New-York tribune., 1911-01-31
.D|X'S HIGHWAY BILL IN
Would Create New Commission
to Take Place of Old One.
SUPERINTENDENT PLANNED
Official Would Supervise Con-
struotion-Bill to Abolish
Canal Engineers.
rBy telegraph to The Tribune J

Albany, Jan. S0.-In spite of pronounced
opposition from all over the state niiis 10
abolish the State Highway Commission and
the Canal Advisory Board were introduced
to-day in both houses of the Legislature.
When asked about the measures later Gov
ernor Dix said that In general they were
along the lines of his recommendations.
He added that he would submit to the Leg
islature on Wednesday or Tnursoay
special message urging haste on the legis-
lation he has recommended, particularly
that calling for financial retrenchment IN
the state departments.
Governor Dix believes that the duties OF
both the Highway Department ana the
Canal Advisory Board can be performed
under the State Engineer, so far as tho
engineering is concerned. although the
original plan Of having the Highway De-
partment and the state Engineers Depart
nent combined. has been abandoned.
The state highway bill provides for the
creation OF a new commission 20 take the
place Of the present Highway Commission
TO be made up of the State Engineer, the
State Superintendent OF Public Works and
q state Superintendent Of Highways, to be
appointed by the Governor The Superin-
tendent Of Public Works viii award the
road contracts, the State Engineer Will pre-
pare the plans and Specifications and the
superintendent Of Highways will supervise
the work Of construction. The State super
intendent Of Highways is TO receive a
salary of $500 year, and 10th the Super
intendent Of Public Works end the State
Engineer will be aliowe1 20 name deputies
TO attend the meetings when the commis-
sioners are out Of the city. The present
highway commissioners, who will be dis
placed If the bill becomes a law, are ;.
Percy Hooker, chairman, with q salary Of
5000 year; T, Warren Allen and Robert
Earl with salaries Of 5000 each.
The highway bin was introduced by
Senator Murtaugh. Of Elmira, and Assem-
blyman Collin, OF Yates County. In speak
ins Of the measure Senator Murtaugh said:
The bin does not interfere with the pres
ent organjzat ton OF the Department OF
Highways other than 10 substitute 'he ne"
commission for the old. Highway construc-
ton and maintenance will proceed without
interruption and. il is believed, more eff
ClE0tlE dnI GLbllOt-if@++e '-'N-AA
present commission"
Senator Ramsperger, chairman OF the
Senate Canal Committee. and Assembly
man Msnley. chairman Of the Canal Com
mittee OF ths Assembly, introduced bill
10 abolish the advisory board of canal en-
gineers. II the measure becomes law
those who will lose their positions are Ed
ward A Bond, chairman, whose salary IS
ss 500 year and Joseph Ripley, Thomas
w. Symons, NJ 9. Barnes and Alfred 3.
FRY, whose salaries are $1,000 each. The
bill permits the State Engineer to appoint
from time to tins, with the approval OF the
Governor. one or more consulting engineers
for such terms and compensaticns as shall
be approved by the Governor. The present
advisory beard is required 20 turn over al
its effects 10 the state Engineer
II was learned here TO-DAY that the
Farmers Club of Central New York had
| ioined the long list Of organizations which
have protested against any proposition TO
interfere with the State Highway Commis-
/ sion. The club has lust adopted set Of
resolutions urging the Governor TO op'
pose the movement 70 transfer the work
OF the construction and maintenance Of our
roads from the present Department Of
/ Highways 20 the State Engineer and urge
. the retention Of the present officials and
express our confidence therein
I The resolution says IL IS the belief OF the
| club that Short termed elective officials
/ are unable on account Of frequent changes
OF once 10 DO other than to create re"
errors or 70 repeat mistakes and short
visioned views of their predecessors