The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-01-16

ALBANY, jan TO- 1877.
At the opening Of the Legislature this evening
there was general appearance Of nothing to do.
Many Of the members were medtatng as to the
propriety OF stealing quietly away from the
Chamber and seeking some more lively scenes II
any could be found. AS results show,
however the session In the House was
quite long, and matters were introduced which,
under innocent looking titles may prove Of great
est moment TO the people OF the city If not OF the
entire State OF New York. Among the most i'm
portant bills introduced was by Mr.. Strahan,
OF Orange. which, under general tlte viii create
a stir among the fancy stockholders and railroad
managers in the State 1t provides: first, for the
REPEAL OF THE CLASSIFICATION ACT
the point already covered by Senator O'Briens bill
secondly that the Board of Directors shall chosen
from parties selected by the Boards OF Supervisors
OF the counties along the lines OF the roads, one
! be named in each county, who shall be a resident
| OF the county and a bona Gde owner Of
at least ten thousand shares or the
stock, not stock hypothecated for the
purpose OF his selection. From the persons thus
named the Board OF Directors is 10 be selected.
Thirdly. 1t makes 1t obligatory corporations to
make actual transfers OF stock bought when 1t Is
demanded, and refusal to do so Ia made punish
able by fine OF $4,000, or imprisonment for one
year, or poth OF the ocers violating this provision.
This Is meant to overcome any similar action as
that In the Heath and Raphael Erie matter.
| The sensation Of the night was the debate on
THE GENERAL SESSIONS GRAND JURY BILL.
When the bill was read In Committee OF the
Whole there was general Strengthening up by the
members and others, as II they expected lively
time and sharp fight. They were not entirely dis
appointed. Alvord had his say, as usual. Then
Hawkins who fathers the bill in the House, ex-
planned 1t as he knew IT, Miles, of Westcheser fol-
lowed HIM in similar STRAIN, when finally
Fields stood mp. All eyes were turned on
him and the members, or rather the knowing
ones smed to say what is he going to do about
it' Thomas spoke very deliberately at irst but he
became more emphatic and impressive as he
proceeded. The smiles one by one disappeared,
and IN their places came looks or doubt the crowds
i'll the galleries strained forward to get better
view of the speaker and at several points a faint
attempt to applaud could be heard. There was
DECIDED SENSATION
when he stated that Charles OCOnor must have
been In error when before the Supreme Court
he said the bill was contrary TO his advice and
against hts Will, or else the gentleman, Mr. Hawkins
was mistsxen in faiherng the bill on Mr. O'Conor.
Hawasny Boxed puzzled, but Alvord, who had evi-
IDENTITY struck hands with him in this matter. came
| TO hts rescue and said that Mr.. O'Conor had no
doubt that The Court mad power TO order the extern
eion, and the bill would only reiterate the authority.
The bill was favoraby reported. and will no doubt
pass the House tomorrow, although there may be
fight on 1t when It comes up for the third reading
| The favorable report this bill not the Onl y
| way in which the General Sessions was noticed,
| for Mr.. Judd, OF Richmond, introduced bill to-
nj ght which provides that the mere face that per-
sons who had formed an opinion from reading
newspaper reports shall not ncapacltate them from
| serving as
JURORS IN CRIMINAL CASES.
The bill is officially sanctioned by Judge Bedford
and Recorder Hackett. Their opinion and recon.
mendatlon Will have much weight, and there can
| be little doubt that the hill will become law.
Examinations and Investigations being the order
| OF the day, IL behoOves all public officers to see
that their lamps are well trimmed. ! have Just
learned that resolutions will be introduced to-day
| directing the Judiciary Committee TO examine into
the mode Of transacting business in the Registers
and County Clerks Offices in New YORK, to ascertain
II any fees charged in excess OF the amount au-
thorized by law and to make general investga-
| tiOn This viii create STIR. and It Is said to be
| founded on the fact that many real estate owners
! complain that the fees charged are exorbitanI and
| that the reform which was to come with the late
change in the Registers ONCE has not made its APP
pearance, but that Sgel Is charging high his pre-
decessor did, and more than the law allows. But the
examining Is not to stop here. Jacobs INTRODUCED
resolution tonight which may cause Walter Roche,
late treasurer OF the Blossom CuD and general rell-
| glous nnancer and Mr.. Reeves Semes, tate sine
|
in the Americas Club class leader In church and In
cumbent OF other pios positions, TO quake In their
boots II they have not already sought the fountain
| OF youth and health IN Canada. The Bank Superin.
tendent is TO examine INTO the statements made in
! regard TO the
DIRECTIONS IN CERTAIN SAVINGS BANKS.
| meaning. OF course, The Guardian and Bowling
Green. as 10 the incorporation OF the funds OF inc
| bank IL Is probable that Judge Hogan may he In
tervewed on the subject by tie Bank Superintend-
ent, and he can tae unfold OF what he has learned
az 10 the manner IN which the noble Tammany
! lights managed the banks, and ascertain The
grounds OF Mr. semes' tears that Waller roche
had been lending the money to the politicians.
| what with investigations, examinations decapiia-
tons charter elections and the like in the CITY Of
New YORK, we may expect To have One sensa-
| tional spring.
Tnere was u full attendance OF senators when the
Senate was called TO order, but no business OF I'M
| portance was transacted during the evening The
| petition presented by Senator Benedict from John
NILS, OF New York. was rather a queer FISH OF a
petition, and would have doubtless created little
amusement mad 1t been read 10 the Senate. The
petitioner claims that in view OF what, he alleges TO
had run stages in the metropolis in streets now &C.
cnpied 10y railroads, he ought now 10 he conceded
and run them on the tracks OF the various compa-
MES, provided he pays certain rent for the favor.
II is quilc possible hat the various companies"
would have great deal 10 say about this matter
were II seriously entertained by the Legislature.
The Select Committee appointed TO Investigate
THE CHARGES AGAINST SENATOR JAMES WOOD
| VIII hold their first sitting tomorrow IL is doubt.
ful whether the committees Will transact any
| actual business however, before Wednesday
as to their plans for future operation. sena.
tors Ames and Allen the Two republican mem.
| beers with whom | had conversation about the
matter this evening, state that they mean TO probe
| the charges 10 the bottom and that no EFFORT
| Will be spared to make the investigation
| thorough and complete. Mr.. Greeey-wh0, 1t was
| rumored, would be suoppnaed at the same time
| as Mr.. Tweed-it turns out now VIII not be called
upon to testify, inasmuch as ne told Senator Ames
| on saturday, when the latter was In New York
shat ne was not acquainted with the facts in the
case: In other words, that he knew nothing
| heard about them IN general way from
| third parties The Committee Will not 20 to
| to secure the attendance here OF everybody who
| they have reason TO believe or suspect know any.
| thing about the charges Senator Ames states that
the committee VIII welcome ell persons who are