New-York tribune., 1909-04-13
GOVERNOR ON SUBW AVS
TRGES LEGISLATURE TO
TAKE ACTION.
Sends Message 4shing 4dUGncc-
ment of TraJis-Lee Constitu-
fiOnaI amendment.

srnisf7od in the Senate tonight by the recep-
son accorded A message sent by him to the
legislature urging action on the Travis-Lee
constitutional amendment, designed 10 furnish
er,ds for new subWays in New York City. In a
sarcastic speech. Senator Ranes called atten-
ton TO the fact that this measure had already
rrogressed well without interference from the
Governor. Senator McCarren declared that the
governor was overstepping the bounds of exec
,lrive p, vver in sending special message on this
legislation which. being constitutional amend
rnent could not come before him in any form
The evident desire of those who spoke on the
MEASURE was 10 make II appear an unwarranted
Interference with due and orderly consideration
# legislation and gallery play" as Senator
McCaIren phrased il. Governor Hughes. as a
-natter Of fact merely gave his views on the
Importance Of this measure to New York City.
with this final comment:
The matter Is 50 important that there is no
Justification in relying on conjecture or in de-
pending on forecasts Of the settlement of the
existing controversy over the debt limit This
opportunity At least should not be lost and the
people should have the right to give to New
York City this measure Of freedom to which u
IS Justly entitled
Some curiosity had been evident as to the
nature OF the Governors message. hut it was
satisfied almost with the first words read by
rest Of it save by Senator Raines who was busy
sscertaining the exact status Of the -constitu-
tional amendment
UNNECESSARY. RAINES THINKS.
Il desire to express great satisfaction that the
Governor Is considering legislation. especially
legislation relating to the important subject his
message covered said the veteran majority
leader as soon as the message was read. Lest
the Legislature 1 cali attention TO the fact that
this measure is on the calendar as a special
order for tomorrow and is on the second read
ing calendar in the Assembly. I suppose this
measure is not designed TO influence the judg-
ment Of any Senator, but to hurry proceedings.
We appreciate the interest Of the Governor and
are glad 10 know his views. Still. I must say
this legislation has been progressed and is pro
crossing as rapidly as possible. and so far
] know there Is doubt about its passage by
this legislature.
Far be il from me to accuse the Governor of
any gallery play sobbed Senator McCarren's
lachrymose voice but / must call attention to
the vanishing powers Of the Legislature" Mr..
MeCarren said likewise that he had desire
to castigate the Governor but he felt
urgent desire 10 show that this a constitutional
amendment would not come before the Gov
ernor for action, and the Executive was a
little of his beat. If it were d pending BILL
he said this might be d tip that the Governor
would sign it. and that of itself would be
innovation
There is q gradual attempt, in this as in
many other states, TO absorb the powers and
Trerogatives OF the Legislature by the EXecu-
i've" said Mr. McCarren. 1t would be well for
the Legislature 10 remember that il is a CO.
ordinate branch Of government"
Senator Wagner, who favors the amendment.
said that the other Democratic Senators from
Manhattan also favored il, and if the message
vas meant Is warning the Governor must
have been misled TO the necessity for it
Senator Newcomb declared the Governor had
the constitutional right 70 communicate with
the Legislature not only on bills but on all
pending legislation.
In view of the opposition voiced to this
measure in all quarters Of the state" said Mr. /
Aewcomb, those interested in its passage will |
welcome the communica ton from the Governor !
4 il aids in forming the judgment Of some Sen /
s:ors"
The proposed amendment, which also exempts |
water bonds from the debt limit Of third class !
cities, has been reported and is now the cal |
enGars Of both houses. Constitutional amend |
ments have TO be passed by two successive |
legislatures before they can be submitted the /
people
Governor Hughes in his message points out /
mat the Importance Of the action Of this Legis-
Iature upon this matter lies in the fact that |
unless You approve the proposed amendment /
and provide for its submission the people will /
Dc unable 10 act upon il and the present oppor- |
iunity viii be lost In view of the existing
situation in New York. the Governor says. /
islure to pass the resolution will involve the
assumption If a very heavy responsibility"
CITY MUST HAVE NEW SUBWAYS.~
The Governor calls attention TO the need of /
sectional transportation facilities in New York |
Nty, and says there can be no gainsaying the |
'soRantsge Of having new subways built and |
O"hec by the city if the city is financially /
so'e TO undertake the construction Continu-
ne The Governor says:
,.ti ne city must have new subways, and if the |
-,c money is not available for their construc-
So, II II proper and necessary that means /
T;S-id De provided by which they can be other
s., NviSlFucted on fair terms. But in any /
=, - eht the authorities should be 50 armed with
ri, - leole powers for the protection Of the /
50 liat Us serious situation may not be taken |
ioi1as, ~ and terms secured which other |
- would not be yielded. Private capital eau /
on De eoeieed and III not build, in any event, /
- seilhs unjust 10 Itself and the city should b..
r. - as possible. ia a corresponding position |
vhic5 Houid De freedom TO take that course I
- - ehoer fair consideration Of all propos- /
81 ma be Tor the cIty's best interests. IL |
.lo not be compelled to consent to arrange |
a. - i"i ness facilities under conditions which /
igt..leoe made the more oneruus because of the on |
thority i'i'i''"'i'H9 "h us az
ss,.., -, ~ eourst II vital importance that the /
srd - alton OF tie city should be economical /
eraos Sl an waste and extravaganza should be /
ir,,uu but efforts TO secure economy should be |
p;,s 7s1h and should not involve dispensing /
esq., ielf opportunity 20 the actual ne I
''ts rst, ot cur civic life. The proposed amend |
sides - - ne constitution il not rash. but pro-