New-York tribune., 1880-01-15
THE LLGT>LATITE COMNIITEES


In announcing the agreement among Repub-
Leans of all opinions to support General
| Sharpe for the Sreakership, The TRIBUNE
predicted that this would be clean session,
and that the Committees would be made up
in the interest Of the people. We confidently
appeal to the list of Committees, printed else
where, for at least "A partial veriiication
of tins prediction. Speaker Sharpe has
put the best men of the Assembly In the
best places, and Lieutenant-GOvernOr Hos
kins has done the same thing in the Senate.
A glance over these lists, with keen look
at the places in which the iobbers have usU-
ally been able to intrench themselves, even in
spite of honest speakers, is almost enough to
raise the hope that the strikers occupation Is
gone. Surely the presiding officers of the two
bodies have struck hard blow at the trade
The selection of General Hustled as Chair
man of the Committee of Ways and Means
places in that position the most expert par
liamentarian IN the House. As a whole, the
Committee contains two ex-Speakers, who have
also served repeatedly upon this Committee !;
only two members ont OF the eleven are with
out experience in legislation. Mr. Varnum's
appointment as Chairman of Cities, puts
into that important place member
who has distinguished himself by dill
gent application to the affairs of this
city. The choice of Mr.. Terry as Chairman OF
judiciary is an excellent one, and the
Committee seems strongly made up. Mr..
IIurd has earned his reappOinlment as Chair
man of Canals by good service in that posi-
ton, and the Committee is one which will, at
least, advocate no step backward in a liberal
canal policy. The Insurance Committee, with
Mr.. Baker, of Rochester. as Chairman, seems
sound from stem to stern. No one needs to
be told that the jObbers fight for foot
hold on this Committee as a murderer
fights for a reprieve. Mr.. Siunner's appoint
ment at the head of the Railroad Committee
is an illustration, like some of the other Sc
lectiOns lust noted, Of General Shapes gen
eroslty toward his rivals for the Spcakership.
Mr.. Skinner would hardly have received so
Drominent a place if few OF his friends had
not managed to make his name conspicuous
in that contest Mr.. Duguid, of 0nondaea,
who has made an excellent reputation in the
Assembly, is put at the head Of the Committee
on Commerce and Navigation, which the strikers
have too often been able to call their own.
In many other respects the work Of General
Sharpe Is 10 DC IhSuly ColnHCnucus III dlOiu6
strong hope that this will be one of the clean
est sessions ever held in Albany.
In the Senate there are fewer changes to
record. Judge Robertson resumes his old
place at the head of the Judiciary Committee,
Mr.. Wagner is continued as Chairman of Rail
roads, Mr.. Davenport of Commerce and Nayi
gation Mr.. Rockwell of Insurance, Mr.. Wen
dover of Banks All these are fit and praise
worthy appointments. The place left vacant at
the head of the Finance Committee by the
retirement of Mr.. Harris from the Senate is
filled by the promotion of Mr.. Mccarthy, who
formerly stood second. Senator WOodin returns
to his old post as Chairman of the Committee
on Cities, his ability for which has never been
questioned by his sharpest critic. Senator
Baker thoroughly capable man, is put in
charge of the Canal Committee.
Now let the Legislature, with these excellent
tools, do its work well and quickly.