New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-04-05
LIEPASSED IN THE SENATE
r. 4. MEASURE DEFEATED.
Senators RGines and EIsberg Haze
Bitter Word Battle.
iBr rEI.BaRAPH 10 rHr rKrDrxr. !

Albany. April 4.-The strenuous legislative
career Of Senator Elsberg al the present session
reached SIS climax to-day in the exchange OF
the lie with Senator Raines and the precipita-
tion Of scene unequalled since Senator BracE-
cts assault on Senator Raines over the Jerome
Garfield bin OF the last session. The fight was
provoked by the fierce debate over the Elsberg
Rapid Transit bill. which was definitely defeated
for the session by vote Of 80 TO s.
The encounter between Senators Raines and
I1lsberg came after the latter had discovered
That his bill was doomed. and. seeing Senator
Raines whispering with Senator Page. evidently
concluded that che president pro TEN. was using
his influence against the bill Rising in HIS
place with every evidence OF passion, Senator
Elsberg said;
know that there are strong influences at
work in the Senate TO KIN this bin when l see
the Senator frcm the 42d and other Senators so
interested thai they find that Il is necessary 10
Interview their Republican associates TO con-
vince them that the bin is a dangerous meas
did the Senator say was interviewing any
bodyg' asked Senator Raines. IF he did he is
stating what he ought TO know is absolutely I'M
true"
Senator Elsberg persisted in his charge and
Senator Raines in his denial There were further
interchanges. and then the Republican leader
his large frame shaking with passion and his
face red with anger. STROBE toward Senator Els
berg. and. shaking his fist at him. said vehe-
Tnently: y say that if the Senator said used
any inhuence, he absolutely speaks an untruth.
and WIN say il 10 him outside Of this chamber
well as inside
The Ravel fell with bang. and i'm the midst OF
she confusion the sibilant voice Of Senator
CoeKeshau was heard pleading Let us have
peace"
II will explain what I meant freely and frank
~" continued Islsberg. more practically. when
quiet had been restored. Go on and explain
growled Senator Raines.
I viii explain. I viii, I viii. will,' shouted
Elsberg. in excitement. TN explain a great
deal more than the Senator desires"
oh. no; he can't explain any more And when
he gets through he'll get good calling down.
just as he did the other day" sneered Raines.
referring 10 the incident precipitated by similar
Elsberg charges when the Montauk Indian bin
was under consideration which were taken 10y
Lieutenant Governor Bruce TO refer 10 himself
Then Elsberg returned TO the fight, saying:
am willing 10 let the public judge who gets
the calling down. and 7 do not think in the
eyes Of my constituents that the Senator from
she 42d is able 10 give me a calling down.
Coming from that source 1 don't think II would
be anything but badge of honor for me 10
wear. Now, let US tell the truth Ihere are
three great corporations against this bill, and
1he great unorganize3 public Of New-fork City
has no representative 10 speak for il. The two
political parties are organized TO stife good
legislation, and II is not the first time that
they have been 50 engaged. ] have never been
afraid express my disapproval of any such
procedure. There isn't a man in the politics OF
this State high mat he can control my vote
and that includes anybody Senator Raines may
have in mind. There are malign influences
working against this bill. They ought 10 stand
privately for what they have publicly stood for
Senator Page. Of New-Yor1 then took a hand
in she scrimmage. saving:
ann getting tired Of this attitude Of the Sen
Btor from the 18th in constantly impugning the
motives of an his associates and adopting the
position that he is the only smon-pure men,
Ter Of this Senate the only man that can al
WAYS he depended upon ia he conscientious and
straight.
The balance Of the Senate proceeded 10 eX-
press their disapprOva Of Senator Elsberg's
neasure by voting against il. Ever since the
Montauk Indian incident they have been wait
ing for This opportunity. and Senator Elsberg
was able 10 muster only eight votes for the bill
In explanation after the vote. Senator Els
berg admitted the action final so far as the bill
r. concerned this wear