New-York tribune., 1908-05-25
r. 7. BILL MEMORANDUM
MADE PUBLIC BY HUGHES.
He BeHeres Ffty-Yem Term I'm
zcise and CnattrGctiUe.
IBy Teiegraph to The tribune.

Albany May 24.-Two reasons induced GOV
ernor Hughes to permit the Robinson RAPID
1rarsit amendments to die-the belief that a
fftv-year term of operation Of new subWays
built by private capital was extremely unWlse
and the further belief that, even with such con-
cessions. private capital would not invest in sub
way enterprises
His memorandum setting forth the reasons Tor
not signing the bill. made public tonight, ex-
hibited marked skeptcism about the desperate
ness Of the subway situation in New York He
declared that the first step toward a solution Of
the problem should be a proper understanding
of the citys actual financial condition. Until
this was obtained there certainly should be no
such precipitate surrender of the city's control
over real rapid transit lines to private capital
this bin would permit.
Adoption of this measure. the Governor de-
clared. probably would effect positive delay in
the building of subway lines. Under any
conditions. he pointed cut, the adoption by the
next Legislature and the peoTse of the constitu-
tional amendment affecting the debt limit passed
by this Legislature would afford a permanent
relief from existing conditions.
The Governors memorandum follows. in part
The salient features Of this bill is the provision
for the sale of the privilege or franchise 10 con-
struct. maintain and operate rapid transit rail
ways in the city of New York, with the reserYa-
the privilege or franchise and the plant and prop;
4
period which is not to exceed fifty wears These
railways. except in the case Of certain extensions
by the use of public moneys. The purpose of the
bll is TO authorize construction also by private
tation facilities which are greatly needed am
convinced. after careful consideration of the
and injurious pan ''''9 O'''
This bin. in its main feature means that to
have additional rapid transit in New York We
shoula give hTIy-year grants 90 not belleEe 1 IN
over its highways for rapid transit purposes for
the city was fifty years ago and upon what it is
likely 10 become in the course Of the next fifty
years realize this.
II is most important that We should have a de-
velopneent of transit facilities in New York City
There is nothing in which l more interested.
But the improper terms proposed l do
not believe that this bill assures il or gives rea-
sonahle promise il. on the contrary. L believe
that il VIII postpone rapid transit Development
We need. in the first place. better understand
ing cf the financial condition of the city. And the
exact margin which the city has within its debt
limit should be ascertained as promptly as pos
sibe, and in manner which viii put the present
controversies at rest. We should know precisely
where the city stands. and make plans for
the future in The light of this knowledge In con
sfnen6n1ent to The consTtution providing that in
ments should under specified conditions he
is again passed by the next legislature it can be
adopted in November. 1909.
But, to whatever extent it may be deemed ad-
visable necessary that there should be consttuc-
ten by private capital II Is clear That IrenctT % t
law permit terms which we do not wish
ton this matter Will be settled in the near future
But proper control over the highways ana puohc
improvements Of the city must be reserved ana
must not allow temporary eXiEencles 10 force
grants contrary sound Judgment and wise pol
icy.
The present bill with what amounts as read
a practical provision for nftN-yesir iran
ehises is thoroughly Objectionable. There are
some other features Of the bill which have been
criticised but do think II necessary TO discuss
them. as 7 cannot in any event approve H.
The Governor also gave out a memorandum
on the bill of the Senate Cities Committee, which
he disapprove6. and which provided. among
other things, for increased rate OF fare in
the annexed portion OF New York and the sale
of railway franchises at public auction. The
Governor says that this bill cannot be approved
for the reason that il embodies provisions relat-
ing 10 franchises for construction of rapid tran
sit railways" which We're contained in the Rob
inson bill.