New-York tribune., 1919-09-05
Nixon Puts One
Carfare Case
Up to Hylara
Resenting Mayors Criti-
cism. Commissioner Tells
Him to TakeU Up Manhattan
& Queens Co. Problem
Men Threaten to Strike
Vigilance Committee Meets
to Plan Programme for Its
Fight for the Nickel Ride

Public Service Commissioner Nixon,
resen.ng Mayor Hylan's criticism of
his order raising fares on the New
York E. North Shore Traction Com
pany lines, delegated the Mayor yestcr-
day to try his hand at solving the
financial problems confronting the
Manhattan & Queens Company, which
insists nothing but fare increase can
avert a strike Of its employees for
higher wages
'Since the city government has seen
st to oppose the aid given the North
Shore Traction Company Commits
sioner Nixon wrote TO the Mayor. at
handling OF difficult situation to let
the Mayor take up the Manhattan &.
Queens problem"
Employees Of the Manhattan & Queens
Company have forwarded an ultimatum
20 the Public Service Commissioner,
notifying him they viii strike if they
are not granted an increase in wages
by September II.
Commissioner Nixon pointed out that
the Manhattan & Queens lines operate
through "a section housing laboring
men, and an interruption q service
will work great hardship or them. as
there are no elevated or other lines
they can use"
viii Add to Distress
Re continued:
Dong nothing will add to the dis
.ress OF large section settled by
men TO whom breaking down of
this system will be calamity. Full
warning has been given in the papers
sent by NE TO the Mayor that quick
action IS necessary on account not only
Of financial difficulties, but OF d strike
among the men.
My desire has been by temporary
relief to hold intact the various sys-
.cms OF transportation on a single fare
with free transfers. Now, these lines,
not paying, are being Topped off in
spite Of MY efforts.
1T viii only be a few months before
the logic OF facts will force the city
government TO redraft the dual con-
tracts that they have so long de-
uounced Such redrafting will be with
the approval OF the city government
and viii prevent disintegration. de-
;erioration and decentralization Of our
transit system
While the Public Service Commits
sioner was inviting Mayor Hylan to
adjust the transp sportation difficulties
Of the Manhattan and Queens Company
the Mayor was busy q City Hall or
gaining his vigilance committee to
combat increased fares. The follow
ing officers were elected:
Mayor Hylan, honorary chairman;
Francis Bent. director Of investiga-
tons Of the Board O: Estimate and Ap-
poruonment. temporary chairman; :;
executive committee. Robert L. Moran.
President OF the Board Of Aldermen;
State Senator Charles +. Russell. OF
Brooklyn; James 7. Holland. president
Of the State Federation of labor. and
David Hirschtield. Commissioner OF
Accounts. Peter J. Brady. 1upervisor
o. the Board Of City Records, was
chosen secretary.
Letter From Syracuse Mayor
Secretary Brady laid before the COM
ml.tee the following letter from Mayor
W +. Stone, OF Syracuse, president Of
the New York State Conference o1
Mayors:
a wish to acknowledge receipt Of
your letter OF August 20 relative to
the street railway situation and Your
intention 10 have an organization for
the protection Of the people from anv
effort to force through the Legislature
bill which viii suspend or nullify
franchise provisions restricting the
rate Of fare.
Il regard the street railway situation
as one OF the most important problems
confronting the people Of this state.
believe that the time has come when
'he various questions which have
arisen must be settled in the public
Interest
Il shall refer Your letter to the adj
elsory board of the Mayors Conference
lor immediate consideration. and al
Nough cannot anticipate the action
o' the board ! can assure you that you
VIII ma them ready and eager to take
any action which has for its object the
protection OF the public interest"
The Plan of Campaign
Pending action of the advisory board
o, the New York State Conference Of
Mayors, which is to meet in Syracuse
On September 9, it was decided by the
committee 10 effect Immediately tenn
porary organization and 20 begins the
ihslll Ign IN New York City at once. Fol
loving IS the plan Of campaign:
Vfhclals of civic associations through
out greater New York. regardless of
pohtical affiliations, VIII be requested
u. 10 appoint delegates to cooperate with
.ne Mayors committee in opposing in.
creased fare legislation.
citizens are invited to enroll in the
eoMmittee and to cooperate in the fight
against increased fares.
Inc Secretary Of State has been re-
9uested to forward 20 the committee a
ust or Assembly candidates throughout
sne state, as des gnated at the primary
electlon. Immediate steps viii be taken
~ canvass these candidates in greater
,Ie" York, to ascertain their views on
W. .ne proposed increased fare bill OF the
fraction companies to be submitted to
me Legislature in 1920, and to pledge
"em to vote against it.