New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-04
THE HOME RULE QUESTION
LEGISLATORS At SEA.
GOrernor Still Non-Committal-
Success of Measure Doubted.
fpr TELEGRAPH 10 THE TnrBuSE.I

Albany Feb. S.-The return OF the Governor
at o'clock tonight brought no new light on
the home rule plans. In response TO a num-
Der OF questions on the subject Governor Odell
declared that he had nothing 10 say about home
rule legislation. he made the same reply TO an
inquiry about rumored conference he had In
New-York with ex-Secretary Elihu Root about
the latters possible candidacy for Governor.
Whatever the real situation in regard to this
big project oc home rule legislation for New
York City is, the legislators at the Capitol still
remain absolutely in the dark. Colonel George
w Dunn was asked to-day II he would say any
thing the subject, and he declined. Other
leaders have had nothing 10 add to their state
ments made 10 The Tribune yesterday.
There seems to be only one man in the legis-
lature who has really been cOgnizant of the
plan attributed TO the Governor. and that is
Assemblyman Newcomb whose Endorsement of
the plan was printed in tc-day's Tribune. Mr..
Newcomb introduced the first excise bill of the
Republicans for the session Al the time his
bin was put in the Governor allowed himself to
be quoted saying that he had urged Mr..
Newcomb not TO Introduce his measure. and IL
intimeted that the reason for this was the
belief on the Governors part that such meas
properly a party. rather than an ind
vidual measure
In the light OF later Developments, however.
II is argued here that the real reason tho
Governor sought to delay Mr. Newcomb was
because he was at that time considering the
larger plan. and felt that the Newcomb bill
would tend TO confuse the issue. Despite this
Intination BIT. Newcomb persisted in putting
IN his BILL provoking widespread discussion, and
in some measure rejecting the sentiment exist
ing in New-York City the subject OF both
home rule, the larger issue. and excise. the
smaller.
ATTENTION DIRECTED TO QUESTION.
Now the tentative announcement OF the Home
Rule plan. Il It proves to be really Governor
odelrs plan has stu further directed public at
tention to the question. II his message COM
nenting on hom. rule be taken as the first step.
Il thus becomes apparent that three distinct op-
portunittes have been afforded party leaders to
catch the drift OF public sentiment on the sub
ject The conservative estimate OF the effect
and the leaning Of these revelations Is expressed
IN the general expectation at the Capitol that
before the session adjourns the legislature will
have TO consider and vote on some carefully de-
veloped and strongly backed plan OF home rule
which carries with it the solution Of the excise
difficulty.
Whether OF not such measure will pass is
another topic which has been eagerly discussed.
while the real plans were still IN the dark. The
frank expression OF many party leaders. quoted
in The Tribune to-day, would seem to indicate
that this is doubtful. But It should be re-
membered that these comments were made on
scheme which had not been vouched for. was
extremely nebulous in its form and came as an
absolute surprise to the leaders. Whether tho
embodiment Of the general lines OF the plan IN
a definite legislative measure would dissipate
the doubts and win the support OF many OF the
directors is a matter OF conjecture.
Walt TIL We see the bill" was the universal
request heard yesterday and repeated to-day
"AIl we know is what read in the papers,
and that is indefinite" was the further plea
THINK IT COULDN'T PASS LEGISLATURE.
SIN. It is a fact that a number OF the leaders.
both in the legislature and outside. to-day ex-
pressed their conviction. under the pledge 81 Sc
crecy. that a plan such as had been outlined
could not pass the legislature. On the general
subject OF horne rule many varying opinions
were TO he heard. one OF these. voiced by man
q considerable influence. and a member Of all
conferences on party legislation. was expressed
10 the Tribune correspondent to-day in the fol-
lowing fashion:
When you come 10 think o, 81. isn't there some
part Of New-Iork city for home ruler Who Is Il
rule principle 50 much valued a; certain seasoHsf
Iaks . an sKam2ie Hone rule as II is advertised
possible powers on the Board of Aldermen. Why
In the name OF Heasen should the people OF New
York al time ask for such measure and then
beg us 70 limit the power OF that same board in
matter ike the Port Chester Raiiroad7
Here Is good example OF the way IL works out:
We to-day asked 70 take away one portion OF
the power OF the Board OF Aldermen. because II
Sc holding I'D a railroad that the people Of a
whole borough want. IN the same breath are these
people going 20 ask to confer even greater
power this bodyT
The foregoing is not an isolated or individual
opinion; IL is the expression Of a well defined
sentiment 1t is what Senator John Raines
meant when he declared yesterday that the pas.
sage OF such blanket home rule policy would
result within twenty-four months in this pas
sionate appeal OF New-York City: For Gods
sake save from our friends"
II upstate representatives are to be believed.
there is no more Impressive obstacle to the at
tainment OF home rule than the present and the
past efforts OF citizens Of New-York to secure
from the legislature relief from conditions which
are the direct result Of home rule conditions as