New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-01-05


manner and betrayal of lack of interest IN tine
pro,sedincs that would seem 10 indicate that the
krSals of election time exhausted the power OF mem
bcrz TO think about anything hut politics. re" Oh
the members have bills for presentation 10 the
Legislature that they consider worthy OF trans
foryaatiOn into laws No expressions of desire 10
ansnd important laws are heard. nor are thefe
rumors of important changes in the charters OF New
Work and Brooklyn so often heard before. 1t would
seer, that the Legislature elected as matter
OF rin and that there is earnest pubic teeilhg
In favor of legislation Doubtless the members VINO
Intend to press measures of importance see that IL
wUuld be a waste of time to Introduce them IN view
of the absorbing interest taken in the election OF
Uated States Senator.
The Assembly had fresh blood poured into it's
veins at the November election, and accordingly
attracted the lovers of novelty and the marvellous
FOR there are more Democratic members this year
than last. The galleries of the Assembly Chamber
were crowded with visitors at an early hour ana as
The eminent members one after tho other strolied IN
they were pointed out The venerable ex-SpeaEer
AIvord short and burly, with wrinkled face spark
ling eyes and long gray hair and beard. was among
The frst-comcrs. Shortly afterward there entered
The Democratic leader, Erastus Brooks dark
featured man with black hair and black eyes whose
babtual look Of gloom and grim determination was
occasionally relieved by q smile OF great good VIII
~ members greeted him. Ex-Speaker Hustled
brisk active man, of medium height, with largo
head was also among the early corners. Inc
Assembly has seventyone former members
and ffty-twO members Of the last Leglsla-
lure; and accordingly there were many
exchanges of greeting. The new members
pntered the Assembly Chamber with all the rever-
snce that is accorded to church. sat in their seats
H. II fuIa IF 1bOUf
their portraits taken, and papably shocked 10y
The newspaper reading and letter writing of the
older members General +. 3. Spinola came later
but seized upon seat in the front row, that put him
nnder ths eyes of the rest Of the Assembly and
Ringing bdck the lapel Of his coat with hourlsn,
DO gazed proudly at William Nj. Hunts picture OF
Edward NJ. johnson, the clerk of the Assembly of
1880, called the members 10 order, ana long
praYer was offered for the safety OF the state. The
members were then called down INTO the arena III
front Of the Speakers desk, and in patches OF nye
the oath o.. office administered to them DY sec
rotary of state Carr Persons interested I'D religious
forms would have noticed with surprise tnat III al
most every group there were men who affirmed lu-
Stead OF swearing upon tie Bible. In fonheT years
aD affirmation was rare. 1t was observed ihat tho
Secretary of State dad not request the members
TO take hold of the sacred volume. A year agO
Bible that had been used for fifty years for the
swearng-in of members was stolen IN the Assembly
Chamber. The attitude of most OF the mcInheSS
while taking the solemn oath was one Ot becoming
al exception 10 this rule; he was nOnchalant In
manner. The Kings County delegation, and, indeed.
O large portion Of the New-lork delegation, looked
as If the eUjOnS and CeltS had conquered the conn
try The Democrats have ahler men IN the delega-
tOns FROM the cities OF NewIorl and Brooklyn than
they had last year while the Republican Gelega;;
Mitchell ana James NJ. Varnum from the New-4Ork
Republican deio CATION weaEeus 1t greatly, and is
much deplOIcd.
Mr.. Carpenter, of Suffolk, when the
oath had bean taken, moved that the
Assembly proceed to the election of a Speak
er. The caucus nominations were then con-
votes and EraStus Brooks IL Democratic votes
THE SPEAKERS ADDRESS.
Mr.. Brooks aud Mr.. Carpenter escorted General
Sharpe t. the chair. The Speaker has the looks OF
student, and as he adjusted his eye glasses to read
his speech he had much the appearance Of middle
age college professor about 10 read a lecture on
some shsiruse subject. HIS voice has strength
however that few college professors possess. His
speech, which was literally appiauGed, was as
follows:
should be insonsibe TO every romptng OF grateful
heart to postpone the expression OF my sincere
thanks for this manifestation OF your generous conf
dence. Tney all can give in return for tn honor
conferred and the respons ties Imposed except he
pledge OF my best efforts to faithful and impartial dis
charge of the duties before The people WHO lave
called tins Capitol have entrusted with grave
mineral commonwealth, but BY Federal and
State authority to choose repre-
senato C the Tnted sse the highest legislative body
in the land. The last Assembly labored most earnes Is
to Important public questions winch upper
most the minds OF the people Some OF the measures
failed Of adoption aud renewal OF Their consideration
during the present SESSION. s Olporuue since WIN us
expTaoa both branches of the LEGISLATURE VIII
der autnOruy they have to the hands which gave IT,
1t s Therefore 10 he hoped thai The high character
1oyed by Legislature will be Increased by Difference
10 the popular will
The ut qualities taxation upon attention
they discussed IN the pubic journals and, coming
thls s6jcct considered and how urgently 1t mnds
our vie and careful action. such OF have been
harm far inn
insIaoraie are Inc opporfunies during the hustle of
brief FOR the special study Of great public pol
ICY like that OF taxation Ii is not the custom Of the
people 10 Sng SPeeasts 10 uS n oas
interests the STATE When an Intricate and complex
question: like that OF taxation affecting every interest
and industry cOmes up legislative action IL evi
dent that special study aud special knowledge and H.
Having reviewed the work Of the special commit ee OF
last year. labOIiou and conscientious 1t beg to
suggest tIat bill may De passed early In The session
giving tie Governor the power TO appoint commits
sion, st here and elsewhere to consider tins subject
in all lis varied reOns am 70 Ie00f al OF near Tue
close of the session bili embodyng the re,
men, thus commissioned to c0muOse H. should IT be de-
srable the Governor could recOnveDe the Legislature
aioue and with one OF The most important OF pubic
Ques In allegiance, we might well STRIVE 10 shorten
which the Legs may take toward the further
ducton Of local burdens Personal trumphs, best
shall not inIre 70 the interest OF III
people whose seryants we are, Will DO
work sustained, AS i trust all shall be by the ap
prevail our couseienoes and the subsequent ap
provaI the conscience OF the public. snail leave
pehiud - worthy record, while the Stale will enjoy
The fruits Of labOrs faithfully performed.
Gentlemen, deeply sensible OF the honor OF
second election TO The char by body composed IN great
Dart OF members only feel that the efforts
heretofore 10 act With inpartlaty are apple
GATED. horc continue SINH ar adm Dis ration OF the
ffIties OF he ofice. shall doubtless commit
b,It rp4t ,S nayc the courage to admit and
:hep wt,e the political majority emOodying many
mnoty with accesAions 70 their members and
with Increase of strength Many the opposition
no coureously led it last winter returned and with
hem come Othor well known legislators Of experience
and attachments must ask from those who are par
Ys.ilary RESPONSIBLE for my election, well IRON
those not personally assstI III it, such cOnsderate for
aaar,nce az 1 know they will Dc happy accord