New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-31
DUTJES TILT CONFRONT THE LEGLS


DCJIEo IHII CO-'h "N-''
LATURE.
The Legislature that assemblies at Albany
this week will have an opportunity afforded it
TO accomplish great deal for the promotion OF
the common good. A number of questions OF
large significance demand attention ana the
character and weight of the session will depend
largely upon the disposition that is made OF
them. Among these questions are the follow
ing:
The Dirorce LaUS. 1t is conceded on all sides
that these laws need a thorough Overhauling.
Divorces have increased in this State during
the past ten years at rate that alarms every IN
telligent person. The series OF articles and
communications on the subject that have APP
peared i'm THE TRIBUNE during the last few
months demonstrate how widespread is the de-
mand for legislative action. Shall inidelity TO
the marriage VOW continue to be the only ground
for absolute divorced Is it wise that persons
under the age of twcnty-One should be able
legally to marry without the consent of parents
or guardians7 Ought the partial" di-
yorce to be abolishedi Would it be
a step in the right direction to pass
law declaring marriages without
ceremony ilegal7 What is the most
effective way to suppress the nuisance known
as the divorce made-easy" lawyer These
are some of the points that the Legislature Will
be asked to consider. There is no politics in
the matter, and it should not be difficult to pre-
pare bill which would sensibly advance the
cause of morality.
Prison Reform. What is to be done with the
prison contract labor systemi The problem is
not to be solved off hand. Under the present
system the prisons have become self-sustainlng.
Under the old system they were costly burden
to the taxpayers. Last fall the majority
of those who voted on the prison pro-
position voted in favor Of abolish
ing the system. This is IA fact of large sig
nifcance, but the Legislature is not to be con-
cluded by it. 1t would be folly to abandon the
policy now in force unless something equally as
good takes its place. Mere iconOclasm will not
answer.
Tdration. The Democrats who controlled
the Legislatures of 1SS2-'s3 in absolute disre-
gard of public sentiment declined to amend
the laws relating to assessment and taxation, III
any salient particular. They left an example
in this, as in sundry other things, which the
Legislature of SS4 would do well not to initiate
The tax laws are full of inequalities. Some
property contributes nothing at all to the sup
mort of Government, while some kinds contrib
utc good deal more than their share.
The Government Of the Metropolis. This Is
fruitful field THE TRIBUNE's exposures ought
to be followed by thorough investigation by
the Legislature, TO the end that the proper
remedies may be applied. Our citizens expect
that their representatives will move promptly
in this matter in which the prosperity of the
city is involved.
The Canals The free canal policy has been in
operation one season. While it has been meas
urably successful, it has by ne means met the
expectations of its sanguine friends. Still II is
doubtful IL any serious effort will be made TO
abandon it. More probably the friends of the
enlargement policy will press their schemes
In his message of year ago the Governor suG-
gcsted that all such schemes should be stub
bonly opposed until the effect of the abolition
of tolls is fully apparent. Certainly that time
has not yet arrived. Alike in dealing with
canals and prisons, it is well to make haste
slowly.
Such are few Of the more prominent of the
subjects with which our lawmakers that take
hold this week will be expected to deal. The
session may develop others Of equal import
ance. Let us hope, for thcr own sake as well
as that Of their constituents, that they will
prove equal to what is required of them. 1884
will be a fine year for the Senator or Assembly
man that possesses the laudabIc ambition to
distinguish himself in the public service.