New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-25
SQUAD OF NETWORK MOUNTED POLICE.

county, would endeavor TO stife the canal In
gauging his position this point it IS worth
while to quote his own statement in a campaign
speech, IN which he said:
THE people themselves at the polls have de-
creed the expenditure Of a large sum Of money
! for the Improvement of the canals. While there
is a difference Of opinion as to the wisdom of
this policy, great concern IS felt by ALL whether
Tor or against the Improvement, that the money
shall be honestly expended and that they shall
have the full equivalent for every dollar spent
I pledge myself unreseryedly to every citizen In
the State that. If elected this result shall be
achieved
The Legislature VIII have the canal proposition
before it this session. Senator Merton E.
Lewis. of Rochester. has already announced his
intention of introducing bill 10 take measures
TO secure action by the national government
and the building by 1t of a 21-foot waterway
from Lake Erie 10 the Hudson. II is certain,
also, that the effort to repeal the bill Will be
made. 1t seems safe prediction to make that
the new Governor in his first message will con-
fine himself rather % recommendations concern
ing honest and efficient expenditure Of the S101-
100000 rather than to constructive or de-
structive canal legislation, leaving that TO the
legislature which VIII have to wrestle with it
ultimately.
Agitation for the repeal Of the Raines lan- IS
one OF the signs of an approaching legislative
session. Such agitation usually continues until
the day OF adjournment and there are certain
measures notably the Sunday Opening BILL
framed by District Attorney Jerome, that are 10
be expected every year. It is not strange there
fore, that there should be tie usual outcry at
this time but it IS doubtful if it viii result in
any striking or specific recommendations in the
message. Here again, it is worth while to turn
10 Governor elect Higgins's own statement
made at the outset of the campaign. when ne
said
The Democratic platform INDUCES in indis-
criminate criticism Of the excise law of the State
1t is characterized immoral and unduly cen
trailing power at Albany; 1t INDUCES in loose
and habby talk about excise reform, but does
not declare for the repeal of the law or its
amendment. The substantial result Of this law,
whatever may be its shortcomings is shown by
ind!sputabe statistics to be dimnution Of
crime and drunkenness. q reduction Of the num-
Der Of places where liquor is sold and the pro-
duction of an enormous revenue TO the State
and the localities thereon. The Republican party
stands for the essential principle of the excise
law and is ready 10 correct imperfecttons
therein and to conform to the enlightened opin-
lon OF the people of the State Would our
friends Of the opposition have believe they
would wipe away this law and go back 10 neigh
borhood government in excise matters, ana sur
render the revenue now flowing into the treas
ury Of the state thereby placing an additional
burden of S1SOo0O0O annually upon the homes
OF the people? If this be the issue, the Repua-
lican party is prepared to meet il"
The public papers of Governor Higgins are
likely to show the temper of the experienced
legislator. It Is seldom that chief executive
passes through 50 thorough legislative train
ing IS has Governor-elect Higgins. Conse-
quently, his first message is certain to show in
its tone and matter the approach Of the trained
mind. The discussion of administration is Ger
tain to be from the business standpoint and EN-
cheney, economy and honesty OF administration
are likely 10 be the keynotes Of the first mes
sage particularly as tba State policies and pur-
poses Of the Republican party have been so
thoroughly indorsed by the people at the last
/ election.