The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-01-27
Lobbying and Wirepulling at the
State Capital.
CORPORATION INFLUENCES AZ WORK.
Lobby "reminiscences and What May Again
Happen in Albany
BILLS IN HAND AND TO COME.
ALBANY Jan. 20. 1879.

ALBANY JAN 20, 1879.
The Legislative fever has come upon this year
with unusual vim and promise. BY this assertion
mean to convey the idea that the distinguished
members of Senate and Assembly have thrown a
than usual animation into the preliminaries of
what may be somewhat aptly termed their annual
raid" To the general public (some Of whom. per-
haps. only glancing casually at the actual routine OF
business here) it might prove an entertaining-and
an astonishing study. too-to delve little deeper
into the real vital issue and schemes underlying
Legislative proceedings at the State capital. This
year the study promises to be very interesting one
and will well repay attention.
''THE HAZARD THE DE-"
1t is conceded upon all sides that the work and
character of the present Legislature must determine
to large extent the political prospects of the repub
lican party in the State next fall Many go far as
to say that the national struggle of 1880 will also
be seriously affected. more or less, in the
connection. When the political field is scanned
from Albany standpoints such conclusions cannot be
considered visionary in any respect. Out of the 12s
members of the Lower House the republicans
count ninety seven; twenty Senator'S sit around the
semicircle with their twelve democratic colleagues.
Two more Senators would have given the republi-
cans two-third vote in the latter body. In such
contingency what might not have been accomplished
in the interest Of party and craftsmanship? 1t is for
tunate for the people however that such is not the
case. Governor Robinson to-day stands ready. with
pen in hand to strike down any measure having for
its sole objects partisanship and individual corpo
ration interests But great deal be left urdone
by the present Legislature which will result in max
ing its reputation low when Tweed and company.
aided by the lobby bought up each member, body
and soul, at a stipulated price. Will this be the
suit Of all the work Of the Legislature of 1879? The
session must have advanced much further before
proper opinion be based on this consideration.
In my last review to Legislative prospects written
before Speaker Avord had designated his House COM
mittees. and published in the HERALD Of the 10th
inst.) l gave short list of what might be
considered important measures for action by this
Legislature. If they not attended to people will
naturally seek for reason. Well, it will not be diff
cult to draw conclusions in the event of such neg
lect The easiest possible way to solve the conun-
drum is to refer to that celebrated historian William
NJ Tweed, in his narrative to how the charter of
1870 was rushed through; then make comparisons
Us to how similar course could be adopted now SO
as to prevent legislation against the interests of the
New York Central Railroad. the insurance and other
rings. VIII the present Legislature of 'high moral
ideas" --ninety-soven immaculate Assemblymen and
twenty grave and reverend Senator's risk the future
of their party in State and nation the hazard of
die in giving the cold shoulder to needful legisla
ton simply because Well it is better to let the
free and independent voters who sent these gentle
men to Albany draw their conclusions as to
specific apologies.
The list of important measures which might oper
ate in testing the immaculate purity of respon
sible majority" and which. no doubt, ought to be
passed upon at will bear repetition here They
as follows:-
/. Passage of new appropriation bill. by which the
thousands of voters in this State ut present unrepre
scented in the Legislature have voice in the max
ing of laws.
q The abolition and amendment Of statutes by
which the taxpayers of New York can be relieved
of paying at least $5.OoO.OoO year in extravagant
salaries and for the support of sinecurists who
could scarcely living at any reputable employ
ment.
g. Abolishing the fees of Register, Sheriff and
County Clerk (which amount annually to from
$4,000 to OOO and making those Offices salaried
that the fees might go into the city treasury.
4. Passage of equitable excise law. which will
protect the liquor interest well lovers of law and
order and prevent the police from blackmailing and
Excise Commissioners from arrest and removal
through misconception of their duties.
> Reforming the well known abuses in public
markets in New York city, by which shareholders
and their friends said TO be blackmailcd and the
city defraudei of large amount Of revenue.
g. Changing the statutes governing the Dock De-
partment in New York. by which the income from
docks. wharves and piers be largely increased
and the sinking fund for extingushing the city debt
materially enhanced.
T. Providing additional protection for depostors
savings banks and holders Of policies in insurance
companies.
against the oncroachment of powerful railroad and
other corporations in their seizure OF public and pr
vatc property for the benefit of rings.
9. Compelling proper accounting for and collec-
ton of personal and real taxes where corporations
are parties in interest.
OF course. these are only few Of the very many
considerations which must undoubtedly result in
testing the good sense of republican Legislature
We have no doubt, many able and honest i'm both
branches. Let them come ~ the front manfuly aud
present measures which will test the character OF
many Of their colleagues. now looked upon here rs
simply the tools of corporations and political
cliques Some of them, too, are charged with being
in the receipt of salaries compensation for legis-
lative services. Legislatures OF former years, Of
both parties have thus been again and again brought
into disrepute, until all decent men turned away
their heads IN shame at the record According TO
present appearances to have somewhat SIM
liar operations in certain quarters here this winter.
The cause and effect, and the men respon-
sible for the same. must BIO developed as
the session progresses. Whoever throws him
self in the way of reforInatory legislation,
either by the usual underhand trickcry 40 prev
alunt here In committees or by the more open war
the floor of the Legislature will be to be
Marked and must expect to get his deserts ut the bar
OF public opinion. Again, II may be asked why will
those gentlemen take such risks in direct opposition
to public sentiment? An extract from Tweed $
always interesting NARRATIVE Dciore tne new hork
AldcrInanic Committee might help the nquisitive in
deciding such an ISSUE II Is as tolows:-
SUGGESTIONS ron THE UNfSITIATRD.
Questions by Mr.. Cole. Assistant Corporation
Counsel. Answers by Mr.. Twced.)
How was that money raised to buy through that
charter of 1SI0r
"a large part OF it raised by the notes Jointly
of Connolly and smith, made payable to my order or
Connolly and myself. made payable to smiths order.
or Smith and myself. made payable to Connolly Is
order the case might be. and discounted at the
broadway Bank. l think some were discounted in
the National Central; as general thing made pay
able to my order and discounted at the broadway
Bank.
"You had them discounted in the Broadway Ma
| tional Bank -
Eyes. sir"
"well, then. the money having come into your
hands. did you use IL personally in influencing mem
bers Of the Legislature "
II did, sir"
"Did you pay IL yourself to them p
10 some senators, yes, sir. What paid In the
anI.lhlN mai uluIasi nlI OF AIr A IL