New-York tribune., 1899-05-14
EXTRA SESSION PROBABLE.
PROSPECT THAT THE GOVERNOR WILL
SIGN FORD FRANCHISE TAX BILL.
SPECIAL SESSION MAY BE CALLED TO
AMEND 1T AND REPAss RAPID
TRANSIT BILL.
TBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. ]

fBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIDUSEl
Albany, May 13-The talk that there would
be special session Of the Legislature shortly
grew stronger to-day, although Governor Roose-
welt was away from the city on excursion
with his family and therefore none OF the pre-
dictions about another session came from any
thing he said to-day. But the members OF the
Legislature and others who saw him yesterday
repeated some things that he had said. and
made II clear that he is seriously thinking or
summoning the Legislature in extra session.
Most Of the members OF the Legislature
seemed to think that probably the session
would begin on Monday. May ~. and last about
a week The date OF May % would be previous
to the expiration Of the thirtyday period after
tie adjournment OF the Legislature. which ends
on May 27 this year. within which the Governor
must act a bill In order that 1t may become
law. The Governor was reported to-day TO
have promised not to sign the Ford Franchise
Tax bill before Wednesday next. and TO have
given assurances that II he decides to call an
extra session OF the Legislature he would not
sign It until the Legislature should have met
on May 90 and had an opportunity to amend
the bill.
II. however the Governor should decide to
call the special session later. he would sign the
bill the coming week. and then probably have
the special session held the first week in June.
which would be after the period when he Is
compelled to give attention to bills passed by
the Legislature. There is every token to those
who talk with the Governor that he intends to
sign the Franchise Tax bill But this does not
preclude him from giving an opportunity to the
corporations to proffer amendments to the bill
which they think ought to be made for the pro-
.tr hnld from, untu
ton. He has candidly said on repeated occa-
sions that he was apprehensive that 1t was not
altogether prudent to give local assessors such
tremendous powers they will possess under
this bill. and he long ago suggested that the bill
should be amended to create state
Franchise Commission, 10 value franchises for
purposes Of taxation.
II has been suggested by some OF the attor-
Deys OF corporations that the Governor ought
to veto the Ford Franchise Tax bill and permit
the substitution for 1t Of better ieasure'
when the special session OF the Legislature Is
held. But 1t can be suspected that the GOV
crnor fears that the corporations would not
give any enthusiastic support TO reformatory
taxation act II the Ford bill should die. On
the other hand, the corporations at the hearing
last week were unanimous In this desire, tnat
a special session Of the Legislature should be
taxation measure.
1t looks now as though the Governor would
sign the Franchise Tax act the coming week and
then call a special session OF the Legislature to
amend the new law, by providing that the value
OF franchises should be learned by State Fran
chise Commission. thus deprivine the local
hoard of afsstfsofS OF anyi-sich power.
s. Fred Nixon, the Speaker Of the Assem-
bly,, started for his home in Chautauqua County
to-day. Before going In reply TO an inquiry. he
said. There will probably be an extra session
IL the Governor signs the Franchise Tax bill,
the Legislature will probably be convened Inn
mediately after his action on the measure.
do not think that it will be a long session"
will 1t have any effect on the appointment
Of the Joint committee TO investigate the subject
OF taxation. for the appointment Of which a
resolution was passed by the last LeGislature?"
"It will not. The extra session VIII not con-
slider anything In relation to taxation except
that which applies to the taxing OF franchises
1t will probably amend the Franchise Tax bill.
but viii not attempt TO dispose OF the whole
question. In the first place the Legislature
voted for the appointment Of a committee TO
make a careful investigation OF the subject. and
II would take several months for the Legis-
lature itself TO obtain the desired information
The Legislature will not remain In session long
enough TO take up that matter"
Governor Roosevelt and his family started for
the country early this morning. and therefore
no information as TO any possible developments
could be obtained at the Executive Chamber
1t is believed, however. that the Governor Will
announce his decision the latter part OF next
week. II there is to be an extra session, II Is
urgent that the call be issued at once, as IL Is
said that Senators Coggeshall. La Roche and
several other members contemplate taking a
European trip.
1t is believed that II a special session is held
the New-York Rapid Transit act will be once
more passed. and also the bill providing for the
separation OF the Bureau OF Elections from the
Board OF Police OF New-york