The New York herald., 1921-01-27
ESTIMATE BOARD IS
ONE AGAINST MILLER
Members Say They Will Not
Surrender PoUer.


idly yesterday against Gov. Miller's pro-
posal to create a State commission which
would take over the boards Jurisdiction
of New York's transit questions. In
vasion OF home rule and the possibility of
an Increased fare are the main points Of
the Issue between the board and tie
Governor
In a statement attacking Gov. Miller's
plans Mayor Hylan made the flat prop
osition There can be no settlement of
the traction problems Of this city By an
outside agency without consulting the
city's responsible officials. Tie Board
of Estimate and Apportionment will not
abdicate It's powers and duties to those
not responsible to the people,
After describing the reception given
by the Governor to the board on Tues
day as very frosty" Edward Reigei-
mann, President or the Borough of
Brooklyn, said: Brooklyn people want
home rule and will have 1t. notwithstand-
ing the Governor and there Is long
line of people In the city who. while not
unmindful Of the law. will insist on
home rule
Henry Bruckner, President Of The
Bronx, characterized the Governors pro-
gramme as blow at home rule and de-
clared: 1T remains to be seen whether
the Governor can override the wishes OF
the people in so flagrant a manner as
he has outlined in his traction message.
1t may mean long fight. but in the end
the people will win out over an individ-
ual, even though he be the Governor"
Board Stands Together.
Henry II. Curran. President Of Man
haitian; T. II. La Guardia. President Of
the Board Of Aldermen. and Comptroller
Charles L. Craig, already have made
their opposition clear and while Henry
D. Ven Name, President of Richmond.
has issued no statement he is understood
to stand with the others Of the board.
The Comptroller reiterated yesterday
that neither the State nor the Federal
Constitution will permit Qf any abroga-
ton of the SUBWAY contracts. and Mr..
Curran issued plea for taking the an
tire transit question out of politics.
Civic, political and labor organizations
began gIrding themselves to do battle
against any effort toward an Increased
fare or infringement Of home rule. Jabez
L. Cunningham. executive secretary OF
the City Parliament OF Community Coun-
ellis, mailed $50 letters 70 community
councils in the five boroughs directing
them to call meetings at once to decide
upon q uniform plan Of action. The
meetings are expected to be held either
next Monday or Wednesday night. The
New York State Federation of Labor and
the Central Trades and Labor Council Of
Greater New York and Vicinity sent
delegations TO Albany to fight the move
Yt..A.. -
entrance into the fight against the Gov
ernor's plan.
Mayor Hylan is depending upon the
courts TO support the citys Jurisdiction
over transit questions and is even hope
ful that actions now pending and In
which decisions are expected within a
few weeks will invalidate the Governors
suggestions Before they can be put into
effect.
Hylnn Looks to Court.
'"The proposal" said the Mayor. ito
create by legislation a State transit
board. independent of municipal control.
to which shall be transferred the power
and authority now possessed under the
law by the Board of Estimate and APP
portionment. with further power to re-
wise, abrogate. annul and revoke solemn
agreements. particularly as to a five cent
fare. can never be written into a statute
which will be approved by our courts as
valid and constitutional"
In addition. the Mayor said "the crea-
tion and the power Of the proposed new
transit board is opposed to the best in
terests of the city and to sound public
policy" and "the granting OF such abb
soute power or rate regulation to an ap-
pointive body would not only be a grave
mistake, but would be resented by the
raonta thop,ealvoa