New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-05-06
THE LAST WEEKS or TIE LBelsLArURE.

THE LAST WEEKS OF THE LBGlSLAIOhH'
Unless the resolution which was adopted
several weeks ago is rescinded the LegisiaVuio
at Albany will adjourn without DAY mex.
week Nevertheless, not little business Vi
great public importance has yet to be Trans
acted. And while the people would not aKe
kindly to a proposition to psolone the session
beyond the 18th inst.-the prejudice in their
minds AGAINST long sessions is too deep to 30
readily oyercome-still less would they tolerate
the passage or the defeat OF any measure Whlch
had not received due consideration. TASTY nall
baked legislation is the bane OF the statute
books. In the circumstances 1T becomes tnc
Gh,tv Of our lawmakers TO apply the rule OF the
survival of the fittest And if they work late
and early during the fortnight that remains,
they ought TO be able to clear the calendars Of
both houses of all the bills which cannot go over
until another year or indefinitely.
The most important of the pending measures
is the Excise bill. 1t has received the assent
both of the Senate and the Assembly, but be-
fore it can be placed in the Governors hands
the Assembly will have to concur in the Sem
ates amendments. II ought to concur at once.
The Fassett Prison bill has passed the Assembly
ana is on Jno Oh INllu JSsANliiR al tAAO SS'
ate. 1t provides the State with wise and CON
sentative prison policy, just alike TO tho tax
payers, the prisoners and free labor mo
Mayors bill, which secures genuine rapid
transit for this city, has passed the Senate. II
the Assembly desires to receive the heartfelt
thanks of the people Of this metropolis 1t will
give it prompt attention. good practical
compulsory education act, to take the place OF
the existing dead letter, has already gone
through the lower house. A motion TO send II
to third reading In the Senate was resisted by
one or two DemoC ratS-for some inconceiYablc
reason. The bill was drawn by one OF the most
intelhgent and experienced educators in our
State and Is approved by the Superintendent Of
Public instruction. It's failure would be seri-
Gus misfortune. As for the pending Canal bill,
all that need be said is that the true friends OF
the canals will make mistake IL they do not
stand firm in their determination not to ote for
an excessive appropriation. The foremost
philanthropic measure of the session, that which
provides for the State care Of the insane. has an
overwhelming public sentiment behind II, and
encounters Kttlo resistance save from those
whose motives are anything but public-spirited.
II It's friends at Albany are faithful it can get
through this year. 1t is earnestly to be hoped
that the Assembly will pass the bill which has
already passed the Senate, 20 exclude railroads
from State lands in the AdirOndacks. But be-
fore doing so the vicious Amendment inserted
ina the Senate excepting all railroads a.
ready chartered from the operation OF the bill
ought to be struck out. Members who APP
preciate the importance OF preserving New
Yorks great park will need no argument to in
duce them 10 kill the amendment and pass the
bill. II was proposed early in the session TO
give the Capitol sc, 100000. But in view OF
the ceiling scandal it is doubtful II any very
large appropriation is made this year for that
insatiate building. Other bills on the preferred
calendar provide for three Commissioners in
Lunacy; for extending the area Of savings
banks investments for the construction OF q
House Of Refuge for women.
Now if these measures and others Of general
concern are to receive adequate treatment be-
fore May 10, II is obvious that the Legislature
has not a moment 70 lose. Let every member
of the responsible Republican majority be punct-
ual and constant in his ate ldance at all tho
sessions Let the rule hni ling speeches to five
minutes be strictly enforced. Let the lobby be
kept of the floor. Let all attempts to havo
private or local bills read out Of their order be
frustrated. Let sharp lookout be kept for the
Jobs which often slip through in the hurry and
confusion Of the last days Our Republican
friends at Albany owe it to themselves TO their
constituents, to their party, to ond this session
in way that will meet the best expectations.
The voters will have an opportunity the com
ing fall to pass their verdict on the Legislature
of 1889. new Senate and Assembly and new
Executive officers are 10 be chosen. The Ro-
| pubncans can win all the easier at theNc i'm
portant elections II their representatives at Al
bany make no mistakes during the next two
weeks. "