New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-02
N. Y.C. to Concede
No More in Drive
Plan, Says Place
New York May Be Ma
rooned if 1t Desires, Off,
cial of Line Asserts
Objections Answered
Board of Estimate Members
Who - anged Minds
SAILED

ira a. fl&ce, Flce-preSident OF the
New York Central Railroad, yesterday
ended arguments in favor OF the pro
posed contract between the city and
the railroad with a defiance Of those
persons who insist that additional
compensation should be exscted from
the road FOR the rights given under
the agreement.
He said that If Manhattan wanted
20 get along without the New York
Central ne was willing that it should
that he would leave the island ma
ooned II Il desired to be. No power
earth could make the road pay one
ar Of the proposed PARK improve
mems, he continued. refusing to dis
Gus the proposal that term licenses for
new ground upon which II is to build
be given the road
These answers were made By Mr.
Place in reply 20 a series OF questions
put to him By Mayor Mitchell Jus. be-
fore the adjournment Of the Board OF
Estimate hearing. The Official OF the
railroad intimsted that the members
OF the board, who after taxing part In
preparing the proposed contract, had
announced that they would vote against
Il, were guilty OF a serious breach Of
ethics.
Won't Consider Question
What is the answer Of the railroad
20 tho suggestion that 10 receive term
license instead OF perpetual easement
as far as SiXtieth Street, asked Mayor
Mitchell
Nothing doing was the prompt re-
sponse. Il wouldn't even dscusss IT,
We are paying for all the real estate
tkat IS being turned over 20 US. and II
were not giving full value ! wish 20
the Lord that somebody would tell Us
where we arc not. Since that Is true.
Why shouldn't that close the deal
Why should we be asked 10 spend
something like ss00O.0 900 in construct
ing yards that wouldn't be worth =
dollar II the license were revoked
Nothing doing
That appears 20 answer the ques-
ton" said Mayor Mitchell. What
would be the result Of a proposition IN
have the railroad PAY for the roofing
over OF It's tracks in Riverside Park, a.
has been suggested here?"
I'VE simply wouldn't DO it, an
swered Mr. Place THE railroad has
conceded everything it justly can con
cede, and 10 can do no more. You
used 20 hear about Nero fddling while
Rome burned. | think that 10 what Is
being done now Every year of delay
IN this matter means loss 20 the city's
business. II Manhattan wants 70 gei
along without the New York Contra
sHd be msrooued ] an perfectly will
.rg 10 should be-
Agreement Explained
Mr.. Place told how he had entered
into the tentative agreement with the
city in good faith. that all OF the mem
hers of the Board Of Estimate hao
signed il. but that some o. them had
now announced that they would vote
against IL.
an have 10 correct that statement"
said Borough President Marks. IL stat
cd az the time that I signed the agree
ment only for the purpose OF having
something 20 submit 90 public hearings,
and that I reserved the right 20 vote
against il later
We'll. just suppose that after making
my part OF the agreement / had turned
around and said ! wouldn't have done
10 ?" demanded Mr.. Place, pointing fin
ger az Mr.. Marks. What would you
have called me?'
But / didn't agree 20 anything.
signed that contract with the written
stipulation that did not agree with is
contents answered Mr.. Marks. You
we're the one that promised not l."
81 have no recollection o. any such
agreement on your part" said the rail