New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-09
Port Development
Delay Is Termed
Blow at n. Y. Trade
Merchants Want Quick Ac.
ton OH Report of Joint
Committee for $3.50, OOO,.
600 to Improve Harbor

The commercial supremacy Of The
City of New York is to-day in peril,
merchants here contend. Already Bal
timore, Philadelphia and the South
ern ports have taken the grain trade
away from this port. Other branches
of shipping and commerce will be di-
yerted to more favorable cities unless
steps are taken quickly for the devel-
opment of port facilities.
The latest work of the New York
New Jersey Port and Harbor Devel-
opment Commission, is, therefore, it is
asserted, of the utmost Importance.
At a meeting, attended by Governors
Smith of New York and Edge of New
Jersey a few days ago, tentative
working agreement between the two
states was drafted
This report, if adopted and approved
by the legislatures of the two states.
will form the basis Of the future
growth Of the harbor on the broades st
lines. 1t will supply or raise the sum
of $3.50, 100000, which, it is estimated,
will be needed for the work within the
next decade. 1t will create port au-
thority Of six commissioners, three
from each state, two from New York
City, to supervise the port improve
ments and developments.
This body will raise the money for
the project on its own credit. receiv-
ing from the two states only suffi-
cient funds to pay the salaries of
officials until the time when they
can be paid out Of earnings. The sum
to be appropriated by each state is
specified as not to exceed 100000.
When the commission filed it's plans
it was explained by the New York
delegation that further action would
have to be held up by the absence of
Mayor Hylan and Dock Commissioner
Hubert, among other important Off
Gals. AS city rights are involved to
such an extent in the proposed plans
for making this the greatest ship and
railroad terminal in the world, the
municipal authorities are to be con-
suited before the movement gets I'M
der way.
1t Is pointed out by the proponents
of the plan that cooperation and safe
guards against competitive develop
ment are secured in the plan. which
would be lost if New York officials
should fail to grant their entire ap-
prevail.
1t is further stated that many Of
the city's problems will be solved
through the creation and operations
of the Independent por, authority. In
tations upon the city, the new body,
with power to borrow upon its own
credit, furnishes way open to Sc
cure cooperation in ending the West
Side and marginal railroad difficulties
1t is expected that through the port
improvements contemplated, the city
may benefit in another way. The con-
structon Of better physical facilities
for transportation, including tunnels
and bridges across the Hudson, will
undoubtedly result in enhanced realty
values, and this will secure additional
borrowing capacity for further i'm
provcments. Thus the improvements
are cumulatvely beneficial to the city
The danger in the present situation
Is the possibility that New York City
may block the way to the joint de-
velopment. Governor Edge and the
Senate leaders from New Jersey have
made it clear that, if New York stands
in the way, New Jersey, with .rost of
the great trunk lines ending there,
was ready and intended to proceed on
her own account.