New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-01-05
PUBLIC OFFICERS AND PASSES
sADDENING EFFECT OF THE NEW con
sTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
CAN'T GO HOME. AND MANY STATE
EMPLOYEES SUFFER- FROM THE rnoHIBi-
TIoN-TIIE CASE OF THE RAIL
ROAD COMMISSION


Albany. Jan G;peclaD other
amendment TO the Constitution adopted at the re-
cent election is receiving 50 much attention a'
that prohibiting the granting OF passes IN public
officials
The members OF the Legislature who served last
year stu had their old railroad passes when they
arrived here. but when they returned home
after the adjournment OF both houses. the
new Constitution had gone into effect. and they
had 10 reach down into their pockets FOR their
railroad fare. The result big Increase In the
receipts OF the railroad ticket offices here and
great muttering OF discomfort on the part OF the
legislators. one member from the Western cnd OF
the State expressed himself thus:
It's disgrace to the STATE and all rs people to
say as the Constitution does virtually say.
that legislators could be bought by railroad passes
II the people have that opinion OF us thcy ought
I'm all deccncy TO elect new men 10 succeed ~.
This new provision may have n considerable effect
on legislation Hitherto the members have gone
10 their homes or TO Ncw-York on Friday after
noon. 10 remain until Monday morning. Only "A
part Of those living any distance can afford
to do this The fare between Albany ana
New-York is 81 10. including seat In the parlor
car. Members VINO lived elsewhere and wanted
to visit the great metrolopus' occasionally didn't
was Tree gratis" \ difference Of $ 70 trip may
impel them TO remain here. Members from the
Far West will have to pay even more to get h 1nn
long and exceedingly tiresomc Journeys TO rcach
their constituencies. The upshoi OF T. ali may he
| members viii want 10 finish their work
possible If it is not TO be diversified with pleasant
| But the legislators not the only persons
affected. Indeed, they form only a ,rihing par, Of
"No public officer. person elected or appointed to
n public Office under The laws Of this state
means "A great many people. \ judicial intcrpreta-
| ton Of the words vii be necessary TO decide just
| who meant. The master mechanic Of the
| Commissioner here in Albany. is he included?
Must he pay fares when compelled to travel on
|
easy but with others this would not be
! Charles II. De Freest. secretary OF the Railroad
Commission. said:
! The Railroad Commissioners and the employees
are compelled to do great deal OF travelling II
they had to pay their fares half the appropriation
tors travel every bit Of railroad in the State
a; least once In every two years ana oyer most
trestles. bridges. etc. and report to the Commits
| sioners and to the railroad owning the property
These companies are glad to get this Information
ana act on II to imprcye BAD spots When an
to the railway company and an engine. with per.
haps one car. Is placed at his disposal This train
I road before, knows where the weak places were
When he comes TO treste or bridge or any Other
engine is left on the nearest switch and the in
spector makes his examination. Then he goes tC
| the next place
Such a survey could nos be made unless a specia
engine were used that is. II we leave out Of con
CINE would be 500 a day Besides. the Commits
sion holds hearings in various parts Of the state
and sends men TO investigate abuses about bad
vice. poor connections etc The passes are for use
Sn Pf as en w T naSa @
extent as part OF their duties seldom the
passes for pleasure travel As II IL. they com
PEELED to use the railroad cars much for bushes,
that they are glad to stay out OF them when they
can.
The suggestion is made that II the passes ISSUED
by the State to the employees Of the Railroad Com
mission are legal. then a law could be passed d.
rectng the Secretary Of State to make them on