New-York tribune., 1895-12-27

ASSEMBLY
lFRoM THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE
Albany. Dec. 26-The nearness Of the session
OF the Legislature of 1896 indicated to-day by
the arrival of several members Of both houses.
Governor Morton seemed to be conscious that MS
hours Of uninterrupted perusal of state papers In
the Executive Chamber were numbered and that
he must hasten the completion Of the annual
message to the Legislature, to be submitted next
Wednesday,
Some Of the members Of the Legislature who ar
rived to-day were from New-York and Brooklyn
Only one measure that will be submitted TO the
Legislature seems to interest them. and that is
the Greater New-York bill. One Republican Sen
ator. who did not care to have his name used
gave some interesting news and criticism of
that bill
"In nv opinion" he said "the submergence Of
the Republican city of Brooklyn in the Demo-
cratic city Of New-York is political madness on
the part Of the leaders of the Republican party
and yet that is the scheme which is to be put
through the Legislature under caucus pressure.
suppose however. that shall go into the caucus
meeklv and swallow the dose, for Mr.. Platt and
Mr. Lauterbach seem bound to administer it.
THE SCHEME OUTLINED.
Their plan Is to pass a law wiping out the sep
arate police commissions of New-YOrk. Brook
lvn and Long Island City. and substitute for
them a single Board of Police for the Greater
New-York district Their plan also embraces,
understand the naming Of the members Of this
Board OF Police here in Albany under the plea
that II is to be of temporary nature, created be-
fore the election of q Mayor for the great munich
paty to be constituted
when will this Board Of Police for the
Greater New-York take Office"
Immediately upon the passage OF the act
hear and that would probably be about the
1st of March"
you said that you thought the consolidation
Of New-York and Brooklyn would be a political
mistake. In what way%'
81 look at II in this way: Once In about every
ten years the Republican party elects a Mayor
in Brooklyn whereas do not elect Repub-
lican Mayor in New-York once in forty years
Therefore by uniting New-York and Brooklyn,
we would put the Republican voters In Brooklyn
wholly at the mercy Of the great mass Of Demo-
cratic voters in New-York AS | said before.
think this is a political error and one which the
Republican party will regret deeply; but
shall nevertheless. go into caucus and submit
my will TO that of the other Republican Sena-
tors.
fo- both New-York and Brooklyn would commit
the Republican party irrevocably to the union
of these cities A referendum is to be refused to
the taxpayers Of Brooklyn That. | think Is
not just They ought to know the particulars
OF the charter which is to govern them as
part of New-York before they put under its
control and they should have the right to de-
clare in a legal way whether they accept it or
reject it."
PLATT'S REASON FOR HASTE.
Mr. Platt in the judgment OF the Republican
members Of the Legislature now here. seeks to
gain control of the Board OF Police of New
York and Brooklyn. as early as March l. with
the idea of securing the election of delegates
to the Republican National Convention. The
Police Department of NewYork under Tam
many Hall was most influential part of the
political machinery of the organization. 1t could
pack primaries, and 1t would exclude indepen-
dent voters from Democratic primaries. Mr.
Platt undoubtedly viewed this instrument of
Mr. Croker's with envious eyes in former years
and he would like TO possess it to in
controlling the primaries of the Republican
party in New-York City and in Brooklyn. as
well as in Long Island City. With the Police
Department in both New-York and Brooklyn in
his power there would be no doubt of the cleo
ticn Of Patt delegates TO the State and Ma
tiOnal conventions of the Republican party
SENATE CHAIRMANsHGPs
The place of President pro TEN. of the SEN
ate. which. under the new Constitution. has be-
come one of great Importance. will be held by
Senator Timothy f. Ellsworth, of Lockport
Niagara County. There is no doubt that he will
be the unanimous choice of the Republican
Senators at the caucus. which they will hold
next Tuesday evening. Senator Ellsworth is
veteran, for he member of the Senate for
two terms covering the years 1882. 1888. 1884 and
1886. He then exhibited those traits of good
judgment. integrity. ability and diplomatic skill
that have led to his unanimous selection for
President pro TEN. The Senators will also