New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-22
THE WEEK 1T ALBANY.
Educational Bill in 4SSembly-The
Home Rule Situation.
rpr TELEGRAPH TO THE ruIrrvE.I

Albany Feb. 21.--The coming week promises
TO be decisive in its effect on the legislation Of
this session The home rule discussion has
passed the purely speculative stage. and there
IL no longer any reason 20 doubt that, within
certain limits, Governor Odeu has laid down a
home rule programme which he means to have
carried out and IS confident that he can exc
cute. The limits OF the programme are the con-
stItutlon and the penal code. Home rule IS not
10 be granted at the cost % the change Of
either Those who regard home rule and an
open Sunday as interchangeable terms are
doomed TO disappointment. Neither is II likely
that the committee appointed at the conference
last Monday 20 investigate the extent 10 which
municipalities are deprived OF home rule VIII
report any vast programme.
The position OF Governor Odeu on the home
rule question has been more entirely misUnder-
stood than seems possible considering the frank
ness with which he has discussed his views
Legislators have shaken their heads over the
prospect OF omnibus home rule. granting endless
powers. and local enthusiasts have regarded the
proposed home rule as "a sign OK the approaching
millennium. while the Governor has day after
day patiently explained that what he Is en-
deavorins to demonstrate by his home rule pro
gramme IS first, how much power is now vested
I'm the municipal authorities. and. second. no"
many Httle changes will. without infringing
on the deep seated convictions on the sunday
liquor question OF the majority OF Repuollcah
leaders be possible 10 silence for all time the
home rule cry Of Democratic and Ianinahy
leaders. The Governors favorite Illustration OF
the sort OF legislation that is both undesiranie
and unnecessary FOR New-York city and yet IN
sistentiy and constantly demanded IS that OF the
bills granting the Police or Fire Commissioner
the right to hear or rehear charges in the case
OF discharged policemen or hremen
II Governor OdelTs plans fail it viii be be-
cause the members Of his own party have de-
uberately misunderstood his position for reasons
OF their own. II they are accomplished the
Tammany leaders will find themselves In the
position Of having to bear all the responsibility
as we'll as the power Under the present sys-
TEN IT is possible for them to escape the re-
sponsIbillty and Struggling their shoulders eN-
claim mandatory legislation To make 'He
New-York city authorities assume the resp'h-
sibiIity for what IS actually IN their own con-
troll now. or can be put there without any ma
teriaI or important change in the spirit or exist
ing laws. is the best summary that can be given
Of the Governors plan. That he means 10 10
as much OF this as III has the power Is certain
II will NOT be his fault II the Republican party
has TO bear the charge Of Albany domination
and "haysecd interference" next taiL
In legislative affairs the quickenins OF '"7
pace that marks the advance OF the session =
apparent. Almost the entire WOrAlns 'ii''
the Senate was consumed last week IN 'ne -
cussion and passage Of the Lewis-NalnwrisD'
bm alleged ~ provide educational unifcauon-
The hill will be debated in the Assembly on
Tuesday. and in all probability viii pass on Una.
day by a strictly party vote The Governor WI
sign the bill when II comes to him later me
Court of Appeals will certainly be asked 10 pass
on the constitutionality OF the law The meas
ure was passed in the Senate largely on the as
surance given BY Republican leaders that II Nas
their intention to elect Andrew ;. DLdpei a.. bss
passed there are repeated rumors that -,
Draper will not accept. and that the $685. $500,
choice will be either Howard ]. Rogers OF SOM
other person equally satisfactory 10 the P',to,
that be in the Department OF Public IilsI.
possibly Superintendent SKINNER hli'0