New-York tribune., 1921-02-12
Governor, Outlines i'm De.
tail i'm Letter to Cen
eraI Bridgman His Pro-
gram to Aid Situation
No Change i'm Fare
For a Year or Two
Big Issue Is Merger of
All Systems to Give
Public Proper Service
From a star Correspondent

From a StdB Correspondent
ALBANY, Feb. IL Governor
Miller made public to-day a letter to
General Oliver B. Bridgman, of New
York City, in which he outlined in
detail his tentative plan for reliev-
ing the transit situation there. The
plan outlined in the letter is an in
depreciation of his statements on
the subject in his message to the
Legislature.
Governor Miller said he had not
departed in the least from his view
of the subject as set forth in the
message, and seemed amused at
reference to reports recently pub,
lished in New York that he haC
agreed to compromise some of the
points at issue. He said that he
hadn't talked with any of the men
who were given as authority for the
reports.
Criticism Is Invited
"The plan I have outlined in the
letter to General Bridgman," said
Governor Miller, sis merely tenta-
tive, and offered solely for the pur-
pose of inviting constructive criti-
cism. 1t may be that that plan will
be discarded because it may be found
impractical. 1t may be that il will
be found workable and accepted.
That will depend upon the transit
commission which will be appointed
to solve the problem, which soma
people still regard as a fare ques-
tion. The question of fare is purely
incidental"
The Governor declared there would
not be any invasion of the city's rights
in any plan which might be adopted
The Governors tentative plan, in
brief, provides for:
l. The merging of all the transit cor
porations of New York City In one con-
Germ, SO that adequate service shall be
rendered.
2. The valuation of the properties Of
the companies so that every drop of
water will be squeezed out of them.
3. The sale of the properties, after
the water has been squeezed out, to tile
city
q. The prompt planning for an ex-
tension of the transit lines to meet the
city's immediate and futulS, needs.
8. The participation of the cTrg IN
determining the facts on which the
plan to carry out the Governors pro-
gram will be formulated, and in put
ting the plan into effect.
Powers of Commission Broad
The Governor said the powers Of the
transit commission, which would be
charged with the task of solving the
traction problem, would be so broad
that it would have the whip hand and
that its plans would be submitted to
the city authorities for approval or dis
approval.
Assuming that the city was gov
erned by men who were convinced Of
the merit of the plan, yet for political
or other motives declined to approve
the plans, would it be possible to force
the city to approve the program ?" the
Governor was asked.
THAT is a bridge that we have ne.
JHh NOtiiO w. HS ftpliSQs
The Governor said he believed the
plan could be put into operation In
comparatively short order
81 should think it would take some
months" he said.
The Governor said there would be no
disturbance of the present fayes
charged for at least year or two
years, during which period interest
and dividends would be deferred. And
then tn iunIIpa nffirioF,t
provision should be made for increas-
ing the rate of irarest as fares are
decreased and reducing the return on
me invested capital as fares arc IN
creased.
"This, of course" added Mr.. Miller,
'is tentative suggestion. as is all |
have said regarding my plan, for, after
all. whatever plan is adopted will be
what is decided as wise and proper
and fair By the transit commission.
shall not seek to impose any plan or
the commission, for / do not want Il
to be tied down in any way, and It
can be determined what is best after
ascertaining the facts"
Bill Up Next Week
The Governor said the bill paving
the way for the carrying out of his
program would be introduced early
next week. The legislation will call
for commission of three to deal with
the transit situation in New York City,
and the Governor said he would APP
point only New York City men TO this
body
The bill also will provide for state
wide Public Service Commission Of
five TO have control over all public
utilities in the state, transit included.
with the exception of the New York
City transit lines. Two members OF
the statewide commission will be New
York City men.
"The valuation should be based on
normal value" said the Governor. aThs
tact that possession Of the properties
is sought for public purpose, that
they are not now earning anything ans
that the public would suffer If the pur~
pose Of the plan was not Accomplished
OF course these are things that would
have to be taken into consideration In
nxing values. They are factors which
tina NoBytz xy0ntH ha