New-York tribune., 1921-12-24
Transit Board
Asks De Ford to
Aid, Not Hinder
Records Promptly Opened to
Special Assistant of Cor
poration Counsel With
Request to Assist Plan
McAneny Outlines Needs
Constructive Criticism Is
Welcome: Obstructive
Tactics Will BE Opposed

A prompt reply was made yesterday
by George McAneny. chairman Of the
Transit Commission, to the letter OF
notifying the commission Of tho ap-
pointment of William A. De Ford as
special assistant to the Corporation
Counse in transit matters, and asking
for him access to the records which the
commission has compiled.
Mr.. McAneny told Mr.. O'Bricn that
he assumed Mr.. De Ford's appointment
was for the purpose of assisting the
commission in collecting data with
which to make clear to the city author
ties the details of the proposed transit
pian and to place in the hands of the
city officials material that will put
them in a position to consider the plan
from a constructive point Of view.
If this is correct, Mr.. McAnenys
letter said that Mr.. De Ford's inspec-
ion of the records will be welcomed.
The commission will not welcome, how
ever, any inquiry by Mr.. De Ford made
FOR the especial purpose of placing
further difficulties in the way Of a
serious and non-partisan inquiry.
Reply Sent by McAreny
The reply says:
4 acknowledge receipt of your letter
az the 22d instant, addressed to the
Transit Commission, stating that you
have retained William A. De Ford as
specjal assistant, to make g compre-
lscnsive survey of the plan finally to
he adopted by this commission, to
analyze such contracts as may there
after be proposed for the execution of
he plan and to accumulate such in
formstion as you deem essential to
enable the city authorities intelligently
TO consider it.
Upon the assumption that your pur
pose is, as Indicated by your letter,
Constructive and to enable the city
authorities intelligently to consider the
loal plan. and that it is not, as stated
n ore of the morning newspapers,
merely obstructive and for the purpose
of launching d new fight and n 'new
suit to block the Transit Board re-
gardless OF the merits of the fnal plan,
'.he commission will welcome such an
inquiry and will be glad to place at
the disposal OF Mr.. De Ford all peril
nent data and information when and
as rapidly as such data and informa
lion are available.
''ln matter of such vital Importance
10 the people of the City of New York
as the proper solution of it's pressing
transit problems, it is very much i'll
Inc public interest that npt only the
iinal plan and the contracts. but also
all figures and underlying data, be sub
iected to the most thorough scrutiny.
Such has been and win continue to he
>oli~v Tho ror1 ~, Of. pot cDtv
will welcome any proposed inquiry,
hut will, may assure you, facilitate
II TO the best of its ability, without
regard 70 honest differences of opinion,
. long as your participation continues
slony constructive lines"
De Ford Ready for Work
Mr.. De Ford said yesterday after
,'oon that there were no purposes in
mind regarding his appointment as
Special Corporation Counsel other than
hose set forth by Mr.. O'Brien.
II can add nothing to the statement
issued by the Corporation Counsel"
My. De Ford said, Except to say that
realize the Importance and magnitude
Of the work which he has asked me to
revform under his direction.
u shall enter upon the work with
;he intention of making an absolutely
air survey of the plan which the
Transit Commission may propose and
Of the contracts which they may pre-
sent TO the city authorities for execu-
-tion, in order to furnish the city au-
thorities with the fullest possible in
formation as to the merits of the pro-
aosals.
"Mr. O'Briens letter fairly states
The scope and purnese Of my employ
ment."
Nh Dc Ford had no comment to make
on the suggestion that he would sup
niant Senator Hiram Johnson, of Cali
fprnia, III further assaults upon the
constitutionality of the transit law.