New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-16
For BIENNIAL SESSIONS.
OPENING DEBATE ON THE PROPOSED
CHANGE IN THE CONSTITUTION.

ITS AUTHOR MOVES TO REDUCE THE PAY OF
MEMBERS OF THE LEGIsLATURE-oPPos1T
IN THE sENATE-sUsPICIoN THAT 1T Is
AN INsINCERE MOVE ANYHOW.
Albany. Feb II (speclaD-The Senate to-day
discussed FOR the first time the proposed amend
ment to the Constitution providing for bien-
NAL sessions Of the Legislature. This measure
has not been regarded quite seriously as it
deserves. because ~ a common belief among
politicians that there is no real intention on the
part Of the Platt machine to permit such an
amendment to reach the voters OF the state.
1t VIII be passed this year as blum to bring
some votes to Governor Black candidate for
reelection and then will be slaughtered in
lNSo' said a prominent member OF the Legis-
lafure to-day. Some members who are opposed
to passing nslncere measures not disposed
to help along the biennial sessions amendment
under present circumstances
The amendment as introduced provided that
the Senator'S term should be extended To four
years and that they should have $1,000 each as
their total compensation FOR that period. Sena-
tor Stranahan to-day offered amendments cu.-
ting down the Senators pay to 5000 and that
Of the Assemblymen for two-year term from
$1,000 to 81 800 and providing that both Sena
during extra sessions. There is a prospect that
these changes will cause dissatisfaction among
both Senator'S and Assemblymen.
After Senator Stranahan had explained these
amendments the measure was attacked by Sena-
tor Nussbaum. Republican, and Senators Can
tor and Grady, Democrats. Senator Grady de-
ClareG that the proposed reduction in pay would
result in IA deterioration Of the character and
ability Of the Legislature. 1t was. he said. re-
Versal OF the policy Of the constitutional amend
ments of 1870, which increased the compensa-
ton Of legislators.
Senator Stranahan Their made formal argu-
men for the proposed amendment. He said the
Leciqiatu-e was overwhelmed yearly with need
less legislation. There had been an excus, Tor
the annual meeting before the present New York
City Charter passed but now that this
"perfec' instrument" was In existence the Legis-
lature neeC not meet oftener than once in Two
years. There were twenty nine States which
one. held annua. sessions but only six did 50
now. Illinois has hed only two extra sessions.
Senator Nussbauro expressed belief that the
interests of New-York were so great univer-
sally that it would be problematIcal II change
such the one proposed would De for the
good OF the state The proposition. he contend
ed, a reflection on the members Of the
legislature There was some party legislation,
he admitted but would meeting once in two
years correct this? there were no worse Legisla-
lures in the country than those Of Illinois and
Pennsylvania. which met only once in two years.
Senator Cantor discamed belief that biennial
sessions would benefit the people. He would
concede that unwise legislation had been placed
on the statute books. but believed II to have
been largely the result Of haste. Re announced
his belief In short annual sessions, agreed that
the New-YOrk City charter had reduced the
necessity Of a great deal Of legislation that
had occupied the sessions in the past, but
avOwed that he people could trust the Legis-
lature to meet once n year. II they had ia
vOred biennial sessions their representatives at
the recent Constitutional Convention would so
have recorded II.
osition by stating that according to his in
formation. the Constitutional Convention had
not been able TO provide for biennial sessions
because Ncw-York City was then working under
the old charter requiring constant legislation
Senator Grady said that he should object 10
biennial sessions because they would tend to
curtail legislative power and extend executive
power. The Governor could convene the Legis-
lature at any time for his own legislation. while
the legislation Of the people would have TO
wait for the biennial session
Senator Ellsworth called attention 10 the hour.
10 o'clock. and. stating that the subject
one that should receive ample confederation.
moved that the Committee Of the Whole rise
and report progress and ask leave TO sit again.
1t was so ordered. and then the Senate ad-
journed until II o'clock tomorrow morning.