New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-03-28
GRAB PROTEST TONIGHT.
Speakers WH Yarn Legislature at
Mass Meeting.

1t became evident yesterday rhst the wave Of
popular protest against the notorious Bedell-WicoE
grab" bills which, with enlightenment as 20 their
true Significance, is steadily sweeping ever thlS
city, is not confined the general public who
foresee in the bills enactment complete annihilo
ton OF CT the wiscst provisions Of the cty's
charter.
With tire publicity which has followed the favor
able report Of the bills at Albany. practical Re
publican politicians have come TO realize that any
passage Of such pernicious measures introduced
By a Republican AssembIynan reported by a Re
publican legislature and signed by a Republican
Governor and future chairman OF the Republican
State Committee Will put a formidable weapon in
the hands OF the Democrats and seriously inperil
the success OF the Republican party this fall
Delegates not only from more than fifty civic or
CARNATIONS. but prominent Republicans as well Will
be represented at the mass meeting OF protest at
Cooper Union tonight.
In a statement made 70 a Tribune reporter yes
terday, Robert y. Kenyon, who is first vics-presi-
dent Of the Republican Club. was OUtspoken in
his deuunciatiOn Of the measures, both in them
selves and the impairment that their passage would
entail on Republican success this fall
7 think that the enactment OF these psrnicious
MEASURES he said. would give TIE Democrats a
very forcbIe argument against the general conduct
and policy OF the Republican party. which would De
an effective weapon in their hands when appealing
TO the voters this fall
1T Is certain that the general public" he con-
tinued, "wiH condemn these measures. and tho in
dependent voter. who IS ready to punish the
party IN power for any 5lunders ndiscretions Il
may have committed. will cast his vote against the
party responsible for their passage I think. how
ever that when the Republican party realizes just
what these measures entail thu bills will make
further progress can only believe that the bills
were favoraby reported by the Assembly in iguO-
rance Of their true meaning and significance.
Mr. Kenyon said that he considered the reloca-
ton and transfer measures the most Objectionable
Of ALL
The relocation bill" he said. which in a most
remarkable manner seeks to shift the route
any adjacent street running IN the same direction.
gives the railroad company n vague indefinite
power which is likely 10 enable street railroads IN
Nev-York TO acquire franchises OF immense value
IN perpetuity and without any adequate constGera-
ton II would enable a company by indIrection
and baCkdOoT methods 10 do what 10 could IN
other way. Else II It could have done 50. why did
It seek legislation? The bill IN eject extends and
expands limits indefinitely without any hope Of
reasonable compensation. If track be shift
ed to another running in the same direction could
not tracks Be shifted, for instance from Second
ave. to Fifth-ave.2 Where would be the limit?
The bill would violate altogether the wise fran
chise provisions Of the charter Of greater New
York. promulgated and adopted by the Republican
party"
Mr.. Kenyon said that IL was comprehensive how
AssembIymen. especially upstate representative.
might have favored the bill in ignorance Of condi-
tons.
posed he said. I 10 not think they will be al
lowed to any further"
Mr.. Kenyon OF opinion that II the downfall
Of the dOuby vicious transfer and relocation bills
were achieved and their character shown to be
part OF a general plan. It was entirely probable
that their weight would drag down the three other
bills drawn by the same hand.
IF these bills should pass said James S. Leh-
maier. OF the Transit Reform COMMITTEES OF One
Hundred, who also represents ffty-fve civic or
CARNATIONS that united i'm denunciation Of the
measures, 1T will be difficult for the Republican
party successfully TO deny the charge that the
corporations exercising undue influence IN
It's councils. believe that determined effort can
yet defeat the bills. but I know of what 7 speak
when say that the danger Of their passage is very
great"
Mr.. Lehmaier said that from what he had learned
in the course OF the day the railroad corporations
Of the State were doing their utmost to pass the
bills. He declared that the BILL regarding transfers
would affect only every borough OF greater
NewYork. but. IN addition the other cities Of the
State.
added. can compel an individual TO whom a
transfer is refused to go to Albany 20 seek the IN
tervention Of the Attorney General that he shall
bring suit. railroad corporations throughout the
State can refuse transfers with impunity. knowing
that the asgrisved Individual would not go to the
trouble or expense OF a trip to Albany. Hence. II
the transfer bill is passed railroad corporations
may defy the public absolutely.
The bill granting new franchises IN perpetuity
IN place of those which are abandoned By the rail-
road corporations also Affects ether cities in only
n lesser degree than this city.
II trust that the mass meeting az Cooper Union
will be attended by a large number OF Republicans.
as the Republican party Of this State. being IN con-
troll OF the State government VIII be held response
bic IL these bills pass"
Mr Lehmaier added that every effort would have
be put forth prevent the passage OF the
measures
Among the speakers at to-night's mass meeting
will be ex-Judge Henry z. Rowland. Charles
Sprague Smith, president OF the Peoples Institute;
julius Henry Cohen. Of the Citizens Union. Bird
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