New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-02-07
ok STANDS ON MESSAGE
Says He Still Favors Wiping Out
of Highway Commission.
~UP TO THE LEGISLATURE"
Governors Bill Said To Be Beat.
en-, but Legislators May Shift
Under Tammany Pressure.
rRr Telegram 70 The Tribune. J


Albany. Feb. s.-Governor Dix said this
evening that he had not changed his posi-
ton regarding the wipirg out o. the pres
ent Highway Commission from that record
81 in his message TO the Legislature
It's ND to tho Legislature" he said. IF
they deem Il wise they'll pass the bill now
before them: IL not, they'll probably leave
the commission as II is. Ny only aim in
seeking a change is 10 obtain a greater re-
-urn for the money OF the taxpayers. | be-
lieve the administration of the department
should he under one man and the engineer
irg details worked out by the state Ensi-
netr, who IL elected by tho people
In case the Legislature rejects your
scheme, what will you do about the good
yusds problem the Governor was asked.
Il have told tho people" ne replied. that
Id do tine best could to give them good
administration. If have good instruments
20 work with. well and good; if have poor
instruments to work with. III still do the
hest can"
The Governor. discussing highway mat
tiers in general said he knew Of at least
one highway which had been built without
the state having acquired the right OF
way. Lawyers familiar with the highway
law say it isn't up 10 the state. but up
70 tho county authorities, to acquire the
right or way for road.
Attorney General Carmody will render
TO thu Governor tomorrow an opinion as
10 whether the new specifications for the
good roads contracts which he held up
must be submitted 10 tho boards OF SUI
yorvisors IN the various counties where
Shis IS 10000 Of work was to he done.
TGe Governor is in considerable of a di-
lemma there. unless the Attorney Cen
erals opinion helps him out He does not
want The new specifications for these con-
trscts devised by the state Engineer TO
GO 70 tho supervisors for that would take
80 much time that in all probability no
contracts could he let in time for ROAD
building this year. At the same time
he figures that these contracts should not
Re Ter Oh the specifications devised by tho
pTesers commission.
Opposition from upstate people 10 the
sboiishment OF the present commission Is
tenf manifested 10 the Governor and the
LEGISLATURE in no uncertain fashion. The
;sIoveTror's attitude to-day coupled with his
.tslk with Assemblymsn Friedman about the
ir-o,sibiii,y Of having 70 reverse himself on
that subject. shows that he is pretty we'll
IN touch With the legislative situation.
II IA the general opinion that tho Gov
,~rbors bill 81 present IS beaten and that
81. tried 70 let himself down in some degree
nv shifting The whole responsibility for
changes on the Legislature, Whether
,tose row opposed 20 the measure can be
red in bne is another question. Some OF
~. upstate Democrats who now are
,ysin.t ~ are considered likely 10 shift
,nder Tsnmsny pressure. anc nobody ex-
r.reeies much doubt that Tammany wants
;hc Nu~tsugh- Collin hill as II stands.
r. the Senate to-day Senator Emerson,
1,s,uNlicsn. asked for Information as to
..lrtIer or not there vas 10 be a joint hear
~; on the bill on February 16. Senator
vhiie insUrsent Democrat, said one had
Ten announced by the chairman Of the In
,sTnal Affairs Committee Of the two houses.
J., took for granted the authenticity Of the
: ctice read IN the Assembly last week
tich Asserblyman Evans and the Assem-
| Y committee repudiated. That commit
Sc will meet Tomorrow. when the question
= the hearing date will come UP again.
.. is considered probable that tho commit
,e. knowing the Governors desire for haste,
Will surrender 70 The organization leaders
ana accent the early date despite tho raw
Gesl Of the unauthorized hearing notice.