New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-05-16
THE LEGLSLATURES YORK.


cratic House of Representatives the Legislature
of this State has attracted large share of pub
lie attention. Subject to an unusually exactlng
criticism, its misdeeds have not been over
looked But when its work is compared with
that of previous sessions the result is by no
means unfavorable. 1t is doubtful II any
preceding Legislature which had the choos-
ing of q United States Senator accom-
plshed more, if as much, in the way
of wise legislation. Its choice of Sena-
tor gave satisfaction to the entire country.
And among the beneficial measures that 1t has
passed there are several, particularly the
Niagara and the Adirondack bills, which have
called forth like approval, because OF their
wide reaching effect. AS these measures failed
to pass previous Legislatures, 1t is more TO the
credit of the present one that it gave them
favorable consideration. The preservation OF
the Adirondack forests is now in the hands OF
good commission which will guard the public
interests and the land surrounding Niagara
Falls, on the New-York side, will no longer be
an eyesore to visitors from all parts of the
civilized world.
The farmers of the State will rejoice in the
passage of the bills which will eflectually re-
articles resembling butter and cheese, and their
interests have been cared for in other direc-
tions Several good tax bills were passed, i'm
Guiding one requiring all real estate to be as
sessed at its full value, and the one proposed
by the Controller concerning the taxation of
corporations Educational interests were adj
vanced by providing for two additional normal
schools and for redistribution of school
moneys The labor interests were cared for by
requiring safeguards for the protection of per
sons employed in manufacturing establish
ments The Canned Goods bill, and one con-
corning the adulteration of food and drugs and
several Others relating to the public health were
passed. In providing for the purchase of n
State camping ground, and in passing several
bills for the benefit of the Grand Army of the
Republic, generous consideration was shown
toward the veterans and the National Guard.
A bill relating to State printing and one re-
curing that all contracts for over $500 be adj
vertised were among the beneficial public meas
ures.
Altogether too much of the time of the Lcgis
lature is taken up with local legislation. The
Constitutional Amendment designed to remedy
that evil has failed to accomplish its purpose
The bad bills, or the ones which conceal jobs,
are usually local measures, and for that reason
their passage Is made comparatively easy.
Several bills of this character relating to New
York were passed, the responsibility for which
rests chiefly upon the members from this city.
Unfortunately the Democratic representatives
from New-York and Brooklyn were as a rule
ready to urge almost any of these bad bills and
with few exceptions the members of that
l. I'll To fa oil lxy
for such Jobs The schemes of Mayor
Graces new Dock Commissioners fortunately
were killed along with Commissioner Squlres
wate-rmeter job. The new Building Code,
which has been defeated so often before, was
sent to the Governor, along with other good
measures, such as the Fifth Avenue Pavement
the High Buildings, the Underground Wire, the
Sinking Fund and the Brooklyn Bridge bills.
The Arcade Railway bill was also passed, and
its friends promise for it good results. No
blame can attach to the Legislature for the
failure of the New Park bill, as it was opposed
by many of the largest taxpayers in the city.
1t was unfortunate that the Gas bills were all
defeated but more practical measure may be
submitted to the next Legislature In the
massage of the bills to make the County Clerk
and Register of Kings County salaried officers
a benefcent reform was accomplished for that
city.
Various efforts were made TO break down the
Civil Service law, but they all failed. Among
the defeated measures were the following,
which have met like fate at each session for
years: The Elevator, the Woman's Suffrage,
the Storm King Bridge, the Freedom of Wor-
ship, and the Drafted Mems bills, and the Field
Code. The Prison Labor bill, which passed the
Senate, was defeated in the Assembly by the
Democrats, assisted by eight Republicans.
Every effort to solve this question has met with
bitter opposition from the Democrats. But
after all, it is perhaps as well to allow fair
trial of the public account system, for which an
appropriation was made. Notwithstanding TIE
increased appropriation which this involved,
with the provision for the purchase of the land
at Niagara, the State camping ground aud
other matters the increase in State taxation
over last wear will be only the fraction of q
mill. Certainly that is not bad showing.