The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1921-10-01
GOVERNOR HOPEFUL
FOR five CENT Fare
Increase May Not Be Neces-
sary Because of Econo-
mics, Says Miller.
MARGIN A CLOSE ONE
Consolidation Will Cut
Overhead Expenses and
Taxes Be Saved.
TO SQUEEZE OUT WATER
Water Power Problem Next to
Engage Attention-Plans
to Build Plant.
TO SQUEEZE OUT WATER

GOV. Nathan L. Miller, DISCUSSING
the report Of the Transit Commission
on the reorganization of New York's
transportation systems, said Yesterday
he did not believe it would be neces-
sary to increase fares beyond five
cents after the first year of operation
under municipal control. Furthermore.
he expressed the view that with the
water squeezed out Of the securities
it would be possible gradually to re-
store the transfers and reduce the bur-
dens Of heavy interest charges.
The remark was made that the
Governor had not taken any credit for
the report Of the commission, which
led him to observe: Credit to whom
credit is due.''
Although some Of the local politicians
are disputing 1t. the report would indi-
cate that the city would have home rule
In its transit affairs" one Of the in
reviewers remarked.
THE trouble is they do not know
what home rule is," said the Governor.
There are two kinds, the genuine and
the spurious article"
reference was made to the charge Of
The Hearst newspapers that there was
joker in the report, that while the
fare would be held to five cents for a
year, it would go up after that period.
Five Cents May he Enough.
you don't think as the situation is
now" the Governor was asked, there
Is any likelihood of fares going beyond
what they are now?"
II think we will see considerable
change within a year." he replied.
There isn't a very wide margin now
between what would be earned under
properly coordinated system. with the
elimination of things that could all be
eliminated. on the five cent fare basis,
ano what is required-not a very wide
margin. And I think there is a chance
that may be absorbed"
There will be a lot of overhead ex-
penditure eliminated If you get the whole
system under one management?
"Of course, but there will be a lot of
taxes eliminated also" recalled the Gov
ernor.
Speaking Of the burden carried by the
Interborough Rapid Transit Company in
paying per cent on a capitalization of
$50 600, 900 for the Manhattan Elevated
system, the Governor remarked that one
of the features OF the plan was the
squeezing out of all water.
1t was suggested that some disap-
pointment might be caused by the lack
of assurance that universal transfers
would be returned right away.
Water Power Problem Next.
'They will be given back as rapidly
as possible" said the Governor. You
IL xrbn r,av hao Ell
bed for a long time cannot expect to
get UP and walk about right away by
somebody waving a magic wand over
them"
The Governor expressed the opinion
that 1t would make no difference In the
negotiations whether the companies
went into the hands of receivers or not.
Turning to the State Water Power
Commission, he said he did not expect
the commission to do much this year
except study the problem, but one thing
would be done right away. That was to
harness up the $4,000 to 10000 horse
power that is now going to waste along
the barge canal. Some $4,000 of this Is
at Crescent Dam, In the centre Of an
Industrial community. As the use of
this power was closely allied to the
management Of the canal itself. Gov.
Miller seemed to think there was a great
likelihood that the State would develop
this power itself rather than lease It to
private corporations, as Is intended in
other cases.
The Governor Is deeply interested In
the increased use of the barge canal.
He had seen, he said. plans of a boat
that could be used In the present twelve
foot channel and would carry 1000 tons
of freight, as much as many ocean
steamships.
After the Governor had said he had
followed the disclosures of the Meyer
legislative committee and had noted the
testimony in regard to the actions Of
certain high police officials his attention
was called to his power of removal over
the Police Commissioner.
'Ts there anything at all In the dis
closures so far as you have seen that
would indicate the necessity for drastic
action?'' the Governor was asked.
IT might answer that" replied the
Governor "by saying I do not contem-