New-York tribune., 1896-02-05

Governor Griggs is undoubtedly averse to 'he
appointment of any legislator to ONCE Out II
is doubtful II he has made any iron-ciad rule
for his own guidance in that respect
The Judiciary Committee OF the Senate VIII
give a public hearing at noon next Iuesuay
on the proposed constitutional amendments
with special reference to those affecting the
judiciary.
There is a wide difference Of opinion as TO the
desirablity OF pushing through any OF the con-
stitutional amendments this year Among the
Republican leaders the sentiment prevails that
II would be well to go slow and be rlght out
among the anti-racetrack men there IS posi-
tive determination to force through thelr
amendment. If that is done. the Constitution
cannot be altered again for five years
Resides the uncertainty as to the best kind
Of a change to make In the Court of Appeals
there is urged by some Of the leaders this ad-
ditional rea son for not being in too much haste
about closing the doors Of the constitutional
changes for five years:
The system OF eecting Assemblymen by
rounties Is not working satisfactorily, as 1t
gives no opportunity for minority representa-
zion In Hudson, for example, eleven Demo-
cratic Assemblymen were elected and In Essex
eleven Republicans. The minority In these
counties-larger than the total voting popula-
tion in some other counties-is thus LETT
without a spokesman There is considerable
talk of re-establshing the district system
through constitutional amendment providing
safeguards against gerrymandering.
Nothing has been done yet in the way of
determining definitely who shall have the IN
portant offices in the gift of Governor Griggs.
The prosecutorship Of Middesex lies between
Assemblyman Hicks and John S. VOORHEES,.
The factory inspectorship is being chased ike
@ will O. the wisp by small army. and so
with most Of the other places.
reform Republican administration Is now in
oower One Of the charges made against the old
Dsmocratic gang" was that they kept In office
4 horde Of professional office-holders-men VINO
never did anything else. Governor Griggs may
take II into his head to serve notice on all con-
cerned that 1t is not his intention to foster the
perpetual office-holding system.
That bill Of Senator Thompsons introduced by
Eenator Stokes. which gives magistrates zee Oh
DO cents for each criminal complaint mace oe-
sore them. came from Somerset County Justice
There would be complaints enough to keep Grand
uuries in session all the year around. AT pres
ent Justices Of the Peace get fees only when in
dictments have been found.
The Republican Senators have decided to pass
the bill to pay the Supreme Court and Cnancery
Court Clerks $1,000 each In lieu OF all fees' IL
was reported to-day that 1T had also been deter
mined in caucus to pass all the constitutional
amendments except that providing for bienniai
sess,ons Of the Legislature. but Senator Stokes
assures The Tribune that no such action was
taken.
Both houses have adjourned for the week The
real work accomplished so far amounts to little.
md there will have 10 be some husting If the
lawmakers really desire TO have more than a
blank page to look at when the day OF hnal ad-
gournment comes. Perhaps that wouldn't be an
unmixed evil.