The sun., 1919-03-27
BI-PORT SCHEME
MEETS A SETBACK
Beard of Estimate Opposes
Provision for a sport
Authority"
FEARS LOSS OF POWER
New Jersey Would Have Same
Representation as New
York Under Plan.

Opposition on the part Of the Board Of
Estimate to the proposed amendment Of
the treaty between the States Of New
York and New Jersey providing for a
Port Authority to have control Of the
development of New York harbor was
marked yesterday at the hearing given
by the full board in the City Hall. They
seemed little concerned over the state
-nent OF Gov. Edge Of New Jersey in a
letter that II It became impossible to Sc
cure the cooperation Of the State Of
New York, New Jersey would develop its
side Of the harbor without outside aid.
Some Of the main objections to the
treaty as at present drawn were:
That New York, with a much larger
population In the affected district 10
given only equal representation with
New Jersey on the Port Authority"
That the Board Of Estimate has no
power Of veto over the plans Of the
Port Authority" $50
That there Is a question as to whether
the proposition Is constitutional In that
Il might surrender the sovereignty Of
each State to give to q body representing
Dotn eucn Wlue poWers.
Julius Henry Cohen, counsel for the
joint commission. and George w. Wicker
SAam, representing the Chamber of
Commerce. were the principal speakers
at the two sessions yesterday. Both
favored the treaty. Others appearing
in favor were William Sherlock Davis
and Frederick L. Crawford of the Brook
Ign Chamber of Commerce Nucia Nola
OF the Manhattan Knickerbocker Asso-
oiation. Nelson 8. Spencer OF the City
Club and Samuel Untermyer. represent
Ing the Merchants Association The
latter will make his argument when the
hearing Is resumed this morning.
The opposition present yesterday.
which will have the opportunity to state
their position. to-day, consisted of Judge
Charles F. Mclean for the New York
Board OF Trade and Transportation /:
Calvin Tomkins. former Dock Commits
sioner: william 8. Peckham for the
ton Frank Joyce Of the League to End
Death Avenue: Henry H. wyants for
the F1atbush Chamber OF Commerce and
Charles c. Quinton.
Corporation Counsel Burr. represent
ing the city, said he had not had time
to give the proposition the careful study
so vast a project deserved, but he raised
the question as to whether 1t would be
necessary to get an amendment to the
Federal Constitution before such COM
pact between two States could be legally
entered into. A mistake had been made.
he thought by the Joint commission In
not presenting a comprehensive plan for
the development OF Tire mort before offer
ing the treaty for ratification.
Members OF the Board Of Estimate
suggested that there should be further
conferences In an attempt to amend the
treaty SO as to properly safeguard the
interests Of New York city. Mr.. Cohen
said the Joint commission would be glad
to do what was possible to this end, but
that time was pressing as the Legis-
Iature would adjourn In a few weeks
The whole country. he declared. was
eating ready to criticise New York for
its failure to improve the port facilities
here. To fail to pass the treaty at this
session Of the Legislature would bring
out these attacks