New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-18
CONFERENCE WITH BLACK.
LEADING LEGISLATORS SUMMONED III
THE EXECUTIVE CHAMBER
THE GOVERNOR TELLS THEM WHAT HE rHiNhs
ABOUT PRIMARY ELECTION LEGISLArio"-
PROBABLE FEATURES OF THE
EEfl bblNNN ''''r
ley TELEGRAPH TO THE TRfBUNE.I


Albany. Feb 17.-There was a highly interest
ing conference at the Executive Champer vi ''''
Capitol tonight in relation to the Primary Ke-
form bills. Mr. Black assembled about MIN
party Of prominent Republican Senator'S ana As
semblviuen and had n chat with them about all
the bills which have been presented with .he
object of reforming the prin airy elections. lie
had especially requested the presence OF SEN"
tors Pavev Brush and Ford. and Assenblyfneh
Hill Stedman and Brennan. who had introduced
Primary bills Senator Pavey. VINO was in New
York last night received r. telegram from Seha-
tor Ellsworth especially requesting him. on De
half Of the Governor. to be present Mr. PaVey
at the time he received this message. was III
conference with Elhu Root and other members
OF the Union League Club and the city Clup
who have been sketching out the measure wh'ch
they think ought to be passed.
The Union League Club and other bodies in
New York" said Mr.. Pavey. on his arrival mere
have not yet put In form of legislative enact
ment the bill they desire to have passed. shall
be glad to he present at the conference In the
Executive Chamber tonight 10 learn Governor
Blacks views"
Senator Brush and Asscmblyman Weekes were
unable to be present. owing 10 an engagement In
New-York. but Senators Pavey and Ford and
Assemblymen Laimbeer Stedman and Bren-
nan were there. Among others present were
Northumberland Woodruff Senators Ellis
worth. Higgins. Charles Davis. Lexow. Raines
Krum. Lamy. Coggeshall f. r. Brown and
Humphrey. Speaker O'Grady and Assemblymen
Nixon. Kelsey and Aids.
The conference was in session until mid
night. 1t appeared from what was said that
Governor Black. Lieutenant Governor Woodruff.
|
favor bill which will provide for special en-
rolment Of voters in May of this year. This en-
rolment would be made in May. it was said. for
the purpose Of giving ample time 10 prepare Tor
the holding of primaries for the Assembly, sen
ate and County conventions, and also Tor the
state conventions. ~he enrolment will be made
In the presence of the election Inspectors In the
cities. In all places where voters personally
register their names this enrolment would take
place.
This provision appears prevent any reform
Of the rural primaries. which are VIGOROUSLY as
bad as any others. Fully as much cheating and
bribery goes on at these rural primaries as city
primaries. The rural members OF the Legis-
lature are apparently willing to have reform OF
the primaries in the cities, but are not in a
hurry 10 reform their own primaries.
Under the bill also on the first day OF regis
tIation this year voters would state their pref
eronce between political parties. This would be
made the basis for the enrolment for The year
1899. although an additional enrolment would
take place in the spring of 1899 and each spring
afterWard.
The primaries of the Republican party under
this bill would be held under the supervision OF
the Republican inspectors of election appointed
I'm the fall Of 1891 The only test question per
mitted would be the following: DO you intend
to act with the Republican party and vote for
its candidates at the approaching election?
This question is designed 10 permit the Seth Low
Republicans in New-York to take part in the
primaries Of this year. The primaries are to
be held at the expense Of the several counties
The date Of the enrolment will he named In
the bill but the dates for holding the primaries
are to be named by the county committees or
the parties. Who VIII act as ohcers AT the
primaries of the Prohibition party. the Socialist
Labor party or Of any Independent ofshoot OF
the Republican party or Of the Democratic party
has not yet been disclosed.
The enrolment of voters is 10 be n pubic
record AMI is to be open for examination at the
office OF the County Clerk in each county OF the
State. The courts 10 be authorized to strike
off the names Of persons who have no right 10
vote at the primaries.
When a co lventiOn is held the correctness or
the temporary roll is 10 be certified by the
County Clerk. The convention Is TO be called to
order by a person designated by the County Com
mittee Of the political party which holds IT. but,
ne IS TO have no authority after the chairman
of the convention is elected. The same principle
IS 10 Amply 10 State conventions. The County
Clerks are to certify to the names of the dele
gates elected. and they in effect will make up
the temporary roll Of the convention. and not
the State Committee al present
Senator Pavey will report to the primary re-
form associations in New-YOrk what was said
at the conference here tonight