New-York tribune., 1919-10-02

former hearings Frederick r. Wood,
assistant to the general manager under
Receiver job f. Hedges. Of the New
York Railways Company, and Colonel
Henry L.. Stimson, counsel for Receiver
Hedges. had been questioned by the
commission. 1t developed during an
inquiry into the earnings of tho recent
iy returned Eighth and Ninth avenue
systems that the surface lines would
cease to run altogether by January /
If relief was not Forthcoming.
Corporation Counsel Burr was pres
ent at yesterdays session. Commis
soner Nixon asked the Corporation
Counsel if the Mayor and others would
attend general hearing. Mr.. Burr re-
piled he could not speak for them. He
declared he was present TO refute state
ments made by New York railways
officials that they had received no help
lines would lose 100000 annually de-
spite the increase Of revenue from
transfers. He pointed out that the i'm
crease in wages had enlarged the deficit
When questioned by Mr. Burr as to
what rate of fare he would consider
ample, MIR. Wood said he was not pre-
pared to answer.
Commissioner Nixon in his letter
of invitation to Mayor Hylan said:
"My position since taking Office has
been that in case any concessions
were granted by the city con-
cessions in return should be made
by the companies. such concessions
to be of nature that will induce
the city government to grant relief.
Could Have Avoided Crisis
"We are face to face not only with
,,,c+ locvoo n ho pnOp1n Of ho Citv-
but with lowering Of the standard
of service, physical deterioration of
property and equipment and de-
moralization of organization.
Had the matter received cOnStruc-
tive and businesslike handling four
months ago the present crisis could
have been avoided and the great
system of free transfers saved to
the travelling public.
For temporary concessions ex-
tended to the companies great and
lasting benefits could have been Sc
cured to the people Of the city.
The disintogration already pre-
cipitated will lead to expense, in
convenience and confusion for the
travelling public and almost insur-
mountablc difficulties in regulation.
And even worse is to come.
"No one surely will assume the
fearful responsibility of refusing to
aid in mending this condition. The
people of the city deserve better
treatment, as burdens are being
fastened upon them that it will take
many years to lift and some time
even to tighten.
81 suggest a preliminary meeting
at the ouices of the Commission next
Monday morning at 1890 o'clock
The traction companies | beg to
present such plans as they think will
prevent further collapse, and will
in addition weld together the parted
units, to the end that cooperation
may be secured to at least as full an
extent as existed before the receiver
ships began. They must be prepared
TO make drastic concessions for any
f2vors received.
''To the city, through the Board of
Estimate and Apportionment, a plea
is made for a sincere participation
in this conference (either in their
individual official capacities, as
board, or through a representa- tive
with power) which should secure ad-
vantages to the people.
"A general readjustment, fair to
all, can only be secured by round
the-table discussion leading up to
negotiation. The city holds the whip