The New York herald., 1921-02-12
Special Despatch 20 Tnr New YORK HrsAtr
New gork Herald Bureau.
ALBANY. Feb. IL. \

New gork Herald Bureau.
Albany. Feb. IL.
Gov. Miller is firmly convinced that
the plan he holds out for rescuing New
York city's wrecked transit system offers
complete protection for all interests con-
cerned In the first statement he has
made on his plan since he became i'll two
weeks ago the Governor stated his views
more clearly than at any time. After
making public his letter to Brig Gen.
Oliver 3. BridgInan outlining a plan
which the new Public Service Commits
sion might well follow. he gave an in
terview in which he answered a score
OF questions arising out OF the letter.
The Governor made II clear that he
has not changed front" In any respect
on his plan as originally laid before the
Legislature. He stands precisely where
he did. Reports that he has modified
his plan are incorrect He met the
newspaper men at the Executive resi-
dence and talked over the plan for
half an hour. His health Is much i'm
proved and he will be back at his desk
in a few days.
you have changed front on your transit
plan and modified your views. Is that
true?' was asked.
II am not conscious OF any change"
he answered. laughing. II hope / am
able to change my mind, but in this in
stance have not done so, for have not
seen any occasion for so doing. I am
not stubbornly adhering to any particu-
lar detail. but i have not changed my
opinion in any important respect re-
garding the plan"
Gov. Miller was asked TO clarity his
recommendation concerning tho delega-
81 80 tate e.. ~ afo-
sion and the procedure regarding the
taking OF title to the traction lines.
THE bill will delegate the State power
TO the commission of three for New
York." he said. That delegation Will
be to the New York body alone and not
to the upstate commission"
The city then viii act in advisory
capacity and not have the power OF
yeto?" was asked.
THE commission must have final
say" he replied. ''The bill will give
the city n full measure Of home rule.
The city will be heard in the negotiations
and will be asked TO approve or disap-
prove the contracts"
Assuming that the companies we're
willing TO accept negotiations, and that
the city administration, perhaps for
purely political reasons. should decline
10 accept. what could then be done?
Could the city be forced TO accept the
terms?"
THAT is bridge we shave not yet
come to- the Governor answered. at
seems TO be the situation Is such that
the companies would have TO accept any
Just plan which would be good for the
city. Any sort OF equitable agreement
would be an Improvement, and II the
state should undertake 10 oxerclse its
fun power the companies would be un-
ablc TO operate. I do not believe IL viii
get down 70 a question OF haggling over
terms. but rather that Il will be a ques-
tion OF fair negotiation"
Methods OF making the appraisal OF
the valuation OF the railroad properties
are to be left with the commission. Mr..
Miller said. lie docs not regard II wise
to try 10 tic the commission down to
any set rule which might turn out TO be
impracticablc. That was not his idea
in making suggestions. he said. What
nc wanted was discussion.
"rn arriving at the valuation OF the
property every element and factor must
be taken into consideration" he con-
tinued. Some OF the lines may have
no value at ell others great value. II
10 not n matter Of replacement. or cost
valufs. What might be termed a nor
NAL basis OF values might be taken
for the standard. Certainly the valua-
ZION would not be based upon abnormal
or war values. Prices are now going
down and that would have to be taken
into account"
on the subject Of fares. which is caus-
ing Tammany and Mayor Hylan 80 much
distress, GOV. Miller again declared he is
not now concerned.
'T have tried TO make II perfectly clear
that fares are not the question in this re-
organization" he said. II am not trying
to lay down a rule for regulating fares.