The New York herald., 1921-02-23
JOHNSON ARRIVES
FOR TRANSIT FIGHT
COnferS With Hearst Attorney
on Way From Washing
ton to New York.
WITH PEOPLE, HE SAYS
Expects Opposition From 1.-The
Interests" But Is Sure
He Is Right.
WITH PEOPLE, HE SAYS

Senator Hiram w. Johnson OF Cali
/ fornia. whom John P, O'Brien. Corpora
ton Counsel. designated Monday to lead
the fight OF the Hyland administration
against Gov. Miller's transit reorganiza-
tion plan. arrived last night in New
York. declared that he is on the right
side Of the question and announced him
self ready 70 do battle with the corporate
and political interests which, II was quite
apparent he thought. are endeavoring to
get their feet on the neck of the people.
The Senator arrived on the Congress
sional Limited from Washington and
registered at the Ritz-Carlton for an
Indefinite stay. He was accompanied by
Mrs. Johnson. He VIII confer with Mr..
O'Brien and Mayor Hylan to-day and
will establish his working headquarters
in the suite OF the Corporation Counsel
In the Municipal Building.
The Senator will not enter those con-
ferences completely unaware OF the
views of Mayor Hylan and his closest
advisers. however. there appeared reason
to believe last night. That opinion was
based upon the fact that Senator John
son was accompanied from Washington
to New York by William A. De Ford.
personal counsel for William Randolph
Hearst with whom he was in earnest
consultation upon New York's transit
question for virtually the entire trip. In
the same car were a number of New
y Workers who were aware of Senator
Johnson's mission and in whom his con-
ference with the Hearst lawyer aroused
keen interest 1t Is understood that
their discussion centred largely upon the
constitutional and legal aspects of the
sort of a fight Mayor Hylan and his as
sociates wish Senator Johnson to make
Mr.. De Ford had been in Washington
for the last week or ten days In connec-
ton with the Hearst fight to prevent the
Government from making any more for
eign loans. and II was reported positive
ly from Washington last night that he
was the instrument through which Sena-
tor Johnson was pursuaded to enter the
New York traction fight. To politicians
here that circumstance indicated con-
clusively the reliability of the report that
Mayor Hylan instructed Corporation
Counsel OBrien to invite Senator john
son upon direct advice OF Mr.. Hearst.
Senator Johnson was asked last night
whether that report were true. He re-
piled: II do not know anything about
that. but II 1t is so I am glad Of It,"
He was not prepared to go into any de-
tails concerning his plans. but said:
'1nere IS no man With WiloHi hdFS
talked but says l am on the right side
of this question, and l believe am. 1
am delighted, and will do the best can.
II Is a matter Of Indifference TO me
what political powers or corporations
are on the other side. 1t has been wnis-
pered 70 me. johnson, you are In the
right, but look at the power lined UP
against you!
IF l came up here representing cor
poration how respectable I would be!
But coming here on behalf Of the people
it's terrible 20
Concerning Mr.. O'Brien's statement
that Senator johnson was the man VINO
established municipal ownership and
operation OF transit IN San Francisco,
the Senator modestly conceded that the
plan was former Mayor Rolph's, but
said he went to San Francisco and
helped out in the fight.
Senator, II has been reported mere
that as Governor of California you sup
ported a transit measure similar to that
OF Gov. Miller. Is that trueT' he was
asked.
Just wait till somebody publishes
that in New York and you'll hear from
me on it then" he replied.