New-York tribune., 1921-02-25
Johnson rs amazed at
Miller Traction Bills

Senotor Hiram W Johnson declared
yesterday that M amount Of criticism
based on his being employed as a Cali
fornia lawyer L con. " u1ayo- ~
lan's fight against Governor Miller's
traction proposals would deter him
from seeing that the people of New
+. York City have voice n settle
ment of their own problems"
Mr.. Johnson said he was preparing
brief which is to be presented at a
public hearing at Albany next Wednes-
day when the traction bills are con-
slcered. Referring to the public as
the lnarticulate Masses" whose rights
he had been employed to protect, he
asserted that he would refuse to be
influenced by newspapers, which rep
resent entrenched interests"
The Senator passed most of the day
in the Office of Corporation Counsel
@chn +: O'Brien reading over the trac-
tlon bills. He said he was amazed"
at the provisions OF the measures. 81
cannot conceive upon what theory %hey
want to fasten upon the city such a
scheme as is prop0sed,' he said
Are you preparing to suggest a sub
stltute so that the city's traction mud
die may be solged?" the Senator was
asked.
81 am not here to suggest substi-
tute," he replied. My employment is
specifically to fight the city's battle
against this attempt of corp rate in
terests to fasten an intolerable burden
on the city. The effect Of the Gov
ernor's scheme would be inimiGal to
the whole country"
When he was asked if there was anv
question as to his stau 5 to appear in
the local court, the Senator replied,
Don't worry about my status You
must be from one Of the newspapers
WhIch represents the c operations.
/ am unable to understand The attitude
of some of the newspa )ers unless it is
that their masters, the corporate in
tere6ts, insi- t upon this stand in the
traction situation. If | wore the livery
of those masters how they would well
come me. The papers should not worry.
l cannot do any harm. | may do some
good"
The Mayor yesterday made public q
letter from Supreme Court Justice
John Ford. The letter, referring to
Senator johnson, said:
His participation in the contest
will be peculiarly serviceable at this
time. II will demonstrate to Republi-
cans in and out OF the Legislature the
| insincerity of those who are now seek
ing to win Republican support for the
oIne on tAe pea OF party
allegiance"
t4,tDer conference on the traction
situation in Brooklyn was held yester-
day between Receiver Lindley NJ. Gar
ris9n and the Public Service Commits
sion. The receiver of the Brooklyn
roads has filed new tariff schedules
calling for ten-cent fares on several
of the lines. The comm ission ordered
these schedules suspended until March
12, when a hearing will be held
Receiver Garrison has asked the
Federal court for instructions concern
ing lines which have steadily showed
deficits, and he Will go before Judge
Julius VI. Mayer Monday to receive
these Instructions. When Commits
sioner Alfred NJ. Barrett asked him
yesterday what would be the effect if
| he did noC get the increased .=t2z he
sought from the Public Service Com
| mission, Mr.. Garrison said the matter
would be in the hands of the court.
Mr.. Garrison said that he would rec
ommend to the court that the Park
Slope line be opened during rush
ksurs, morning and evening, as an ex-
pertinent, although, he was doubtful if
ii would pay.
Major +. H. La Guardia. President OF