New-York tribune., 1920-03-08
Hirshfeld and Van Name
Also to Appear To-day
to Explain Boards
Action on Carfare Raise
investigators May
Call Hylan Later
Borough in Darkness
All Saturday Night;
Secession Talk Grows

Comptroller Craig, Commissioner of
Accounts Hirshfeld and Borough Pres
ident Van Name have been subpmnaed
to appear this morning before the
Richmond County grand jury in St.
George, Staten Island, to be questioned
concerning the Board of Estimates
reasons for refusing to sanction In
creased fares on the Midland Railroad
Company lines, thus depriving a large
portion Of Staten Island of trolley
service.
Upon what occurs at this session, it
was stated last night, will depend
whether or not the grand jury VIII
subpoena Mayor Hylan and put him on
the carpet.
Members Of the grand jury felt free
last night to predict that to-day's ses-
sion will be a hot one. In common
with other residents Of the borough,
the grand jurors have been waxing
hotter under the collar every day over
the situation and their temper has not
been improved by the second break
down within a week of the Richmond
Light and Power Company's plant.
Island in Darkness
The island was in total darkness all
Saturday night, and merchants say they
lost $150,O00 in business.
Not wheel turned on the Richmond
Light and Power trolley lines from
b:45 p. m. Saturday until o'clock yes
terday morning.
While the suspension of the Midland
lines and the frequent breakdowns of
the Il. l.. & P. are recognized as sepa-
rate and distinct grievances, they have
combined to fan the secessionist senti-
ment among merchants, manufacturers
and others.
"We'll never get anything while we
remain an inconseuuential part of
greater New York." is heard on every
side. "a mayor and city government
of our own is what we need"
The secessionist spirit has crystal
lized in plan by the Staten Island
Civic League to poll the residents of
the borough on the proposal to cut
away from New York City.
league and head Of a large rubber
factory, declared yesterday that every
member Of the organization favors
Staten Island setting up municipal
government Of its own, but that def
mite evidence that the people as whole
are back of the idea Is desired before
the movement is actually got under
way. A mass meeting to discuss il
may be held in St. George within the
next two weeks.
Others Favor Secession
Others who voiced belief in secession
as the only remedy for Richmond's ills
were William Warrenson, president OF
the Warrenson Furniture Company
Stapleton; Charles Holbert, a directo,
Of the Richmond Borough National
Bank, and Charles Bruins, president OF
the Staten Island Savings Bank.
"Staten Island is expected to pay a
tax of 2.55 this year. which is ID
10 more than any other borough
will pay" said Mr.. Bruins, "and yet
Staten Island is given nothing in re-
turn. The money which will be given
up for taxes If spent on the island
would not only improve it but bring
order out Of the chaos which now
exists.
"The transit system was bad enough
but with last nights total darkness
throughout the island the climax was
reached. We are sick and tired Of such
treatment ana unless we get 1mmedlaCe
relief we shall ask to be separated
from New York City,"
Van Name Criticized
Incidentally, Borough President Var
Name Is not receiving any bouquets fo,
the consideration he has obtained IL
the Board Of Estimate for his constit
uency. OF course. it Is realized tha
he has only one vote in the board. L
is this feeling Of resentment that, l.
is anticipated, will blossom into beinf
at this mornings session of the grant
jury and find at least partial outlet il
cno%