New-York tribune., 1918-09-01
Republicans Expect Smith
Will Make Transit His
Campaign Issue
Get 'Busy!" Is Order
Hearing Called for Primary
Day to Dispose of Excuses
of the Interborough

Fearful of the political effect of a
vigorous attack upon tht Public Ser
vice Commission in view of the present
subway muddle, which is bound to be
made a live issues by the Democratic
candidates after the primaries, the
strategsts in the Whitman camp are
making plans to weaken the expected
drive. 1t is understood the order has
been issued from Whitman headquar-
ters to the commisso oners that it is
time to stop parleying with the trac-
tion companies and "do something."
Evidently acting upon the curt ad
vice from general headquarters, it was
announced yesterday that the COM
mission would hold hearing Tuesday
primary day-at which the various
excuses offered by the Interborough
officials at the recent public hearings
on the new subway situation would be
considered and disposed of. 1t was said
that the commission intended to "sug-
gest" to the traction company the ad-
visibility of Immediately maintaining
better headway of trains and more cars
on the new subways. In case the sug-
gestion was not followed forthwith, an
arbitrary order would be issued TO the
same effect, according to one of the
commits toner's.
Smith Preparing Bombs
Such action by the commission, even
at this late hour. is expected by the
Whitman forces to take some of the
edge off the sharp subway issue which
It is known President Alfred f. Smith,
of the Board of Aldermen has stored
in his campaign munition dump. 1t is
local political circles that "the Whit
man group" has let the Public Service
issue slumber too long and tina.
awakening as late as primary day will
campaign.
Some of Governor Whitman's friends
declare that ne has realized the po-
tcncy of such an issue agains. him in
been the cause of considerable worry
on his part The Governor, it is un-
derstood. has been urging certain
comm issioners for some time to take
q more determined action in the sub
way situation, but has been advised
tina, matters would stra.ghtcn them
selves out as the public became more
familiar With the new lines and every
4 4 a I..r
the campaign Was under WAY.
Le~iss Attacks Ignored
The attacks made hy Attorney Gen.
eral t.r~ia. Governor Whlsman's op-
ponen, for she nomination IN the
Republican primaries. OF the Public
rrYitr Commission have not worried
,h- Wht,waA leaders niGsh. They are
cpnHde NJ of ,he ttoYernor's nomtna~
lion that they hAso mvre.y ignored
shs Lewis demands tos Legislative
.ases.sgasion ef The commission and
;he Attorney GENERALS cri.iesAm OF the
commission IN handling transit eondi-
uona ssnce the rev "H' system Was
opened
Wha, the Whitman forces do fear
Ia the open door fer general assaul,
upon sh~ commsslon which the "H'
systsm muddle will afford the Demo
cratic candidate There - no doubt
IN the minds of the Republican leaders
that Mr. Smith. VINO thsy arc willing
10 conecde will be nominated over Mr.
Osborn. and hss associates on thessame
ticket will take every advantage OF
the subway situation and find in il
some very good campaign material.
With the example Of the patriotic
issuc" being badly overplaycd in the
recent municipal campaign by the Flu
sion forces, and its rcsul. still vividly
in the minds of the campaign man
ayers, it is not likely to become one
Of the real issues Of the state cam
paign, and the Public Service Commits
sion issue is expected to rank in
Importance with the prohibition issue.