The herald., 1898-07-19
HILL Is MAD
Attacks the New York Election Law
and Says It Il Wrong


ALBANY. N. Y. July 1S-Former Gov
politan election law. just passed by the
New York Legislature, said:
"A measure has passed Of most extra
ordinary and dangerous character, violat-
ing every principle Of orderly legislation,
conceded to be especial in its nature and
attempted to be justified upon assumptions
which are as insulting as they are false.
I'm brief, this remarkable law creates a
new civil division in the States, to be known
az q metropolitan elections law. not CO.
extensive with the State, but limited to
particular localities.
The principle Of home rule, so dear to
every citisen who understands and appre-
ciates the true theory Of our State and
local governments. is unblushingly antag-
ontxed, repudiated and set aside.
THE Law IL based upon the assumption
that the people Of the city of New York
are unable or unwilling to honestly enforce
the election and registration laws at their
own home, and hence that the State has a
legal constitutional right to usurp such
functions. ignoring local officials, local SEN
timezhs and local instrumentalitiee. 1 de-
nounce such assumption as false and offen-
sive> It ts partisan bugaboo concocted
to secure partisan advantages and used as
An excuse to provide for partisan fayorit.
ism.
There was never any necessity nor de-
mand for this measure, and every con-
sefvstivs and Independent newspaper in
thu State 80 comedies.
IT believe this law to be violatiye OF the
spirit and letter Of the Constitution. The
law IL not only insolent and dishonest as a
whole. but some of Its provisions are UMPIRE
cedented and positively dangerous. The
deputy superintendents, seven hundred in
all, are permitted by section of the act
to visit and inspect any house in the city
Of New York. The words visit and in
spect' are broad words and confer vast
powers. This power Of Inspection is moth
ing more or less than a right of Search
and violates the constitutional provision
which declares that the people shall be Sc
cure in their homes against such unreason-
able researches. This law is not only an
attack upon Tammany Hall Democracy,
but will be regarded as an insult by every
decent Democrat throughout the State.
ut outrages not only Tammany Demo-
Gratis, but Democrats of every faction of
that city. 1t gives to the Democracy new
issue--the issue Of equal citizenship'-th
issue of uniform legislation for Democratic
and Republican localities, the issue Of
home rule for municipalities versus a State
force bill. It will absolutely unite the De-
mocracy Of the State. 1t will cement fac
tional divisions; It will overshadow all diff
ferences upon financial questions; It will
subordinate. personal contentious. and this
fall the unnecessary and gratuitous insult
involved in this force law will
arouse spirit of Indignation
among not only Democrats, but
fair minded men Of all parties, which, aug
menting as the campaign progresses. will
teach an intolerant Republican faction a
lesson which thu have not had since 1882.
when they boldly forged a committeeman s
proxy, and will insure the triumphant cleo
ton Of the Democratic State ticket and a
Democratic Legislature. These are the
'dRna OF the times"