New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-03-26
EVENING DEBATE IN THE ASSEMBLY.

EVENING DEBATE IN THE ASSEMBLY.
| RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED FOR TIE APPOINTMENT OF
BOnI COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION -
SKETCHES OF MEssRs. PRINCE AND FARRAR N
| FAVOR OF THE APPOINTMENT OF A COMMISSION
| Mr.. PETTY on THE NECESSITY OF IMMEDIATE
| LEGISLATIVE ACTION-ME. Hustled On THE GOV
| ERNOR'S ACTION.
icy TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBUNE.I
| ALBANY, March 2J.-The long debate on the mes
sage was taken up again with alacrity by the AS
senbly in the evening 7. J. Campbell of New
York was called to the Craftsmanship Of the Com
! mittee of the Wnole by Speaker Mcclure.
Mr.. Prince made the iirst address. He
handled tae questions suggested by the Gov
errors message with clearne5s and force.
Two distinct propositions enforce attention
from the Governors message, lie Soid. The first is
concerning the enactment Of remedial legislation to
meet the evils set forth in the message. This is
purely legislative matter The second is the pro-
posed investigation with a view to detect and
punish the guilty. This need Of early legislative
action in the way of reform and remedy is appar-
emf. There will be little difference of opinion
among the greater number Of the Assembly as to
that and probably among many OF the members
there is 10 wide divergence of view as to
what legislation is needed. The duty of the
Assembly in regard to legislative action
is plain and pressing The duty Of
investigation is not legislative and it is totally dis
tinct from the duty of reformatory law-makng.
Whether the work of investigating should be pur-
sued by legislative committee or q commission of
citizens is matter about which there may be diver
sity of judgment 1t would be reflection on
the Speaker for the House to make the appointment
OF an Investigating Committee. No one has higher
respect for the Speaker than have. but that ee-
ment of respect for the presiding officer of the
Assembly does not really enter into the fundamental
issues whether it is advisable that the Investigation
Shall be done by Legislative committee or an outside
! commission. The only consideration which should
govern us is, now can this investigation be car
ried on most efficientlyi The Legislature is dis
tinctly called upon by public opinion to set on foot
direct and searching measures of inquiry account
of the grave charges in the Governors message.
Which will be most efficient, legisla-
| tive committee or an outside commission A
legislative committee will not have time Ugh to
| carry on proper investigation, if there
other obstacles to its usefulness The session is
very far from its close. and the members now have
| continuous and important occupation, and the As
semblymen who are the men to put on committee
of investigation. if one should be appointed. are
busy with committee work. A Commission would
have much more time than legislative committee.
| ADVANTAGES OF A COMMISSION
! Mr. Prince then showed by various arguments the
superior efficiency of an outside commission. and
afterward considered tho objections suggested to
the Governor as the power to appoint the Commas
sion. There is an eminent propriety, he remarked,
in that the Governor, who has initiated the reform,
should carry it to conclusion; but there is APP
parently lack of confidence in the Governor
felv by a certain part of the Assembly. This
was shown few weeks ago on the
floor and it seems to have increased since that time
but for one believe in the absolute good faith Of
the Governor in beginning this reform. 1t is not
new role for Samuel J. Tlden to play-that Of o re-
former There is no reason for any one to doubt his
motives in entering upon this reform. when his past
| record is considered. Mr. Prince then spoke Of the
| part that Mr.. Tilden took in the overthrow Of the
Tweed Ring, and referred to him as graphing with
that gigantic power.
| Speaker MCGUIRE here interrupted the speaker by
asking in sneering tone: Does the gentleman
pretend to say that the person of whom he is
speaking grappled with that vi gantc power until it
| was overthrownT
| Mr. Prince answered that he did not think that
| any man did moro than Samuel j. Tilden In the
! warfare against that great power. Tho people of
See Seventh Page