New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-12-16
NO B4CESTIIPS NEGOTIATIONS.

This winter Is no time for backstairs ncgO-
tiations at Albany with Governor Flower or
anybody else The duty of the Legislature is
plain and its task is not hard. There is no de-
mand or occasion for the arts of flexible and
adroit politicians. Republicans have been put
in control of both branches for the simple pur-
pose of doing in a perfectly open and straight
forward way what the voters showed last No
vembcr that they wanted TO have done. For
this no diplomatists no stratcgists and no ma
nocuvring for position are required. The mo-
ment the members are called to order the
majority will hold the only position that they
will need to occupy. and it will be their
fault if they lose it, They have no business TO
send to Mr.. Flower Il single bill which an
honest and intelligent Governor can hesitate to
sign. They have received their instructions
from the people, and when they have obeycd
them their responsibility will end. If Governor
Flower does his duty he will share the credit.
If he prefers to monopoze the odium, so much
the worse for him and his adherents.
There is no room for doubt about this matter,
and there will be no excuse for Il blundcr. The
Democratic party has created conditions which
the Republican party has been ordered TO re-
verse The spells of profligate dcspotisin
were the end in vicw and fraudulent elections
were the means adopted No partisan con
sideration suggests or qualities the duty of
destroying. root and branch, this detestable
growth. A popular majority composed OF all
parties has assigned the task 10 Republican
majority in the Legislature. 1t must be taken
up at once and finished promptly There Is no
need TO ask what Governor Flower thinks or
intends TO do about it, and Republicans will
perform useful service If they keep their eyes
wide open and spot forthwith any colleague
who goes to the Governor with questions and
comes back with hints. That sort of backstairs
communication has done much harm in the
past If those who have taken part in it be-
lieve that it has ever done any good they are
welcome to their opinion. There is certainly
no conceivable justification for IL this year any
more than there is for sly tricks 10 put the
Governor in hole. Beyond the transmission
to his hands of honest measures for the com
mon welfare. and the natural civilties Of social
intercourse. Republican legislators need TO have
no dealings with Mr.. Flower.
We have specified some details Of the work
necessary to be done at the coming session.
They include a non-pariisan Police Board in
this city. an equal division Of election inspect
ors throughout the State, n blanket ballot, and
the abolition of the Excise system which en-
ablcs political machine to blackmail the liquor
interest When the Legislature has sent bills
TO accomplish these and some other kindred
objects 10 the Governor, and made suitable
provision for an efficient and economical adj
minstration Of the States business, it can adj
journ without msgivings as TO the past or the
future. If the Governor chooses to get in the
way it will be his funeral. The people will set
the date and the corpse will be ready.