New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-02
HIGGINS TALKS ON GAS.
Says Plat Won't Use Influence For
or against Bills.
IBr TELEGRAPH TO TIE rR1BUNE.l

tBT TELEGRAPH TO TIE rR1gUNE1
Albany, May 1-For the first time in the ses-
sion Governor Higgins to-day discussed the pro-
posed gas legislation. His statements were thres
In number, all responses to questions:
First that an extraordinary session OF the
legislature, called as a result of anv failure OF
the present one, might begin one moment after
this one closed on Friday, and before any legis-
lator had an opportunity to depart for Europe
SECOND, that the persons who were using Sen
stor Platts name to generate opposition to gas
legislation were msinfor1ned and that he did
not believe the Senator would ask any one to
take any stand on these bills and, finally, that
he would II necessary, send an emergency mes
sage to the legislature. to insure the passage of
these measures.
Governor Higgins talked frankly OF his visit
with Senator Platt in New-York, saying that he
had been with the Senator for several hours and
that the gas report was discussed.
THE Senator had not seen the report he SAID
although, Of course, he knew in a general way
what the report contained, and he had not seen
the bills. We had very pleasant talk for sew
eral hours"
"Will you say anything about the fact that
certain people are already using the Senator'S
name in opposition to the Stevens report?"
Il think they Inisfnformed," said the Gov
ernor. Don't misunderstood me. I think any
thing this subject ought to come from the
Senator and not from me; but I do not believe
that he will ask any one to vote for or against
the bills. I do not believe he will take q stand
IN the matter"
ct have read the report and I think that Il
the evidence IS correct, as I assume the sta
tistics to be, the people of New-York GER
tainly need and entitled to some considera-
ton and to a reduction of the price Of gas. I
have not seen the bills yet"
. : %
necessary to get the bills through before ad-
3ournment?"
Eyes. II it is necessary" Governor Higgins
replied.
Asked about an extra session. the Governor
declined to express any opinion as to its like
uhood.
IF certain matters Of Importance" he said,
remain undisposed Of when the Legislature is
ready to take its final adjournment, shall avail
myself Of my constitutional power and call an
extra session.
In response to an inquiry as TO the possible
time. If the session were called account of
pending gas legislation. the Governor replied
with a smile:
Not necessarily in one week or two. Why
not at L o'clock on Friday, when this session
adtourns and before any legislator has chance
to get to Europe or elsewhere. I do not be-
leve this session will be prolonged beyond
Friday"
When asked about the recommendation Of the
Stevens committee with reference to the pro-
vision permitting the city to generate power
from water dams for its supply. the Governor
said:
This proposition is entirely different from
that contained in the Mayors bill. Under the
latter the city of New-York could go where 1t
chose. to Cohoes, for example. take the water
there used for local industries, generate
electricity and send 1t to New-York by wire,
entirely Irrespective Of water supply, and sell
| 1t to any one In the State. This is simply TAX
| ing away the business from one community for
| the benefit Of another.
There are things you know that money
cannot pay for, but the theory Of the Mayor g
bill seems to be that provided it pays. the city
| of New-Yor should have a right to go any
where and take anything by condemnation.
| Now, the report of the Stevens committee simply
| recommends that New-York City should be al
| lowed to for municipal purposes and those
| alone, whatever power 1t can generate from the
| water that actually flows from its dams to the
city for its supply purposes. That is the differ
! ence between the two bills.