New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-02-01
Mr.. Outerbridge Leads.

Eugene II. Outerbridge. of the Mer-
chants, Association, acted as master OF
ceremonies. making the opening speech
and introducing subsequent speakers.
He explained that the men present had
every confidence the Governor intended
to appoint q man Of the highest type
TO Mr.. Willcox's place. They had no
desire to embarrass him. but hoped he
would have due consideration for the
public's interests and wait until the
great subway plans were brought TO
fruition before putting a new man into
the commission and so upsetting the
work of the body.
Among other things, Mr.. Outerbridge
SAID
The only possible hope of further sub
stantial advances in taxable values In the
next five wears rests upon the completion
of a comprehensive rapid transit system.
which will bring new and greatly en-
larged areas within the range OF popular
settlement. create activity In building and
thereby automatically produce an in
crease in taxable values upon which to
predicate further borrowing capacity.
II these contracts should not be ratified
the city would find itself in a predica-
mo too serious for contemplation.
Oh - would take the place of tho we'll
def ned plan, continuity of construction
would cease, many of the branch lines
would be indefinitely abandoned. outlying
boroughs would be left unprovided. for.
checking for an indefinite period the
building up Of their population. the in
crease In taxable values OF their realty
and the growth of business In all It's
ramifications to which productive energy
and consumption SO largely contribute:
the credit and the integrity of the city
would be seriously affected. and the
masses Of the working people. who are
most interested In the accomplishment Of
the plans which have been provided for
their welfare would find that they had
been victimiZed by the efforts OF people
assuming and pretending to be acting in
their interests in opposing the conclusion
Of these agreements. the carrying out OF
which alone can bring the benefcent re-
suits for which they so fondly hope.
Crisis for New York City.
Alfred Marling. presented az the dean
Of real estate brokers, said the situa-
ton the Governor faced was probably
the most important he would have to
meet as Chief Executive. 1t was a
crisis for New York City. He added:
This is great financial matter, Of
course, but IL Is more: IL is a social
problem. The congestion now existing
in the subways and elevated lines OF the
city. is outrageous, indecent and intoler-
able. We want better air and better
health for our children but We can't get
them II we don't have better subways
and other means OF transit. Ii is imperA-
tive that these public officials who are
safeguarding the citys interests sign
the Contracts and let the dirt fly.
Lewis II. Pounds. Commissioner Of
Public Works in Brooklyn, said the
present situation was almost a death
grapple for that borough. He con-
tinued:
We ask that your action be such as 10
further and consummate the signing Of
these contracts. These contracts are
unders TODD as well as such matters ever
are. and the people in general are salts
fed with them. Mr.. steers wants me to
as near the unanimous views and APP
proval of the public as any matter ever
obtained We ask that the constructive
programme laid out be continued. and
thai YOU appoint no one 10 that commits
sion who will be disturbing factor
rather than TO work for the execution OF
these contracts
After J. T. Hole, secretary Of the
Manufacturers Association, had read