New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-04
THE NIAGARA BILL.

TIL, Niagara power bill ought never TO nave
GOT far enough along toward enactment TO cause
any real fear that ii would pass Albany dls
patches to the papers of this city, disagreelnG
about many things, have from the nrst a2reeI
that il was highly Objectionable both because
of its intrinsic character and because OF the
methods employed 10 gain practical support Tor
IT, Several times it has appeared TO De Ill me
last throes, and once or twice we belleve the
watchers have thought that it was actually de-
funct. 1t is a pity that it was not killed out
riobt weeks ago. for those who have kept the
breath of life in it so long have gained dis
credit. If nothing else by their efforts. W heh,
through the crafty tactics Of Mr.. McCarren on
Tuesday. the bill was left with still announcer
chance in the Senate, its hackers eNhlpi'cu d
degree OF satisfaction which perhaps WAS no'
unnatural under the circumstances; YET II Is
difficult TO understand what real ADVANTAGE
they thought they had gained. The Assembly
was still to be reCkoned with. in case the sen
ate finally passed the bill, and even II they had
reason to think that they could trust the AS
sembly. they can hardly have been sanguine
enough at any time TO believe that Governor
Higgins would acquiesce. They had spread
reDort that he was committed To the Dill, Dut
they doubtless knew that he was not, though
they NAV have hoped that he would not take
care so promptly 10 expose the msrepresenta-
ton.
The original Niagara power bill amply de-
served to be beaten, but there is no DOUBT that
the measure which was adroitly substituted OH
the Senate calendar last week ana passed tue
Senate Yesterday is a good deal more obnoxious
'Of all the bills introduced in this session. said
Senator White on Tuesday. this One for the
..monstrosity of its provisions, should have the
first prize No bill has aroused such genera!
"opposition" Senator Marks. Democrat, was
not less emphatic In his condemnation. He said:
This bill has had a few little jokers showed
into II without a hearing. 1t now contemplateS
granting rights without any payment. In the
case of railroads the Railroad Commission passes
upon the condemnation plans, but IN the case
Of power companies under this bill there is no
body under heaven 10 pass on their plans. II
laws the burden of proof upon the person whose
land is taken and makes the property owner pay
the expense of commission. In no other cir
cumstance does the condemnati ton law allow the
taking of private property for private pur-
poses.
At an earlier stage much was said about the
company's willingness to take, instead OF an
unlimited amount. only enough water TO pro
duce 100000 horsepower. but its agents Mt Al
hanv were anxious to obscure the fact that
in return for that nominal concession 1t was
seeking to extend its extraordinary powers
throughout the State In its later form the bill
appears 10 authorize nothing less than an inn
Dudent invasion of every locality, including the
city of New-York, in defiance Of safeguards
wisely established for the defence of municipal
interests and private rights 1t seems hardly
possible after all that has occurred, that Such
a measure will actually be sent TO the Governor.
AS we have said repeatedly. we do not believe
that he could be persuaded to sign it, but 1t is
earnestly 10 be hoped that Republican legis-
lature will not incur the odium Of committing
IFS fate 10 his hands.