New-York tribune., 1921-12-28
Smith 10 Lead
Fight for Port
Bill at Albany
Former Governors Battle in
Legislature Is Expected to
Leave Hylan Alone i'm
Opposition to Measure
Hearst Feud Charge Made
Miller Has Worked Out
Plan for Development Of
Water Power in State

Former Governor Alfred f. Smith
will make a personal fight before the
Legislature for the Port Authority bill,
it was learned yesterday
The former Governors arguments in
behalf of the measure, which aims at
developing New York Harbor on a COM
rrehensive plan. it was predicted, would
leave Mayor Hylan alone in his opposi-
tion to the project.
One If the Tammany legislative
eaders, who has been watching Mayor
Hylan's constant attacks on the Port
Authority program. said yesterday that
he doubted If there would be a Demo-
cratic member Of either the Senate or
Assembly with the Mayor after Mr..
Smith made his plea for the legisla-
ton.
The Port Authority bill, which has
for its ultimate aim the scientific dis
tribution of all freight arriving in this
pot, thus lowering prices to the con-
sumner, is drafted and will be intro
duced at the opening session of the
Legislature. Not until the two houses
have set date for pubic hearing will
Mr.. Smith make his appearance in AL
bany. 1t is expected that this will be
not later tran the middle of February,
and friends Of the Ex-Governor are look
ing forward to the hearing to reveal
the real purpose of Mayor Hylan's
opposition, which they charge is due to
a desire on the part of the Mayor and
William Randolph Hearst to eliminate
Mr.. Smith from politics.
Mayors Sudden Opposition
M a.
interested in the development of New
York Harbor have indorsed the Port
Authority plan. The only opposition to
date has come from Mayor Hylan and
Murray Hubert, the retiring Dock
Commissioner Neither Mr.. Hubert
nor the Mayo opposed the legislation
creating the Port Authority when it
was before the Legis ature last spring.
Another subject of large economic
importance which the next Legislature
Will consider is the development of the
water power Of the state. Govern or
Miller has spent considerable time this
summer on this matter, and it is known
that his views have been whipped
into shape and will be ready for intro
duction week from to-day.
The Democrats nave decided to rein
troduce the Walker Merrgan hydro
provides for the deve opment of the
water power by the state and the sale
of the electric energy direct to the
consume ers, public and private, thus
G iminating the private water power
owners.
Plan for Supply Purchase
One Of the measures which the Gov
ernor will press for pas are in the in
terest of economy is the creation of a
tate purchasing agency through which
all supp. les for the state viii be OBJ
tanned. One of its functions will be
the standardizing of supplies. There
has been attempt made, under the or
der of the Governor t, the heads of
his various department. to bring about
a Standardization of goods bought by
the state, with the result that consid-
cra lie saving have been effected
through this means.
Another bill which the Albany law
makers will enact into law will provide
for literacy test for voters. Still an
other, which s so carries out the man
date of the people at the last election.
Will extend the powers and scope of
childrcn's courts and courts of domes-
tic relations.
The so diers' bonus, which will re-
quire $40,0Gu0 600, undoubtedly will be
taken care Ct by Con titutonal
amcndm MT providing for the issuance
OF iong term bonds.
Some Of The veterans are against this
on The ground that it would mean a
two years. wait and are for levying
direct YAK To r-.isc the money lmme-
diately. A direct tax would mean the
a dltlon of an 9ther four mi Is on each
dollar of assessed realty value. 1t is
because Of the hardship that this would