Evening journal., 1892-01-05
BUSH ELECTED SPEAKER
The New York Legislature
Meets and Organizes.
GOV. FLOWERS MAIDEN MESSAGE

II Asks an Enumeration Of the Inhahit- |
ants Of the state, Reapportionment OF
Senate, Assembly and Congressional Dis
tricts and worlds Fair Bill.
ALBANY, Jan. 5.--Both branches of tho
legislature met at noon in accordance with
law, and the session was formally opened.
Most Of the desks were beautifully orna~
mented with floral tributes, and the banners
and bunting loft over from the inauguration
ceremonies gave the assembly chamber an
unusually brilliant appearance. The assem-
bly, was called to order by the clerk, and
after prayer the new members were sworn In.
Dr. bush Elected Speaker.
The house then proceeded TO the election
of officers. DR.. Robert p Bush, Of Che
mung, was nominated for speaker by the
Democrats and General James A. Hustled
by the Republicans DIR. Bush, amid loud
applause from the Democratic side, was de-
clared elected speaker The other officers
elected were; Clerk, Charles R, De Freesti
sergeant at arms Michael b, Redmond, Of
Cohoes; doorkeeper, Edwin A. Moore, Of
Richmond; first assistant doorGeeper, +. d.
Fitzpatrick, and second assistant tdoorkeeper,
Kenneth l.. Nievens.
On assuming the chair Speaker Bush made
a speech congratulating the Democracy Of
the state, and expressing hope that wise
and patriotic legislation would be the record
Of the assembly now brought into being.
The speaker then appointed, upon resolu-
tion, a committee to wait upon the senate
and the governor and TO announce that the
assembly was ready for business. similar
committee WIS sent from the senate. The
governor, by the hands Of his private secre-
tary, then sent in the annual message.
The Moat OF the Message.
In Governor Flowers message it is urged
that "the paramount duty before the legis-
lature is TO provide for an enumeration Of
the inhabitants Of the state, preparatory 10 a
reapportionment of senate aud assembly
districtsn He further says that equally
incumbent upon the legislature is the duty
TO reapportion the congressional districts Of
the state.r Many figures are cited to sub
stantiate these recommendation The state
finances are said TO be in a satisfactory con
dition. Economy in public expenditures Ii
urged. Figures are given showing that
S4,6iO, 124 has been expended since 1880 II
"permanent commissions and bureaus estab
lished by the legislature since 1872 and th'
suggestion is made that ''the closest scru
tiny should be applied 70 every demand fo
the creation Of any additional ofices.n Th
legislature is urged to provide for the hold
ing Of a constitutional convention. Educa
tional matters are discussed at length. Tn
movement known as university exten
sionr is considered Of doubtful utility, an
II is urged that the state should frst perfec
its present system Of common school educr
|. tion before attempting 70 encourage 'highe
education at state expense, Execution b
electricity is said to have proved q success
but the repeal Is recommended Of that par
of the law which prohibits newspaper pub
lication Of the details Of executions.
The Worlds Fair.
The legislature should provide immed
ateiy for proper representation at th
Worlds fair in Chicago The work now
progress for revising the statutes is stronI
Z ly commended Regarding municipal go
t ernment the governor expresses the opiri0
+ that the legislature can wisely extend an
. enlarge the functions Of local authoritie
+ but above all it can refrain from unnece
0 sary interference with the affairs Of munic
E, palities.n
t Regarding electoral reform the govern,
!, SAYS that "any measure properly draw
Q and not in conflict with the constitution
:. which viii SO bulwark the present law as
]. make intimidation and bribery impossible
X viii receive my hearty approval He thinl
= the present law, compelling personal annu
d registration in all cities should be extendt
e to apply to the rest Of the state, and Il
Il adoption Of the constitutional amendmei
providing for judicial determination Of col
tested elec tions is recommended.
. In the Senate.
y The senate was called TO order at noon
Z Lieutenant Governor Sheehan, and aft
I prayer, Jacob A. Cantor was nominated
! the Democrats for president pro tenn al
y was declared elected. The following 9th
4 officers were elected: Clerk, Charles b. Du
I ming, Of Orange county; sergeant at arm
4 A. Tallmadge, Of Otsego county steno
4 rapher, James Murray, Of Albany; pos
y master, John Leach, Of Cattaraugus; pos
4 Office messenger, James Carroll, Of Albany
q Senator Edwards took his seat, thus q
4 abling the senate to organize, He stat
4 that he win ally himself with neither part
II The message Of the president was th'
received and read, and Immediately upon
conclusion a resolution was introduced Al
carried that the senate Immediately appoi
"a a committee to investigate and consider u
y contested election seats ia the senate.
a The senate then took a recess.