The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-16
THE SUPPLY BILL.
Gard from Mr.. O'Donncll.

OOrO from NI1s O,OOhncAs
To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD
The unusual circumstance of the Annual Supply
bill, which in the aggregate appropriates millions
OF dollars from the public treasury being allowed
to remain in the custody OF an oficer OF the Assem-
bly, for twelve days unsigned by the presiding ON.
GER, without whose certificate OF its passage 1t
would fail to become a law, with the comments Of
the press thereon, will justify me in this communi-
cation.
The bill being properly engrossed declined to
send it to New York to obtain the presiding
officers signature, for the reason that was un.
willing to trust SO important bill out OF my
tody at Albany. Some days after, in reply to tele
gram also declined to print the bill to send to the
different members OF the conference committees,
they having left for their respective homes for the
send out q bill without the signature Of the
proper authorities which would make 1t q
law. Nor had any members of the committees
or any other person any authority to change or
alter In any manner the bill as 1t passed, either
to correct their own errors or Of any other
found The assumption Of such power, and
its exercise after, the functions Of the Legis-
lature had expired, would be very dangerous,
and a clear violation OF the fundamental
law. II errors are made at the Clerks desk In
engrossng bill after report IRON confer
detected. The report OF the committee is
always in writing and is transcribed upon the
@ as to The ss aSa to a Cove Se
ernor. The Speaker may compare the bill with the
written report Of the Conference Committee before
being signed, If he deems It necessary. The Gov
ernor Is supposed in important bills to perform
similar duty II the bill agrees with the written
report no person con change it, The acceptance
OF the report by the Legislature. being legislative
act, no power can change or alter 1t but the
Legislature. The duty OF the Clerk was to see
the bill correctly engrossed at once, ready for
the signature OF the Speaker. The duty was faith
fully performed. The bill has become law by the
signature or the Onlcers OF both houses, and has
been approved by the Governor.
In the interest OF good government, and for the
reputation OF all who may be interested, trust
that hereafter no bin OF such vast Importance will
be permitted, under any pretence, to remain IN
the custody OF any person alter the Legis-
lature has adjourned, except the Governor
OF the State. III for any cause bill may
be kept in the possession OF an officer OF
the Legislature for twelve days. 1t may he
kept for an indefinite time. The opportunity thus
given to fraudulently change the bill and accom-
panying message, so as to make both agree, ought
not to be allowed under any circumstances. The
fact that this bill has been Kept locked up in the
Assembly safe, and has not been tempered with,
gives no assurance for the future. The confidence
repOsed by the people In the integrity OF the on
GERS OF the last Assembly ought not to be used to
establish dangerous precedent. Every bill which
passes the Legislature should be carried to the Ex
ecutve chamber with the least possible delay.
j. O'DONNELL.
AIPANy SATURDAY. June IA 1874