New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-05-20
THE CONNECTICUT RAILROAD FIGHT.
AN EXCITING WEEK IN THE LEGISLATURE
PROSPECTS OF BALLOT REFORM.

AN EXCITING WEEK IN THE LEGISLATURE-
PROSPECTS OF BALLOT REFORM
Hartford Conn.,, May ls.-1he past week has been
the most exciting OF tho present Legislature In
fact Of any Legislature OF Connecticut for many years
The great parallel railroad problem, which has been
before the people Of the state almost continually Tor
tho last fifteen years has been again settled and
all is quiet, br would DO II It were not for such a
tremendous aftermath of accusation Of bribery and
dlsreputable procedure Under the lead Of Colonel
Stevenson and Mr.. Starbuck the HOusItonic manage
ment openly expressed confidence In being able, az
last, 30 down the old road and show the people OF
the lower part Of the state what raIroadlng was
really like. But the vote In the House on Thursday
showed that for the first time in many years the
Consolidated road had that branch and by majority
Of thirty four far beyond the expectations OF the
most sangune friends OF the Old road The defeat
Of the Housetonlc plan was Immediately followed by
the adoption OF the majority report and the passage
Of an amendment to the general railroad law which
places all railroads desiring TO build extensions upon
the footing. which is, that they must first OBJ
tain the consent OF justice OF the Superior Court
as 10 the public necessity Of proposed line before
being allowed to build under the law While this
docs not prevent the building or now lines under
certain circumstances, II does not grant to any
road those special privileges of eminent domain and
authority TO issue stock, which is guarantee that
any such road will be built. 1t Will be many years
before the OLD Inc Will Uc pa ailCLStI CANtPb W ~
self which 1t will be soon, as It IS quite likely
that the present temper Of the Legislature Is favorable
to granting the increase Of stock which the ConsOli
dated desires IN order to enable It TO complete the
fourtrackng OF It's road on the southern division and
otherwise improving aud putting It's service upon
level with the best in the country The hearing upon
tho petition FOR this increase is set down for next
Tuesday and the second stage Of the great legislative
railroad fight will have been entered upon
The Ballot Reform bill is unfortunately Joined to
a Personal Registration bill which IS the most unpop-
ular measure that has been put before the wording
politicians OF tho State OF cthor party but an effort
Is being made, and II bids fair 20 be successful which
will separate tho two and allow the Ballot Reform
bin TO go before the Legislature on its own merits
Tho chances certainly good II is sure 10 receive
the support OF the Republicans party measure ana
several Of tho Democratic leaders earnestly tn It's
favor 1t not expected that Governor buckley VIII
veto the measure ard II ne should II IS probable that
It could be passed his veto It only requires
majority in this state. But there Is little danger OF
q veto.
The prospect for speedy close Of the SOS ion IS not
a bright as u might be. The Senate has passed
resolution setting the day OF final adjournment at
June /, but the House has taken action IN tho
matter. 1t Is hardly possible with the great amount
Of business that the session Will end before June 10