New-York tribune., 1921-02-02
Brooklyn Backs
Miller, Fearing
Transit Smash
Continued from sage onc)

and self-supporting system, which will
enable the city to realize on its
$260,O0o,000 Investment, instead Of
requiring the taxpayers to foot the
annual deficits.
The false cry of an eight-cent fare
IS merely an attempt to lead the pub
ilc away from the real issue at this
critical time. The issue Ia not .
question of an eight-cent fare, or of
any rate Of fare, but a choice between
0rder ana chaos in the transit system
Predicts Quick Relief
Your committee believes that
Governor Miller's program covers in
most particulars the principles laid
down by the chan two years ago
lhe Governor, however, has gone fur
ther and outlined practical plan by
which these principles can be put into
effective operation.
We are of the opinion that if his
program is carried out in the spirit
intended, the travelling public will
soon begin to find relief from the pres
ent lntolerable conditions.
I'VE have not attempted to analyze
or express an opinion on the possible
legal difficulties which may be met in
carrying out the Governors program
especially his recommendation that the
commission can be empowered to fix
ana suspend rates regardless of the
provisions of local consents or prior
contracts, nor do we express an opinion
on the necessity for vesting such power
IN the commission.
we are assuming that the Cover
nors other suggestion, which calls for
a revision of the contract, will prevail
as the only sensible way to reach q
settlement satisfactory and just TO all
In that event there will be no legal
question on that point to be settled.
Fears Transit Breakdown
Having in mind, then, the deplorable
condition of the service and the urgent
need of early relief, the total absence
OF any constructive program on the
rart of the city, the hopelessly divided
authority now scattered among three
official bodies, and the threatening
complete breakdown of the service
which would paralyzc husiress, we
would urge the Brooklyn Chamber of
Commerce to COVE the Governors pro-
gram in respect to rapid transit it's
hearty Endorsement and urge members
of the Legislature in Greater New York
to give it their most earnest support"
The first thing that f. H. La Guardia
President of the Board of Aldermen,
did when he arrived at the City Hall
yesterday was to issue a challenge.
Calling his stcnographcr, he dictated
the following:
II challenge the directors OF the
1nterborough or the B. R. r. to invite
Thomas f. Mitten, head of the Phila-
delphia traction lines, to come to this
city and have him show them how a
five-cent fare can be made to pay
generous dividends"
Up to midnight there was no indica-
ton that the challenge would be ac-
cepted.
Talks to Mittcn Five Hours
Mr.. La Guardia on Monday had visit
cd Mr., Mitten in Philadelphia. He said
he went to talk with him twenty min
utes, but talked five hours,
''lf VIC could bring him here the five
cent fare would be made safe for all
time" said Mr.. La Guarda.
He WAS asked If Mr. Mitten eX-
pressed a willingness to come.
"He is a very public-spiri man."
Mr.. La Guarda replied.
Officials Of the B, r., 7. yester-
day declined to discuss the charges
against the receivcrship made by Rep
resentatve Lester D. Volk, of Brook
lyn, on the floor of the House. Mr.
Volk on Monday had asked for ? Con-
gressional investigation OF the re-
ceivcrship. When reporter called at
Lindley M. Garrisons office u secre-
tary referred him to William s. Men
den, the general manager Mr. Mendcn
said he had no comment to make,