New-York tribune., 1911-02-22
ATTACK DIX CANAL BILLS
Professor Collin Alone Defends
Governors Pet Bills.
MERCHANTS IN OPPOSITION
Senate and Assembly Commit
tees Told Measures Are Politi-
cal Ones Only.
tBy Telegraph 10 The Tribune.

Albany. Feb. H.-Professor c. A Collin
was the only man whom Governor DIX
could scare UP TO defend two Of his pet
pieces OF legislation at hearing this after
noon before the Senate and Assembly
committees on canals. They were the bills
70 abolish the canal advisory board of
consulting engineers and TO add five OF the
present Democratic state officials 10 the
Canal Terminal Commission. which is now
made up OF four Republicans. Both were
bitterly attacked by the representatives OF
boards Of trade and commercial organiZa-
tons from New York. Buffalo and other
parts OF the state
Professor Collin. who admitted that he
drafted the bills AZ the request of Governor
Dix. spent a considerable part of his time
in explaining and defending his connection
with the legislation After stating that he
had been subjected 70 unjust, insinuating
and bitter criticism" as 10 his position. he
explained that the Governor had called on
him TO assist in drafting this legislation
because OF his knowledge of the subject.
and that for the purpose he had been as
signed as Special Deputy Attorney Cen
eEal
81 have no retainer he said: 'I don't
that in some way I'll get some sort OF half
pay. / am just now trying 10 untangle
myself from the situation and hope 10 get
through the work in week or two
Among those who spoke against the bill
was William J. Roche. Of the Troy Cham
Der Of Commerce BY this legislation"
he said you propose TO do something so
unique that one naturally looks for mo-
tive. II it's politics. I say as a Democrat
OF thirty-fve years that il Is not the
kind that commands itself to decent Demo
Gratis. Il savors too much OF the packed
court 10 entitle II 10 any mans considera-
ton. The thing is preposterous. ridicu-
lous"
rs there any railroad back OF this bill7"
then asked Mr.. Roche in a stentorian
voice. Does any railroad want 10 get the
canal terminals for particular places in
order to control and choke traffic on the
canals"
II was this reference 20 railroad infu-
ence that worked Mr.. Collin up TO a high
state Of inlisnation in his speech defend
ing the bill.
Il represent no railroad" he declared.
but there are others on the other side
of this question who have had more rail-
road connections than I ever did. The
whole opposition 10 this bill springs from
the suspicion and fear that something that
is established will be interfered with. II
Is the fear that men elected by the people
or appointed by responsible officials can
not be trusted"
Mr.. Collins argument Cor the bill itself
can he summed Up in a few words. He
thought that the Democratic officials ought
10 have an opportunity 10 become CON
versant with the work OF the canal ter
minal commission before its work is finish
ed, and that A report from a commission
on which there were Democratic members
could be more appropriately acted upon
by Democratic legislature. He also be-
lieved that better results could be accom-
plished II there were a majority and
minority report.
One Of the arguments Of those against
The bill was that II would delay this most
important work ot settling the location
OF canal terminals Mr.. Collin got around
this BY stating that the bill could he made
n provide that the report OF the commits
sion he submitted TO the present Legis-
lature. The report Of the present COM
mission IS now ready, and would be sub
mitted in week or so If IL were not for
this bill.
You fellows are playing politics" de-
clared James Hole. Of the Brooklyn
Manufacturers Association, in speaking
against the bill You are trying to make
pirates Of yourselves. but We recognize
the goods when We see II. I am speaking
70 you from the point Of view OF bust
ness man, and the business men are on to
your game
Among others who spoke against the
bill were Henry 3 Herbert, of the Com
mercial Association OF New York; " 3
Kilmer. Of the Allied Boards Of Trade OF
Brooklyn. Frank Brainard and Secretary
Gardner OF the Board Of Trade and Trans
portation of New York. and George Clin-
ton. of Buffalo, descendant OF the his
Clinton IA r17f1y-