New-York tribune., 1912-03-16
MUCH TALK OF SUBWAYS
[. S. Bedford, HeCkIer of Other
Orators, Has His Say.
BRINGS BAG OF "EXHIBITS"
Halts One Speaker, and Though
Another Is Introduced Ha-
rangues Mass" Meeting.


ttorroon A Metz should have seen MS
old enemy. /. 5. Bedford come into MS
o,,.r In Carnegie Hall last night. Bedford
who used 10 interrupt the former Controller
c,.er,. time he tried 10 talk about subways
at q prblic gathering. who for decade has
had = cbeckered career heckllng subway
orators from the foor-Bedford talked
foamed and sweated subways from the
platform last night with no one to eject nm
for his disturbing sentiments.
TO be sure. the mass meeting Of citizens
called by Typographical Union NO b's
Six'O to protest against the proposed dlcK'r
between the city and the Interborough was
only mass meeting by courtesy. since the
ardent few who gathered only helped 10
emphasize how vast and cold place ~
Carnegie Hall when sparsely populated.
But Bedford has proved himself time ana
again proof against "frosts" Of the most
rigorous description. and last night was no
exception.
Redford Is a member Of "Big Six and
was one Of the committee when caileu
the meeting. He had suitcase full OF
literature exhibits he called them' 10
spring on an unsuspecting audience. NO
wonder. then. that he became ilnPauehV
with the length Of Fred Leupuschef
speech. mopped his brow as he watched
the latter's gcst!culating shoulder pla"'S'
leaned forward. set back, sighed, wiped MS
snecfacles. even took a pocket automiZer
from the depths Of his person and sprayed
himself Finally he could stand 1t no
longer and he frankly told Mr.. Lcubuscher
On sit down. though the chairman or the
meeting remained silent.
He was on his feet as the speaker took
his seat and then c. H. Govan. the chair
man. did an objectionable thing-hc intro
duced the next speaker. John II. Crosby.
81 appeal to the audience" Bedford sang
out. to request the chairman that l. as
the chairman Of the committee which ar
ranged this meeting. be allowed TO discuss
the resolutions before us tonight while
there are still some people remaining in the
hall TO hear me-
"Mr Crosby will he the next speaker"
reiterated the chairman. with "A slightly
raised voice and bclligerent tone.
Question, question:" shouted a man
from the very rear ~ the hall. MIR
Chairman. rise to n question. which Is:
Are YOU going to let Bedford speak, or
Crosby?"
The programme will be adhered to-"
rang out Mr. Govans command, and Mr..
Crosby is the next speaker
This audience viii understand" yelled
Bedford. that this programme was ar
ranged by myself and that this chairman
had 10 consult me in its makeup"
ladies and gentlemen" quietly inter
posed Mr.. Crosby. mir. Bedford has given
a great deal OF time and attention TO this
subject and ought To be heard. SO ! with
draw in his favor"
In compliance with the graceful waiver
on the part OF Mr. Crosby" said Mr.. Co
van. Mr.. Bedford has the floor
ladies and gentlemen" began Mr.. Bed
ord. some years ago | was In the heauu-
ful city OF Brussels. and ! visited the
tomb OF Richard cu.ur de Lion, where |
read this inscription in my poor French:
The First King OF jerusalem and IL
brought to my mind the glorious era OF the
Crusades ! have been struggling for
twelve years against the corrupt fnanci"rs
that hold this city In their grip. There is
a similarity In the experience"
How many times have been seized in
Cooper Union when absolutely In order
eIection, ! have stood before police court
when the Judge bowed his head in scntenc-
ing me because he knew had done no
wrong realize there are some here who
would like To get rid OF me.
But | am the most competent authority
on the subway subject here tonight. | am
just as good lawyer as the Judges OF the
Supreme Court. and the Judges on the Su-
preme bench tremble before my knowledge
OF the law
There was a good deal more Of the same.
Bedford drew from the suitcase which he
had placed upon table lifted TO the plat
form by willing hands in the audience,
chart with figures on it in the billions
showing how well able the city was 10
build it's own subways. He held II up with
one hand while he sawed the air with his
other until Mr.. Lcubuscher came to his as
sistancc and held 1t up for him.
But Mr. Leubuscher waxed weary after
a time. once as Bedford. who roamed the
platform at will and as often talked with
his back To the audience. it seemed. as
facing 1t. Leubuscher admonished him In
stage whisper:
Don't turn your back on the audience.
you chump"
Bedford got back at him by suddenly
jumping to point out figure on the chart,
while his assistant. only less agile. sprang
upright TO display the figure. Some one
laughed and "A man in the audience called:
Mr.. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, that man
there is trying to make "A fool Of Mr.. Bed
ford"
mo man can make a fool of Bedford"
thundered Mr.. Bedford, under any cir
cumstances."
"Ue's making a fool of himself" yelled
another voice.
All this time Mr.. Govan sat with his
head I'm his hand. Bedford ceased finally.
Mr.. Crosby spoke a few words and the
resolutions condemning the lnterborough
contract went through