New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-03-03
CANALS IN STATE POLITICS.
HOW EDWARD MURPHY, JR., USES THEM IN
HIS DEMOCRATIC SCHEMES.
THE REAL CHIEF OF AN IMPORTANT DEPARN
FURTHER HILLS PLANS AND TO SE-

FURTHER HILLS PLANS AND TO Sc.
CURE A DEMOCRATIC SENATOR.
IFRoM THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE rRrBuSss
Albany, March 2.-There was scene at the doop
Of the Senate Chamber few days ago which
amused those who witnessed it and heard what
was said by those who participated in it.
A stout man, with forid, good-humored face.
was entering the room in company with Assem-
blyman Shcehan, when they were suddenly stopped
by the doorkecper, who said; " Mr.. Sheehan, you
can enter, but this gentleman cannot"
why not?' said Mr. Sheehan, cooly. Are
not heads of State departments admitted?"
Certainly" said the doorkeeper, with an apollo
getic air =" | did not know the gentleman. You
can pass in
Within the doors there stood G. +. R. Coe, the
Lieutcnant-Governors private secretary. He had
heard what Mr.. Sheehan said, and had smiled az
the latters statement What department is Mr..
Murphy the head OFF" he quietly inquired of Mr..
Sheehan in a low voice.
"Of tie Canal Department" replied Mr.. Shee-
han, laughing, he passed on with Edward
Murphy, jr., chairman of the Democratic State
Committee.
Mr. Sheehan spoke in JEST but what he said u
the truth Mr. Murphy is the real chief of the
tensible chief is but puppet. All the Demo
Gratis who wish for employment on the canals 60
first to Murphy in Troy, obtain his backing, and
then visit Mr.. Hannen here in Albany. The COM
mittee of Hill Democrats who came here last week
from Syracuse to obtain, if possible, from Governor
Hill the political scalp of p. j. Brunei
kamp, the Cleveland Democrat who ID
tie superintendent Of the States Salt Works
at Syracuse. also visited Mr.. Murphy at Troy
and asked for canal patronage. Mr.. Murphy, IL
is said responded fayoraby to their requests.
All along the line of the Erie Canal, between
Troy and Buffalo, of the Oswego Canal and OF
the Champain Canal he Intends it is said, ia
put Hill Democrats in place of Cleveland Demo-
Gratis When these Hill Democrats once have
snug canal places, it Will be political miracle
if any Cleveland delegate 10 the National Demo-
cratic Convention of 1892 is elected from any
one of the canal counties.
But Mr. Murphy has other plans in view in
his management Of the Canal Department besides
deriving the Cleveland Democrats Of power in
the Democratic party. He also seeks by using
that department as a lever. to elect Democratic
Assembly this fall with such a large majority
as 10 overcome the present majority Of six votes
that the Republicans possess in the State Senate.
Ii he does gain the Assembly by such large
majority he will have at his disposal United
States ,natorship, the seat OF William NJ E'ar'S
becoming vacant next year There are now
- Democratic .issembymcn and II Repub-
leans Mr. Murphy must secure the elec-
ton Of 6s Democrats Assembymen nexs
year to elect David b. Hill, William G. Whit
ncy. Smith NJ Weed. Roswell P. Flower. or some
other prominent Democrat. as Senator. Ihoss
6s votes with the votes of l3 Democratic Assem-
blvmen make up q total Of 81 votes in the Joint
convention of the Senate and Assembly TO elect
q United States Senator. The Republicans would
then have 10 votes in the Senate and only 90
votes in the Assembly a total of only s9 votes,
two votes short of majority.
Mr. Murphy hopes 10 overcome the big RepuD-
lican majority in the Assembly at present by
lavish use of the canal patronage next summer;
that is, if the Republican Legislature Is foonsn
enough TO give him the money The canal ap-
proprlations proposed are of unprecedented mag
nifude Reference has before been made In the
Albany CORRESPONDENCE of The Tribune TO these
appropriations, but it is necessary from time to
time to rive new list in order TO tell of additions
70 il and to disclose the grand total. Here Is
list Of the largest appropriations yet proposed:
nirro,ement Champldn CanIl...-.-.--.-.-. S15o009
I.irtltnng locks oOU0W
ordinary pairs maintenance i,iVS W.
D'hrt'reN .---..--'-'---.- 300 000
canal elevators ogo0cU
principal interest Of canal ceot oooosV
ro.. .....................s3 So 772 o9o
All but the 1868, ,o9O, which is TO he raised to