New-York tribune., 1921-02-24
Johnson Starts
Work ON Plans
For Transit War
Californian Takes Up Trac-
ton Job, Surrounded by
Piles of Legal Books and
Copies of Subway Pacts
Meets Hylan and O'Brien
''Here to Go to Mat ON
This Proposition,'' Says
Senator, Discussing Plan

~ D1A'ohhs StStSludf WAS
piled as formidable an array OF dusty
lawbooks and tape-bound documents as
/ we're ever get together. AS the pile
diminished st enc end Of the table an
other pile mounted at The other
Between the two piles, and waited
upon by two clerks, sat Senator Hiram
Johnson, of California, peering through
his goid-rimmed spectacles. The docu-
ments and books which he eagerly pc
rused were copies of the state consti-
tuition, street railway franchises, sub
way contracts and procee edngs of the
Public Service Commission.
! 1t was Senator Johnsons first official
cay as special counsel employed by the
city to conduct Mayor Hylan's fight
against Governor Miller's proposed
traction legislation. After ten hours
of inspection of the books and docu-
ments and after the two clerks had in
timated that they were likely to be
late for dinner, Senator Johnson came
out to be interviewed.
Johnson to Work Twelve Hours a Day
II am more convinced than ever that
I am on the right side" he said. "My
investigation so far has confirmed my
| first judgment that this is a fight for
the rights of the people as against the
greed of traction interests"
| BY way of emphasis, Senator John
son snapped his fingers and stamped
his foot.
Twelve hours were fixed by the Sen
ator as the amount of time he would
| give daily to the study of the situation
| before he appears at public hearing
| to be held at Albany next Wednesday
| to oppose the Governors pending bills.
The Senator's first day was inter-
rupted by conferences. Calling on Cor
poration Counsel O'Brlen at $50
| o'clock he was escorted first to the
| Mayors office, whence he departed,
after half an hours talk, to meet f. Fl.
La Guardia, President Of the Board Of
| Aldermen.
What was said at the conferences
was not made public, but warm ap-
proval of the Senator's views was after
ward expressed. by city officials.
The Mayor, after escorting Mr.. john
son to the City Hall door, hurried
back into his office.
Hylan's Views Brief
"This is the first time I have ever
met the Senator" said the Mayor. 1--WE
| discussed the traction situation in
general way, That is all | have to
say" The Mayors door shut with
bang.
"The Senator he said, ALREADY has
complete understanding OF the subject
legally, financially and politically"
"The personality of the Senator
thrown into the situation has given
mighty impetus to the cause for the
tights of the people," said Mr.. o'Brien,
1.-THE adverse comment on his beng re-
tanned by the city has been Of such
| fippant character as to be undeserVlng
! of consideration"
1t was long after dark before Mr..
| johnson emerged from the special
room assigned him in the Corporation
| Counsel's suite One of the first ques-
tions asked him was whether he ex-
pected to consult with Governor Miller.
81 shall be delighted to meet the
| Governor, but as yet | have not been
nvited," he replied. "This is not Re-
publican matter nor Democratic mat,
! ter It is a question concerning all
the people. Anybody with an ounce Of
courage and the least bit of American
! ism ought to be behind Mayor Hylan in
/ this fight It doesn't matter what the
politics are. ! don't care O rap about
politics"
Here to Go to the Mat
Mr.. Johnson demonstrated his indif-
| ference to any politics involved by an
other snap of his finger
He was asked whether the railroad
! situation in his own tate during mis-
term as Governor was similar to the
situation in New York. "No," he sd O..
There it was popular fight, Here it
is the-reverse. Here it is sin from
the standpoint of come people to ap-
pear for the people, but if | were here
with the gentlemen who represent the
corporate interests, what different
tone you would find in the shirt-front
newspapers which represent 'respecta-
bility.'
this proposition. We have pretty we'll
formulated plan, but do not care at
this moment to give 1t publicity
Will Support Miller's Plan
The Citizens Transit Committee, Of
which General Oliver B. Bridgnan is
president, will meet at Town Hall, 121
West Forty-third Street, tonight, to
express approval of the Governor s
traction bills. George H. Bell, the
secretary, in announcing the meeting,
said:
This body IS formed or those who
do not believe in a home rule heaven
with Hiram, Hylan and Hearst for
archangels. However, the entire pub
lie is Invited to join with US in an
effort to secure a non-partisan, nom
political solution Of New York City's
transit crisis"
The committee has 500 members,
Alfred e. Marling, chairman of the
executive committee. announced yes
terday the following acceptances on his
committee: George Barr Baker, Gen
ersl Oliver B. Bridgman, Henry F.
Samstag, Ellwood Ellis, Herman A.
Metz, Fred L. Crawford, Lewis Runkel,
William A. Prendergast. Alexand er
White, R. A. C. Smith, Mrs. Rosalie
Loew Whitney and Richard j. Butler.
Ex-Patrolman Gets Six Months
For Robbing Police Station