New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-02-13
Letter to Bridg1man Held
to Have Clarified Case:
Many Formerly OPP.
posed Will Support Bills
Democratic Help
Will Be Extended
Metz Favors Removal of
Problem From Politics ::
Glynn Predicts Victory

Governor Miller's proposals for the
solution of the traction problem in
New York City gained much favor and
support yesterday among those who
had opposed them. A decided change
of sentiment was evident following the
publication of the Governors letter to
General Oliver B. Bridg1nan elucidat-
ing his plan.
There was every indication that the
letter clarified the situation in the
minds of the local Republican legisa-
tors and leaders who had looked upon
the plan with disfavor, and that when
the enabling legislation comes up at
Albany the Governors program will
have solid Republican support all along
the line.
There were further indications that
some of the prominent local Democrats
did not intend to countenance Demo-
cratic opposition to the Governors plan
from purely partisan motives. Some
Of them said that they would welcome
the Governors proposals as means
of taking the traction situation en-
! tirely out of politics. Herman A. Metz,
of Brooklyn, Comptroller under the
Mcclellan administration, expressed
this sentiment when he indorsed the
Governors plan Internationally.
Metz Backs Governor
Mr.. Metz declared that Governor
Miller had brains, combined with
| backbone-a rare combination in q
public Official" and that he was the
only man who has had the nerve to
come out and take the traction problem,
by the throat, while others would have
lodged it, Mr.. Metz said he had been
criticized by some of his friends be
cause as Democrat he had i.ldorsed
the action Of the Brooklyn Chamber OF
! Commerce in approving the Governors
| plan.
"a lot of people took she trouble tc
tell ME that had taken the wrong
stand" said Mr.. Net. "I told them
/ that didn't care whether the Gov.
! ernor was q Demo ocrat or Republican
The traction situation has been po-
litical football long enough, and 1t viii
never be taken out OF politics until
there is single commission control
I'd rather pay 10 cents a ride in a de.
cent subway train than FIVE cents for q
|
running.
There wasn't any home rule cry
raised when we took the control of ttac-
tion affairs away from the Board OF
Aldermen, but lot Of people are using
che issue TO protect the Board of EST
mate, which has simply adopted dog
in-the-,nanger policy. There will neve,
be say harmonious action as long as
there is political conflict between the
city authorities and the upstate com
mission. Put the matter in control OF
one body and there will be some action
provided, of course, the Governor makes
the proper appointments, which have
no doubt he will"
While no conference was held yes
terday at the headquarters OF the Re
publican County Committee on traction
matters by the Republican members oi
the Legislature from Manhattan, anc
the same general determination was
maintained not 80 express definite views
until the traction bill mad been intro.
duced at Albany, some OF the leaders
declared that none Of the Legislators
would oppose the measure. The Brook.
their criticism of the Miller plan
frankly admitted its good points in the
light of the Bridgman letter.
Giynn Sees Reversal of Feeling
George A. Glynn, chairman OF The
Republican State Committee, declared
that there had been a decided reversa
of feeling among the critics of The
Governors program.
There is a very marked feeling Of
approval on all sides for Governor Mil
ler's traction reorganization plan," sale
Mr.. Glynn. az think it has disssipatee
whatever opposition there might have
been on the part Of few Republican
legislators. There never was any
doubt about the support it would re
ceive in the Legislature. 1t is abso
lutely sure TO be passed, and the bill
embodying the Governors plan will be
ready early next week"
Some of the legislators saw modif
cation of the Governors original plar
in his letter to General Bridgman.
They declared that the Governors
explanation in his letter had elimi
mated some Of the features which they
had at first criticized. They offered
ehis apparently as an excuse fol