The New York herald., 1869-02-17
THE STATE CAPITAL.

Special Committee ON Railreads Appointed
The Hudson River, Erie and New York
Central Roads 70 be Hauled Up-Passnge
spf the Gas Compa nies Investigation Reso-
Iution-Increase Of the Police Force-Saie
OF the Elm street Arsenal Proposed.
ALBANY, Feb. 10, 1869.
Several days ago a resolution or Mr.. Bemus was
passed requiring the speaker to appoint comm!y.ee
to investigate the affairs OF the Erie, Hudsop River
ana New York Central railroads. In order to ascer-
tain by what right extra stock has been issued and
various other things done, OF which the public
are already cognizant aud to which the
unfortunate stockholders are painfully sensi-
tive, but until to-day the Speaker had not
appointed such committee, although the members
had been anxiously waiting to the committee set
TO work on this important business. No doubt the
public shared in that anxiety Tor the operation OF
the railroads throughout the State Ii question OF
general interest not confined either to legislators or
stockholders. The following gentlemen were ap-
pointed on this committee :-Messrs. Bemu5, w. NJ
Ely walker, Gleason Selkreg, Jacobs ana Snfern.
an excellent committee in point Of Intelligence, and
one from which the public may expect very search
ing investigation Another very valuable committee
has also been called for by resolu ton introduced by
Mr. Mitchell, OfNew York, and passed last night be-
fore alluded to this movement as In contemplation.
1t refers thorough stirring up OF the transactions
OF the New York gas companies the materials used,
prices charged, profits realized and frauds perpe-
trated upon the gas consumers, the names OF which
are legion and the bulk OF wulch Is almost immea-
surabe. 1t Is to be hoped that Speaker YOungl0ve
will protract the appointments OF the gas commit
tee unnecessarily. There Will be probably no mea-
sures Of more importance claiming the time Of the
Legislature during the session than these
two questions We may anticipate an exciting
time when they come before the Legislature fully for
discussion. 1t Is understood tnat the railroads are
prepared to throw golden obstacles In the way OF
the committee The gas companies Will doubtless
not spare any means to evade an overhauling OF
their affairs They know that "ther offence Is rank
and smells to heaven.n
The bill OF Mr.. WRalen 70 increase the police force
OF the Metropolitan district provides that the C0M-
mssiOners may add 900 men to the force, with cap
tans and sergeants In proportion, at any time they
may deem such addition is required. This Is giving
the Police Board wide margin OF authority; but
the present condition OF affairs in the city would
seem to warrant 1t.
Judge Campbell, OF Otsego, reported bill to-day
from the Railroad Committee providing that tine
majority OF taxpayers and taxable people IN any
town may by vote require the County Judge to ap-
point commissioners to lay out and assess for any
railroads that they may require IN their district that
official to consult the taxpayers as to the fitness Of
such commissioners.
The Broadway Ralroad, Mr.. Genet's pet. was be-
fore the Senate to-day but no important progress
was made with 1t. The sale OF the old Arsenal on
Elm street. and the construction OF larger e1i1ce
for similar purpose on property owned by the city
capable OF accommodating several regiments or
militia, was the subject OF bill introduced by Mr..
kiernan to-day. The present building has not been
OF any use for many years. Its removal would,
therefore, only be relief to that portion OF the city,
but as the property there is valuable for other pur
poses 1t may realize handsome sum, provided that
the sale Is conducted without any JObbery.