I know the value of every foot of ground in my district, and I calculated long ago that if them gashouses was removed, surroundin' property would go up 100 per cent.

When the Remsen Bill, providin' for the removal of the gashouses to Queens County came up.

I said to myself: "George, hasn't your chance come ?" I answered: "Sure." Then I sized up the chances of the bill.

I found it was certain to pass the Senate and the Assembly, and I got assurances straight from headquarters that Governor Odell would sign it.

Next I came down to the city to find out the mayor's position.