New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-07
BILLS THAT WERE PASSED
THE LEGISLATURE REMARKABLE FOR
WHAT IT DID NOT DO-THE TAX
RATE A REDEEMING FEATURE.

Albany April Is (speciaD.-A State official said
to-day:
The Legislature was remarkable for what il
cid not do, but IL was also remarkable for it's
low State tax rate-the lowest. with one excep-
tiOn, since 1896. Perhaps in view OF its evident
economy, the taxpayers will forgive il some OF
its sins of omission. The friends OF canal i'm
provement have been cheered hy the first step
being taken for the improvement Of the canals
of the State The Legislature has thus redeemed
itself at the last moment from what threatened
TO be a dark blot upon its record in view OF the
patriotic service rendered 10 the people Of the
State by the Canal Advisory Commission and
the Canal Commerce Commission The low
state tax rate mas made a great impression, and
[ think the Legislature is entitled TO much credit
for its economy.
Yet there was considerable creditahle IegisIa-
ton, and the bill of particulars is given be-
low.
ANTI-RAMAPO LEGISLATION
One important and valuable bill TO check the
designs of the politicians who own the stock OF
the RamapO Water Company was passed
namely AssembIyman FaIIows's bill providing
that, in addition to the assent of the Board OF
Public improvements, the approval of the Board
of Estimate and Apportionment together with
the separate written consent OF both Mayor
Van Wyck and Controller Coler. shall be neces-
sary for the Iegalization Of a proposed contract
with the Ramapo Water Company.
After the bill in this form had lain in the
Committee on Cities for nearly two months
and an emergency message from the Governor
to hasten action was waiting in the Executive
chamber the bill at last reported 70 the
Assembly. AT the end this amendment:
All proceedings relating TO the making or ap-
proval of any such contract may be reviewed
by the Appellate Division OF the Supreme Court
in the first or second department. on the appu-
cation of any resident taxpayer"
II evident that the suppression OF the
bill in committee for those two months the
result of the antasonism OF the PIatt machine
10 il. The antagOnism of Tammany was mani
tested as soon as IL was out OF committee. and
Mayor Van Wyck vetoed IL. II was repassed
by both Assembly and Senate however. and IN
the latter house the opposition was reduced to
sixteen votes
REFORM OF THE NEW-YORK CHARTER
Following upon the Investigations OF the
Mazet Committee and it's recommendations for
reform in the government OF New-YOrk city.
there is to be a commission 10 revise the
city's charter. This commission. provided
for by a bill of Assemblyman FallOws. is 20 con-
sist Of fifteen persons appointed by the Gov
ernor. II is 10 serve without pay. but having
the right 10 hire counsel and other assistants.
at an expense 10 be met by appropriation OF
$4,000 Of the citys funds In order that the
Legislature of next year may not be dilatory IN
enacting such amendments 10 the charter ss
are deemed necessary by the commission. IL is
to prepare report and a codihcation OF bills
for the Governor not later than December I.
1900
In order that the work OF this body may be
thorough it has been empowered 10 subpoena
and require the attendance in this State Of wit