The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-02-11
THE STATE CAPITAL
Important Caucus Of Demo-
cratic Legislators.
HOME RULE and COSTIGANS BILL.
A Policy Proposed and a Leader
Desired.

ALBANY, FEB. 10, 1875.
Tonight an important caucus OF the demo-
cratic members OF tho Legislature took place
In the Assembly Chamber. 1t was strictly
private; none but Senators and members
OF Assembly were admitted. Nearly Q full
representation was present. Although men,
bers OF The press were excluded by orders
issued from the stentorian lungs OF Waehner, who
happened to call The caucus to order yet nave
been enabled to procure correct report OF the
proceedings.
Mr.. Speaker MCGUIRE with hts usual urbanity
and courtesy did not lnrerpose any objection TO
the admission OF the press. as the gentleman
evidently courts the fullest scrutiny into all acts
OF an oflciai character In which he Is concerned.
However, the rule was made, and the legislators
held their gathering III strict seclusion.
Mr.. Faulkner presided. The necessity for the
caucus has been urged and canvassed for several
days past. The spirit OF the debate tonight EN-.
phatlcally pointed out such a necessity.
Speaker MCGUIRE made an eloquent speech In
advocacy OF the Cossgan bill as a party measure.
He sketched che history OF the New York charter
from the time or Its passage, two
years ago by the republicans, to the date when
amendments were introduced taking away the
connrmatory power from the Board OF Aldermen
and placing this patronage absolutely In the hands
OF the Mayor.
HOME RULE
The Syracuse platform and the Message OF
Governor Tilden had pronounced unmstaka ably
for the doctrine OF home rule. The Costlgan
bill was framed and introduced to carry
out such doctrine to It's fullest extent
The people OF New York wanted q thoroughly
responsible government and wished the power
taken away from the Board Of Aldermen by re
publlcans for party purposes restored, as origin.
ally arranged. The measure was democratic in
Its broadcast sense and should be made party
measure. Mr.. MCGUIRE then entered into dis
cussion Of the absolute necessity which
existed for unions In the ranks o,
the democratic majority In the Assembly.
He was sorry to notice the difference of opinion
among them on the subject Of the Adirondack
report printing matter God forbid, he said, that
he should insnuate personal corruption as exist
ing among any Of hts colleagues. 1t appeared
strange, however, to see a number Of democrats
voting solidly with republican minority
who had been almost solely the advocates
Of such measure. The Speaker, in conclusion,
called attention to the fact that the democ ratio
party was now only on probation, and success in
the Presidential contest OF next year depended
considerably on the record which they made In
the present Legislature.
THE PROPOSED POLICY.
Speeches in advocacy Of similar doctrines pro,
pounded BY Mr. MCGUIRE were then made by
Messrs. James Daily, T. c. Campbell, 7. J. Campbell
and others.
Mr.. Daily argued that the duty Of the democratic
majority In the Assembly was clearly to pass all
necessary and proper measures and then throw
the whole burden OF defeat, II such became their
fate, upon the Senate.
A resolution was then adopted binding the
caucus to support the bill OF MIR. CostRan az pre-.
sented.
THE CRUELTY TO CHILDREN BILL.
The next question taken up was the bill In rela.
ton to cruelty to children.
Mr.. BRoGAN wished to make opposition to this
enactment binding upon the caucus. He delivered
a short speech in defence of his theory; that the
bill sectarian and oppressive in its character.
Speaker Mcclure again took the floor and I'm
pressed upon the caucus the great necessity that
existed Tor careful and cautious legislation upon
this point. The law, II passed IN its present shape,
he thought, would work material injury
TO the democratic party IN the State.
1t would Cypress seven-tenths of the citi-
zehs OF New York, who were now IN
harmony with the organization, they SHOULD not
pass laws to lnjure themselves.
A number OF other gentlemen expressed them
selves as against the proposition 70 inaugurate
caucus olctation on this subject. No definite ac-
ton was therefore taken.
PROPOSING A LEADER.
Suggestions were made by MIR. Dessar and
others as to the appointment OF Il leader or cnlcf
adviser who could be followed In all matters OF
proposed democratic legislation. Decided opinions
were expressed as TO. to the present unsatisfactory
and unsettled condition Of the majority.
GENERAL LAWS.
Then the subject OF general laws was discussed,
one member asserting that Mr. Prince, q republl-
can, hao stolen most oil the tunder on this point,
as ne had already introduced several bills cover
ing provisions OF the amended constitution.
The meeting lasted until late hour and no
further business OF importance was transacted.
REDUCTION OF BROOKLYN FERRIA1E.
bill was to-day introduced providing for the
establishment OF Uniform charge Tor erriage on
ent rates. 1t was referred to the Committee
Commerce. and Navigation. We mus wait pa
tiently to see what becomes OF so important bill
as this
THE ELECTION OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES.
Mr. Nicholas Muller to-day presented bill pro.
vding Tor the election OF school Il ustees IN each
ward. as under the old system. lie claims the
present plan has worked badly particularly in his
own district, persons having been appointed en-
tireiy at variance with the wants and sympathles
OF his constituents.
NEW YORK CITY PARADE GROUND.
The resolution OF Mr.. Gedney. asking infor-
nation rom the PARK Commissioners as to why
they did not designate parade ground in New
York city In accordance with the law, was taken
from the table and passed.
IMPROVING THE EAST RIVER.
MIR. Keenans resolution petitioning Congress
for an Appropriation to improve the East River
so as 10 OBTAIN uniform depth OF water from the
southern end OF BlackwePs Island to point of
COrear'S HOOK. was also passed.
PASSAGE OF THE EMIGRATION BILL
the enactment OF Mr.. 7. 9. Campbell, giving
equal power to the presidents OF the Irish and
German Emigrant Societies with the other Com.
mlssioners in the appointment OF employees, was
to-day passed in the Assembly.
NEW SUPREME COURT JUDGE.
the Governor to-day nominated TO the Senate
Hon: Melville Osborne, OF Greene county, Justice
OF the Supreme Court, in place Of Justice Fuller,
elected to the Court OF Appeals.
A RAILROAD ACCIDENT