New-York tribune., 1901-12-22
NO EXCISE LEGISLATION.
REPUBLICAN LEADERS FEA II
EFFECT UP STATE.
CONFERENCE OF SENATOR PLATT,
CHAIRMAN DUNN AND SPEAKER
NIXON-ARRANGINGA ASSEM-
BLY, SLATE.


BLY, SLATE.
No amendment of the excise law, not even with
referendum clause, will be passed by the 1egis-
lature at the session this winter. That was the
conclusion reached at the conference which was
held yesterday at the Fifth Avenue Hotel by
Senator PIatt Chairman Dunn of the Republi-
can State Committee and s. Fred Nixon, Speaker
Of the Assembly. That such would be the result
of the conference foretold In The Tribune
last Thursday. 1t is understood that these three
leaders discussed the question at some length
The talk of a general character, for the
reason. of them said afterward, that no
bill had yet been presented, and hence no def
mite plan could be considered.
Speaker Nixon is said to have told Senator
Platt and Chairman Dunn that the sentiment
of the western part of the State was unalterably
opposed to any liberalization of the existing
law. Colonel Dunn said that the feeling of the
rural and town voters of the eastern section
also adverse to Sunday opening leSisla-
ton such as had been recommended by Justice
Jerome. Senator Platt added that he had found
that the people of New-York were themselves
divided upon the question, and that many be
lieved if the city should go to a vote the
proposition the result would be against Sunday
opening,
the question, but he intimated strongly
that there would be no change in the excise law
at the next session.
Speaker Nixon said on the subject:
Il don't hear any demand for a change in the
excise law. And certainly, they don't want 1t
in my part of the State. l come from Sunday
school section. My opinion is that the excise
question will be disposed of quickly and easily
At the mention of the name OF Justice Jerome
he said:
We'll. understand he has BILL so 1 cannot
discuss the bill until l see IT. There may be
considerable of a rumpus over the whole bust
ness but few votes will be cast in favor of it,
A canvass of the up State legislators who
were at the Fifth Avenue Hotel yesterday
showed that the reason for the determination
not to pass any excise amendments this winter
was that such action might ALLEVIATE the rural
vote, on which the Republican party largely
depends. The leaders think it would be too
great d risk next year, when a Governor, d
State Senator and Assembly and minor state
officers are to be chosen.
The makeup of the Assembly Committees was
also discussed, but one of the Conferrees said
afterward that no definite decision would be
reached until some time this week. when there
would be another conference. From what could
be learned however. these chairma nships were
practically decided on:
AsseunIiynnan AIDS. Ways and Means
Assemblyman KELSEY. Cities.
Assernbyman BURNETT General Laws
Assenbyrnan WEEKES. Codes.
Assembyman ROGERS. Judiciary
Assemblyman FISHER Taxation and EetTenchrnent
Assemblyrnan BEDEI-Is Railroads
Asssmbiyman JOHN T. SMITH. Banks.
Assemblyman APGAR. Gas, Electricity and Water
Assemblyman ADLER Health.
AssembIyrna4, MARSON, Forest. Fish and Game
The corridors of the hotel were filled all yes
terday afternoon with Assemblymen interested
in the fights for chalrmanships. The contest for
the Judiciary left vacant by the absence Of
Assemblyman Fish. of Madison, involved AS
| semblymen Weekes and Davis. of New-York
| and Assemblyman Rogers of Broome. Friends
| Of Mr. Weekes said they believed that he
was entitled to the place. for the reason that he
| had served three years in the Legislature, TWO
| Of which had been chairman of the Commit
| tee on Codes, the second law committee. As
| semblyman Rogers, on the other hand had
served the same number of years but was a
| member of the Codes only last year, being the
! chairman of the Committee on Gas, Electricity
| and Water. Mr. Rogers, however, has the sup
| port of the upstate delegation, and it is said
| he will get the craftsmanship.
1t is said that at the conference this week
| there may be several changes in the present
| slate, and that only a tentative list was drawn
| up yesterday
| The legislature will meet Wednesday, January
| | and then adjourn until the following Monday,
| January g. The session is not to be much longer
than forty legislative days. 1t will adjourn
| a bout the middle of March. The appropriation
| bills will be ready for Introduction the first day
of the session, 1t is said, and several bills tax
| ing corporations will be passed which Will re
| suit so Governor Odell hopes, in putting an end
to direct taxation as far as permitted under the
| constitution.
| The next Legislature is to choose a United
| States Senator. In Senator Platt sticks to
his present determination not to accept re-elec-
! ton and it is the general impression that he
will II is expected that an interesting fight will
| enslle between Ex-Governor Black and Lieuten-
ant Governor Woodruff for this office. Governor
| Oden according to Republican leaders, Is to be
| renominated.