The New York herald., 1870-01-05
The Opening Fight Against Re-
publican Legislation.
Notice Of a Bill to Repeal the
Excise Law.
RESOLUTION OF SYMPATHY WITH CUBA.

ALBANY, Jan. 4, 1870.
Both houses Of the Legislature assembled At
eleven O'Clock to-day in chambers beautifully deco
rated ana renovated since last year. Although
numerous familiar faces appeared at the men,
bers' desks there were q good many who had
never assumed the duties CT legisIats.s oefort
and few who had In former years
taken part In the proceedings of the Assembly.
Prominent among the latter were the two ex-
Speakers, De Witt G. Littlejohn and Thos G. Alvord
both able paramentarians and sound debaters
who, being IN the opposition. win probably keep the
new Speaker-though not inexperienced himself
In the chair-strictly to the duties of his ofice
The late Clerk, Mr.. Undernill, having called the
Assembly 10 order, the business was opened with
an impressive prayer by Rev. Mr.. Bridgemau
ana the members were sworn in as their names
were called by countless the Secretary OF State,
Judge Nelson, administering rhe oath. The same
formalities we're observed in the Senate which was
presided over by Lieutenant Governor Allen T.
Beach, who congratulated the Senate on the great
democratic victory in the State.
The Governors message was presented In both
houses at noon by Colonel Van Bnren, the
Governors private secretary, and read by the re-
spectlve clerks As you have the message in full l
Will forbear comment upon it, except to say that as
far az can learn 1t is highly regarded as an. able
and satisfactory document His views upon ma
tiona policy are, OF COURSE distasteu to the repub
lican minority.
The election Of Speaker was OF course mere for.
mahty. VIM. Hitchman received seventy y-one votes
J. W. Hustled, ffty-one. The Speaker was conducted
to the chair by Messrs Jacobs and Hustled. Hitch
man looked pale and dignined under the ordeal.
Cornelius w. Armstrong was then elected Clerk
by the following vote:-Armstrong, seventy y-one;
I nhnJa
sergeantat-Arms, and James y. Pierce Doorkeeper,
by resolution. The assistants and stenograpner OF
the House were elected IN q similar manner.
The contest for oficers OF the Legislature has not
left any bitterness behind it. There seems to be
general on the part OF all the democratic
members ia the result although the Kings county
delegates feel little disappointed that their cham
picn was compelled to leave the field. He would
have received the full vote Of his col
leagues had he stood his ground. reso-
nouncing the subserviency Of the administration TO
the vrannical power now depressing Cuba, and ex-
pressing sympathy with The political irish prisoners.
was laid on tine table for discussion tomorrow.
The Legislature Will adjourn over tomorrow until
Monday in order TO afford time for the forma-
an embarrassing business for the new
sneaker sams ~ mo as every section Of the State that
fs to the @ mSuse Sc w have
1t was last year. when Speaker Youngl0ve delayed it
1or three weeks to make matters square between the
however that there will be Q comparatively har.
mOntOus arrangement OF the committees. although
there Will necessarily be some discontent especially
II our city members get too many tat places IL il
probable that according to custom, John G. Jacobs
the retired candidate Tor Speaker, Will be tendered
the chafrmansh:p Of the Committee on Ways and
Means. A prominent New York member, VINO
might have been strong candidate for Speaker had
and the party organization in favor Of Hickman,
IS spoken OF as probable chairman OF the
Cities. While the committee programme is par.
italy MADE out it Will oe days yet before it is
completed; meantime there VIII be much fiutterings
and anxieties among the democratic members VINO
pH|D1icans. |Ia they viii Of course. take their
fney had their share Of the 'S "capisan nt STOCK
last year, ana capital thing some OF them made
Of II, especially on the railroad and cities commit
tces They must now bow to the inexorabe rule Of
rotation and take back seats. The committees TINS
year may not prove as profitable to fortunate mem
work than money on the tapls
Such appointments as the Governor has to I'll will
fena fean Il IN n a6eyance for time the principal o.
Dr. John NJ. Carnochan Is perhaps, the most favored
candidate with the leaders OF the demo
B. Sweeny certainly both favor his claims,
and 1t ls thought that the Governor IN.
Carnochan's professional career, If notiug else.
entities him to position OF this Importance and
ms appointment would no doubt give general salts
the most eminent living surgeon IN tais country
ana, since the death Of VeIpcau, perhaps In
the world. He has performed more original
operations successfully tnan any surgeon now in
pracEce. Ihe DOCTOR it may be remarked, has been
studying for this Office for the past twenty years as
surgeon-iDchief and medical director OF the state
Eml2rant Commission, and has probably more ex-
perience III the special class or duty which
Will come most directly under the hand
OF the the Health Officer OF the port than
any medical man in the State. There are
four other applicants In the field for this Office two
OF whom at least are pretty strong-Dr. Dayton, OF
Norris, OF Brooklyn, and Dr. George II. Parker, OF
New York.
Harbor Masters and Port Wardens applications
Tor which places I'LL the pgeonh hOles Of the Exec,-
tive chamber, must hold back for their turn. Appli-
cations Outnumber the positions 70 be given away
by more than two hundred told.
That the Legislature is prepared to 20 into active
work upon most important business at once you
Will see from the fact that the Senators and Mem
oers OF Assembly from New York met IN caucus IN
Senator Tweed's rooms, Delavan House. at nine
A. M.-Co!oncl Murphy In the chair-to consider the
best manner OF repeating or amending all laws
lating to the csty Of New York-Poice Commission,
Health Commission, Fire Commission Commission
OF Emieration, Excise Commission, Unsafe Buid-
ing Department, Croton Board, Commission OF
Charitles and Correction, &c. full discussion took
place. and all bills relating to the above departme,
will be fully considered and definite action taken
after mature consideration. The repeal OF the bf-
Ieenth amendment was agreed upon and viii be the
nrst subject brought before both houses tomorrow
morning the caucus adjourned su beet to the call
Ol the Chair.