprice. WHY
does not the Mayor go ahead and get the water?
is be unwilling TO agree 10 the terms? Was
the plan TO build reservoirs and conserve the
power mere bluff TO quiet Dutchess County
fears which was not meant 10 he carried ont In