New-York tribune., 1919-04-09
Thompson Tells
Bribers' Names:
Inquiry Voted
Whole Subject of Graft for
Last Two Years Is To Be
Opened Under Resolution
Passed by State Senate
.StnG Coarcsnnndoa,

StGf Correspondence
ALBANY, April S.-The Senate to-
day ordered an investigation of Sen
ator George +. Thompson's charges
that one man offered him cup to $780,
600" and another-an Ex-Governor Of
this statc-had dangled the Republican
nomination for Governor in 1920 be-
fore his eyes to act favorably On the
Martin strectcar rate bill.
The Senate Judiciary Committee. of
which Alvah w. Burlingame, of Brook
lyn, is chairman, was directed by a
resolution adopted unanimously to con-
duct the investigation. Senator J.
Henry Walters, majority leader, an
nounced that funds for the investiga-
tion will be provided for in the supple
mental appropriation bill.
After the Senate had taken this &C
struggle, passed the Martin bill, which
empowers the Public Service Commits
sion to increase the rates of fare on
streetcar lines. on subways and elevated
roads, Notwithstanding any existing
franchise, contract or agreement.
The vote was II to 68. Asscmblyman
Simon L. Adler, majority leader, voted
against the measure Thaddeus c.
Sweet, Speaker of the Assembly, voted
for it.
Monstrous, Says Goldberg
Assemblyman Mark Goldberg de-
rounced the Martin bill as one Of the
most monstrous pieces of legislation
ever introduced He reminded the leg
islators the bill came from a rural leg
isator, and yet would affect almost
wholly the big cities of the state.
"Who handed you this bll?" de
manded Assemblyman Goldberg. of its
introducer, Assemblyman Louis M.
Martin, of Oneida County
"Thc bill was handed to me by Harry
p. Wcatherwax, of Albany chairman
Of the traction companies Of New York
State" replied Assemblyman Martin.
Sir. Weatherwaxs organization is
composed of nearly all the streetcar
lines in the state.
In defending his bill, Mr. Martin
declared the interests behind it were
entitled 10 their day in court. He
said the measure should not be called
a six-cent bill, or a scven-cent bill, as
it would not necessarily result in the
raising Of fares.
''It merely permits the traction COM
panies to present their case to a prop
crly constituted tribunal" he said.
Speaks for Investors
All the New York City men, with the
exception of Wilfrcd f. Youker, Of
Brooklyn, voted against the bill.
The Scnate's session to-day was calm.
1t did not convene until nearly
o'clock, waiting until the Senate Ju-
dietary Committee finished its secret
session. The only witness was Sena-
tor Thompson, who was assured in ad-
vance that he could disclose his in
formation in camera and there would
/ be real investigation
senator thompson, it was learned,
( told the committee that a man, we'll
known in and about the lobbies of
the Legislature approached him with
ga offer of 100000 if he would work
for the Martin bin, and report it out
Of his committee favorably. The offer,
he SAID, was made recently at the
! Republican Club in New York CITY.
Governorship Support offered
Within short time thereafter
/ Senator Thompson said, one-timc
Governor Of this state, at hotel not
far distant from the Republican Club.
told him a certain head Of big
New York City traction company and
other strcctcar magnatcs would lend
! their support to any attempt Thomp-
son might make TO get the Republican
nomination for Governor if he sup
ported the Martin bill.
After the secret session Senator
Burlingame offered resolution read.
ing partly AZ follows:
"Whcreas, Senator George F.
Thompson did, on April z, state on the
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