New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-04-17
MR.. MORTON SURRENDERED.
HOW THE ROBBINS ANTITRUST BILL
CAME TO BE SIGNED.
Mr. ROBBINS ALTHOUGH THE GoVEHNoh
PLEADED WITH HIM REPEATEDLY RE-

Ma posB1Ns. ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNOR
pleaded WITH HIM REPEATEDLY. RE-
FUSED TO WITHDRAW tan
INTERESTING EPISODE.
A,banv. April 16 (special).-Governor Morton. I'M
der extraordinary circumstances. yesterday sigheo
the Robbins Anti-Coal Trust BILL which gives to the
Attorney-Gene-al power to prosecute corporations
guilty of conspiracy. 1t reported yesterday
that the greatest pressure had been brought 10 pear
upon Mr. Robbins to have him withdraw the Dill
from the Governor. This was Denied out Is con-
hrmed to-day.
Yesterday was the last day. under the const'u-
tional Imitation which the Governor had LOT 'he
consideration of the bill He had been urged 10 veto
the bill. but he did not wish to take upon himself
this responsibility so Mr.. Robbins was asked 10 re-
call the bill In the hope that powerful ioppy as
sisted by political pressure, would prevent IL i.o'
coming again before the Executive. MT. hooo"s
was not to be bulldozed. and the result was 'ha'
the Governor apparently much against Ills "''''
signed the bill last evening
The occurrences that preceded the signing OF inc
bill are interesting messenger yesterday "or".
ing Informed Mr. Robbins that he was wah'eu a'
the Executive Chamber. He answered 'he SUM
mons and found the Governor In disturbed Ha"e
Of mind. Att
with Won about the Coal Trust bill. have some
opinons on IT which would like to read to you
Mr. Robbins seated himself at the side OF tne Gov
ornor and listened attentlvely. whhe MT. Mo''o,,
read n two-page typewriter paper. WHICH, " All
outside appearances and from its contents resem-
bled n veto message
What do you think OF that! asKed the "o'e'"''
as he finished the reading.
"That il all right" replied Mr.. Robbins, TX IL eN-
presses your opinions. 1t does not express mine
We'll Robbins" said the Governor i do not
want to veto your Dill
"Sen IT. them" retorted Mr.. Robbins
"But I would rather have you recall IL ana let IL
como n mo as thirty-day bill. when would nave
n longer time in which to consider It,, said the
Governor.
~ consider. Governor" answered Mr.. Robbins.
that In the ten days allowed you you nave ma"
ample time to consider this measure represent
here constituency Representing them cannot
recall this bill. II you do not care to sign H. why
veto Il; the responsibility Is upon you and NOT me-
But Mr. Robbins. won't you as a personal FAVOR
to me- recall this bill? DO you refuse to grant me
this favor?"
YES / must refuse. Will not recall the bill.
Mr. Robbins then left the Executive Chamber. lie
had hardly reached the Assembly Chamber when ne
was sought by Private Secretary Cole and con,
found the Governor and his legal adviser. Mr.. Lin
coin The latter was standing a M 'n eobbns was
asked If he would recall the bill II the Attorney
Il Win not sad Mr.. Robbins. The Attorney
General has no reason to ask me to do that" =
Here Robbins take the receiver. said Mr.. LIN
coin, who had remained at the telephone. some
one desires TO talk with you.
Il have no use for the telephone. DO not desire
TO talk with any one was the reply . -
bat some does with you IL IL the Attorney
General at Syracuse.
II have nothing TO say to the Attorney-Genoral
Then you refuse to step to the telephone asked
Mr.. Lincoln. - -,
eral has anything TO say 10 me Will trus, you TO re-
port him correctly.
ton with the Attorney General which ended by Mr
Lincoln saying: Then you refuse TO ask Mr.. Rob
bins TO withdraw the blllT'
The answer must have been In the Affirmative.
for the faces OF the Governor and his adviser grew
even longer, as Mr.. Lincoln said. MIR. Hancock
refuses to ask Mr. Robbins 10 withdraw the BILL
Then the Governor said: But. Mr.. Robbins. sup
pose YOU absent yourself from the chamber while
Mr. O'Grady or some other member makes the
motion 10 withdraw the bill
81 will not become n party 10 such scheme as
that" replied MIR Robbins.
And would you oppose such a moton?'
Eyes. sir"
vote against it?'
yes and speak against IT.
| The Governor and his advisers were nonplusscd
As n la,t resort. MIR. Robbins was asked II he
would take the matter under adylsenent Tor a
while This ne consented 10 do and AFTER due con-
s!deraon and counselling with trusted friends. ne
/ returned 10 the Executive Chamber ana INFORMED
the Governors private secretary that he had CON
sidered the matter and would not under any CON
alteration recall the bill little later the cover
| nors approval OF the bill was announced.