New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-06
PUSH ALONG GRAB BILLS.
ACTION By SENATOR'S.
East RiUer and Niagara Measures
AdUanced after Debate.
rnr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. ]


Albany April 5.-In monotonous and undis-
turbed solemness the Remsen East River Gas
grab" bill was tonight advanced TO third read
ing in the Senate. So striking was this lack of
protest that when the bill had been advanced
Senator Bracket called across the aisle to Sena-
tor McCarren, whom he evidently regarded as
an interested party: II call the attention Cf the
Senator to this bill I don't believe he knew It
was advanced"
The Senator need not call my attention" the
Brooklyn leader called back. and the incident
was closed. The Niagara Fower Company grab
advanced by standing vote of - to 13.
The Davis Ballot Machine bill was amended so
that it becomes permissive instead Of manda-
tory, and in that form is satisfactory to the local
members.
The first OF the grab" bills TO come up at the
night session was the Niagara bill. and the de-
bate on this precipitated by motion, made
by Senator Elsberg. to strike out on this the
sponsor for the measure Senator L'Hommedieu,
arose and defended it. He said in part:
b tho on my gaTt to ffe4d I'd
of the objections out 10 be papier mache when
sought save the extension Of time. The belief that
# will destroy the beauty of Niagara Falls is alb
rival companies.
In attacking the measure Senator Grady said:
II I read the bill Alright. It contains powers never
before granted to corporations in similar fashion
From being n local bill drawn and pasHed SOLELY
for the purpose of giving the people of Lockpqrt
a supply or pure ana wholesome water. II has de
veloped SO that the Senator introducing it cannot
explain just where it extends to- and man can
tell TO what limits it's power may In the future ex-
tend. Just look at the section allowing IL to ac-
quire the stock and bonds of any company. do
mestc or foreign. Is that a safe power TO grant?
Senator L'Hommedleu after a whispered con-
ference with Senator Ranes. broke in
The same power is in the charter OF any
stock company"
We'll" sneered Senator Grady. III the Senator
advances that on his own authority I will
answer it. II 1t whispered to him advise
him to investigate IT.
Senator Grady then discussed the wide powers
Of condemnation granted the company in the
bill. Senator Raines interrupted by reading the
section providing that the company could not
the streets or public property Of any city
without the consent Of the local authorities
1t would seem to be properly safeguarded,"
he remarked. To this Senator Grady replied:
Wen. Ia Just like to call attention to the little
ways. but Just look at the little word land. They
only when they interfere with street they must
have consent. Just try 20 strike out that little
word land and see where you land"
Senator Elsberg asked to be excused and al
lowed 10 leave MS vote senator l. Hommedieu
objected and EIsberg protested. 1t must be a
bad cause that relies on such tactics" he said.
On rising vote the hiil then advanced.
p 20 13. the ma iority of the New-York and
Brooklyn members voting against IT.
The Remsem East River bill slipped through
without protest. No one seemed to be watching
for it.
That went pretty easy" exclaimed Senator
BracI5ett after It had beer advanced. mo-
ment later. when Senator Barnes asked to
explain bill OF his. ne said:
IT'S only a little bin and we must have it,
That's a better reason than the Remsen bill
had" sneered Senator Brackett
The Dutchess County Water bill was similarly
advanced. Notice was. however. given in this
case that the light simply POSTPONED on this
measure. When the Davis Voting Machine bill
came w Senator Davis introduced the amend
mcnt he tried 10 present last week leaving the
power to adopt machines with the local election
authorities. No objection raised, hut Sena-
tor Raiues arose and said:
never favored voting machines and ] may vote
against this bill. but want to call attention TO
fact Certain parties. friends of mine. a
certain extent. came to with certain amend
memts and asked If could set them before the
Davis and asked that they be put I'm. II there Is
any reflection. prefer To bear IL rather than Sen
ator Davis.
The ease with which these-bs were advanced
attracted general comment.
Those bills are going through like four
horse coach" was one comment.