New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-18

opposition to the Westchester is general. because
it doesn't make good it's assertions"
DOWNING MAKES SOME ATTACKS.
Last year I repeatedly asked the president OF
the Port Chester" went on Alderman Downing.
how it was prepared to carry out its work He
refused a dozen times to answer. I want the
public to know whether we're criminals not
before take action on this. Is 1t possible
that the press has been Influenced by the Civ
ing Of stock in this road? Are these news
paper men who are making these charges feath-
ering their own nests? We want to know all
the proof they've got"
The vote Alderman McCaIrs motion that
President Hafrens resolution be referred to the
Railroad Committee was rs to 20. Little Tim"
voting in the affirmative.
Then President Haffen offered his second reso-
luton, that a public hearing be called for Mon
day This Mr. Mccall approved heartily. call
ing on every Tammany man TO follow him in
voting for it.
Let have this public hearing" he shouted.
Bring your people from The Bronx who favor
it," he said TO President Haffen, and be sure to
bring those who oppose it. Then let the Rail-
road Committee adjourn TO a side room and de-
eide whether the people behind this railroad
should have franchise"
Alderman Wafer. of the Railroad Committee
objected strongly. He did not approve the pub
lie hearing called in that way, he said. He
warned the aldermen not to be hoodwinked or
bulldozed by entirely manufactured interest
Why, if these Bronx people want rapid tran
sit why aren't they up in arms demanding that
the Board Of Estimate award the franchise to
the Westminster. instead of letting their
Borough President hold it for considerations"
Then Little Tim" Sullivan took a hand He
agreed entirely with WATERS views. he said and
member Of the majority should follow him. The
Railroad Committee had no criticism 20 fear
from any investigators, so let It go on in its own
way. The aldermen. he said had full power 10
fix the compensation TO be paid To the city by
the Port Chester rood. but only the Board of
Estimate could fix that for the Westchester
company, because of the difference in their
charters. Alderman Goodman. in his defence
OF the Port Chester. had overreached himself
said the Tammauy chieftain. for he showed that
his company was unwilling to go to the Board of
Estimate whereas the Westchester road had
stood that body's scrutiny. He urged the alder
men not to vote for the hearing.
President Haffen then. seeing that his attitude
was misunderstood. said he would withdraw his
resolution II Chairman Haggerty of the Railroad
Committee would promise to call public hear
ing. Chairman Haggerty wouldn't More dis
cussion ensued to be ended by the vote sc to 21
Then, President Haffen's motion having been
lost. Chairman Haggerty said he would call the
hearing. expressing his qualification at the
confidence the board has shown in the Railroad
Committee"
William F. King has been told that the mem
bers Of the Railroad Committee will attend the
inquiry of the aIdermen's special committee.
and submit 10 examination, probably by eX-At-
torney General Griggs. acting for the Merchants
Association. They may appear at this after
moons session. President Gotshall OF the Port
Chester has not been subpGnaed yet. although
five servers are looking for him. 1t may be
said however that he Will appear before the
committee Of aldermen in due time.
Mr.. King announced yesterday that Mr..
Griggs would be at his office, No. 81 Pine-st.
for one week, ready to hear any stories bearing
on alleged bribery in connection with the Port
Chester application, or get any evidence. This
information will all be held in strict confidence.
If at the end of the week Mr.. Griggs has legal
case the Merchants Association and its Bronx
allies will go to the Supreme Court for a judi
cial inquiry. If he thinks he has not enough
evidence the committees will pass resolutions
generating the aldermen.
Mayor McClellan's reply to the associations
request for an opinion TO the validity of the
westchester roads charter reached it yester-
day. 1t said
The Corporation Counsel has already advised me
that in respect this matter. where prima facie
case as to the validity of the charter appears TO
have been made out, 1t is impracucable for him
20 a+ternnt TO solve the very large number OF diff
cult and intricate questions of law and fact said
to be involved.
Alderman James =. Hayes Of Mount Vernon,
said last night that he had not yet received a
notice from either the Merchants Association
or District Attorney Jerome to appear as
witness I'm the investigation which is being made
into the Port Chester Railroad anair II the
Nerchonte' Association or the District Attorney
wants me-" said Mr.. Hayes, they know where
to find me My place of business Is I'm the Fur
niture Exchange. I'm not going to run away
Alderman Hayes declined TO say whether
not he could throw any light on the accusations
Of bribery. Last winter the newspapers pub
ushed n statement as coming from him that a
certain New-York alderman told him that II
the Port Chester Railroad Company wanted
a franchise II would have to see the captain"