New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-19
HOPEFUL OF EXCISE BILL
SENTIMENT At ALBANY.
No Measure Likely to Pass Without
Referendum Clause.
LpT TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUyE.l

Albany. Jan. 1S.-while Assemblymen New
comb did not Introduce his excise measure to-
night, the discussion Of this and other similar
measures furnished the main feature Of the talk
before and after the session. There IS no ques-
ton that the general impression earlier in the
year that excise measure would pass has in
some degree been modified. While the older
heads are by no means willing 10 80 10 the
length that Mr.. Newcomb does when he conf
IDENTIFY and in no uncertain tone prophesies the
passage Of HIS measure there is an undercur-
rent OF opinion that at least excise VIII receive
vastly more serious consideration than il has
IN the past, and that the opponents of Sunday
opening VIII give far more heed to the argu-
ments OF the Republican members from New
York City than in the past The oft repeated
suggeEtion heard to-day was that Speaker Nixon
was himself not entirely antagonistio TO some
local option measure for New-York.
What form this measure viii take is still a
matter OF conjecture. There win be a referen-
dunn, bat whether referendum by counties in
the State. by Assembly districts or even by
smaller units is unsettled
William Haipin. Chairman Of the executive
committee OF the Republican County Committee
who was in town to-day. several times suggested
that the organization might view with favor
some measure which based on reter-
enduu 10 the various boroughs. This is q fair
sample Of the talk OF the hear. The prospects or
the final passage of 4 local option measure are
possibly as uncertain as In past sessions, but
the subject promises 20 be one Of much discus
sion and careful consideration even among rep
resentatiVes OF districts IN the counties where
the anti-saloon feeling runs highest.
There are those who stil maintain that the
Governors reference in his message TO the ques-
tion OF home rule and his further remarks on the
subject Indicated his objection to any local OPP
ton measure or Rny measure that was to be
submitted 20 a smaller section than the entire
State. The suggestions contained in the original
proposition OF General Greene, creating q local
board to decide the question Of referendum TO
the people of the Assembly districts, has de-
veloped into the suggestion heard frequently
to-day Of the yesting IA the Board Of Aldermen
Of the control OF the entire matter, form of
local option. however, that has found more
critics than converts.
completed There was a conference Of the Re-
publican members from New-1OTk on the sub
feet tonight and Mr.. Halpin attended. He
gave the reason of his visit 5 a call Speaker
Nixon but there has been a disposition to read
excise into the nature Of his trip. Mr.. New
comb has given 10 intimatiOn Of the time when
his bin will be introduced, although he suggests
that it VIII be in the present week. The greatest
secrecy is maintained about the measure. and
the only thing that can be said about 1t is
that its author is imbued with buoyant GER
tainty OF its passage.
Meanwhile many are asking about the Jerome
bin. The suggestion has been made that the
friends Of this measure, notably the Citizens
Union. have pooled their interests with the
Newcomb bin, and that the legislators VIII not
this year be treated to succession OF DIS, all
OF which are said 70 be the only really salts
factory measure. One thing be said with
every assurance Of truthfulness and that is that
nothing but a bin carrying a referendum clause
viii stand the slightest chance Of passing; that
some measure carrying this attachment VIII no
seriously considered and may even pass, is the
conclusion Of even the most conservative at the
present time.