New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-07-17
Hirsllfield Spy
bets Coalition
Platform Plan
Commissioner Makes Public
Private Letter Giving
Suggestions for Plank
on Traction Controversy
Stands Ranging From Neu-
trail Attitude ON Fare to
Nickel Demand eady

David. Hirshiield, Commissioner of
Accounts, has been off the Hylan res
aviation recently and doing little
gum-shoe work in the confines of the
Price Coalition Committee. Joseph
Price, chairman of the Coalition Com
mittee, and his associates would like
to know who the Hirshfeld spy is in
their camp who apparently secured a
spersonal and confidential copy, not
for publication" of letter sent to
members of the committee by Chair
man Price submitting for their con-
s.deration three samples of proposed
platform planks on the traction issue.
Commissioner Hirshfield yesterday
made public Mr.. Prices letter and what
purported to be copies of the attached
planks. Mr.. Prices letter requests the
views of the coalition members as to
their preference of the three planks or
meet their approval. He specified that
their reply would be "for the informa-
ton of the platform committee only"
Suggestion A" states that the tran
SIT problem of the city has been
talked about for some four years by
the Hylan-Tammany regime, without
result except that state commission
has been instituted to solve it,.
Deplores Need for State Aid
eve deplore the method which sup
plants this deliberate neglect of duty"
"Suggestion A" says, and adds: "The
City of New York needs no state aid
in doing its business. The time for
discussion, however, has passed, for the
remedy is in course of actual applica-
tion while the Hylan-T ammany officials
still talk inarticulately and do nothing.
All the citizens, in common with them.
await developments, because nothing
else can be done. We denounce the de-
sliberate POLITICAL, dishonesty which
caused this situation. The demagogic
the love of our citizens for home rule,
on one hand, and on the other to the
desire for cheap fares felt by all, and
especially by the laborer. upon whom
rests the principal burden, are dis
posed of by the outstanding fact that
the transit problem is about to be
solved speedily, equitably and fairly by
the Transit Commission, after full ju
dicial inquiry and upon the basis of eN-
pert conclusions, which solution is to
sc followed by courageous and prompt
action. A fair fare therefore is in
sight" .., ~ .,,,....4. p.op. .,o-
OuSSeStiOH ID SuSSCoto AhOic oPC-
officially a fve-cent fare, II it can be
brought about, 'Sbut we believe that
proper transit service with a maximum
of comfort to the travelling public is of
far greater Importance than the ques-
ton of fare" The Hylan administra-
ton is condemned for "its incompe-
tency and indecency characteristic of
its handling of all traction and public
utility questions" and the claim is
made that ain so far as the Miller
traction bills are in conflict with the
principle of home rule Mayor Hylan
brought about such CONFLICT"
"Suggestion CT frankly comes out in
opposition to any increase In fares and
calls for nominees who, if elected, will
demand an amendment to the transit
be adopted and no contract changed
without the consent of the elected
Board of Estimate and Apportionment,"
1t also advocates a substantial re-
duction in the present telephone, gas
and electricity rates.
One Insists on Nickel Fare
"The Hylan administration has
sought to cover it's own incompetency
by loud declarations for the fve-cent
fare" Suggestion G" says. "The truth
is that because this administration has
failed to face the traction difficulties
and to adopt constructive program,
tens of thousands of men and women
In this city pay two and three fares to
reach their places Of work.
Failing operating costs are fast re-
moving the only possible claim for fares
higher than those guaranteed by con-
tracts upon which the people of New
York have expended several hundred
million dollars. Under the present
transit law the city has no. right to con-
troll it's own investment through it's
elected representatives. 1t is merely a
spectator. and must accept the plans of
the Transit Commission while the trac-
ton companies may reject any plan
submitted. The Coalition Committee is
opposed to higher traction fares and
favors substantial reduction in the
present telephone, gas and electricity
rates. We believe in the election Of Of
icials pledged to accomplish these OBJ
jects through constructive effort"
Commenting on this confidential
data" Commissioner Rirshfeld declared
that "the people of the city will learn
with great surprise that this group