New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-11-07
No COMPROMISE THE CRY
ALL ADS MUST COME OUT.
Warner Says No Contract Guaran-
tees Display Of Signs.

Despite the Rapid Transit Commissions pro-
posed change in the style of the subway station
advertisements there were indications yester-
day that the fight against two advertisements
far from being ended had only just begun
I'VE will accept no compromise. The exhibits
must disappear" seemed 10 voice the general
sentiment of those in the OF the anti
adj" movement
In conversation with Tribune reporter. John
De Witt Warner, chairman OF the Municipal
Art Commission challenged the Interborough
Operating Company 20 show a~y former con-
tract or chain Of contracts guaranteeing the
advertising concern the display OF its advertise
rnents.
THE present talk of threats of compensation
10 the contractor and the advertising concern
should the advertisements be thrown out said
mr.. Warner, lis a gigantic bluff know that
the advertising concerns contract with the ad-
vertisers contains no guarantee and provides
only for payments in proportion to the length
Of time the particular advertisement may hap
pen to be exhibited Knowing that it had no
right to accept permission to advertise or lease
such advertising privileges, and ii was its bust
ness TO know. II is entirely improbable that the
Interborough took any responsibility or guar
anteed TO the advertising concern the exhibition
az the advertisements. OF course if the adver-
Using concerns exhibits are thrown out the
concern will lose the difference between the
cost of its concession and the concessions value
TO itself through the misuse OF the publics
property.
THE entire talk is great bluff the part
Of the contractor 10 Try to force some concession
Of possible value in exchange for one that IS
worth nothing; that n fact has no lawful ev-
istence."
The Legislature" said Mr.. Warner, deliber-
ately, gave the Rapid Transit Commission no
power whatever to permit advertising in the sta
lions. Had it done so. it would not even be
complimenting the contractors TO say that their
counsel would have had clause inserted direct
ly permitting such advertising. A clause was
inserted forbidding such advertisements. etc. as
would interfere with the ready Identification of
the stations
This being the case there must have been a
'gentleman's misunderstanding between Alex
ander E. Orr. Charles Stewart Smith and George
L. Rives the one hand and the contractor on
the other before the compact was signed The
deception is now maintained by frightening the
public by talking If there were guarantees
in the several contracts. This seems 10 me the
keynote OF the present situation
Calvin Tonkins, the president of the Munich
pal Art Society, who returned TO town last
night, said he was not satisfied with the pro-
posed employment OF holdings for the advertise
Inents by way Of compromise.
Il don't believe the commission had any more
right 10 make such contract" he told the re-
porter, than the Interborough company would
have to let contracts for advertisements along
5iXth-aye
Frankly, don't like the idea Of the mouldings.
The advertisements themselves ought TO come
out. and they VIII if public pressure is strong
. enough. The society's counsel considering
the matter, and viii undoubtedly present re-
port at our meeting a. the National Arts Club
on the night of November 10"
Mr.. Tomkns could not say whether or not he
would institute a taxpayers suit.