New-York tribune., 1905-07-19
SUBMIT EQUITABLE
THE GOTERNOR FIRM.
Viii Permit Dictatiora from No One,
He Says.
tsr TELEGRAPH TO THE ra1BuxE.I

Albany. July 18.-In no uncertain tones Gov
ernor Higgins tonight reaf1rmed his declaration
thai he did not contemplate sending to the Iegis-
lature the Equitable tangIe at the present extra
session This statement. made in the face Of
the resolution which Senator Stevens attempted
last night to have introduced. asking the Gov
ernor's permission for legislative action is as
sumed here to be final
Senator Stevens still persists in his belief that
investigation should be had and expresses
his reluctant conviction that mistake is being
made. and in this he is supported by Senator
Malby. There is talk Of q conference between
Republican legislators to advise the Governor TO
allow the Stevens resolution to reach him and
have weight. although not through regular chan
nels. Senator Marks on the Democratic side is
planning still another course of arriving at the
sarue epf-
Senator Stevens did not advise with me be-
fore he put that resolution in Now let me make
myself clear here, I am always ready to re, eve
advice, but I will not permit dictation on the
part OF any man or any body of men The
authority to submit any matter to the legislature
at a special session rests entirely with the Gov
ernor. II ne doesn't choose to submit a subject
then the legislature cannot take it up" said the
Governor.
us there any assumption then that there is a
desire the part Of the party leaders to die
tate?" he asked.
mo: don't say that; but some such inference
might have been drawn
At the outset Of his talk Governor Higgins re-
marked that he thought Senator Stevens was
mistaken In believing. he said last night. that
there was precedent for such a resolution as
he attempted TO introduce. He pointed out that
the precedent cited applied only to a resolution
originating with the Governor and concerning
the payment OF the expenses Of the special ses-
sion. He indicated that a similar resolution
might be expected this year covering the clerical
expenses, mileage and other items. but not per
diem allowance for members. In response to
question as to whether his position had been In
nuenced by the Stevens resolution he said;
mo my position remains unchanged: my
ideas are the same as at the outset"
In word. that position is that nothing has
yet been brought out in the Hendricks case to
warrant legislative investigation"
Exactly" was the terse reply.
Asked II, in case District Attorney JerOme's in
vestigation should result in criminal prosecu-
tions he would change his attitude. he
sponded:
y do not contemplate possibilities; when the
time comes for action I will act
Questioned as 10 what he thought the proper
course for securing the testimony OF z. H. Har-
riman which could not be secured by Mr.. Hen
the Equitable directorate. the Governor said:
I'm not a lawyer, but think the power to
compel testimony from any person is now vested
with the District Attorney of New-York County.
He has the grand jury at his service and can
call Mr. Hartman any one else"
Isn't this passing the whole matter UP TO Mr.
Jerome?"
II don't look upon it as passing up anything
TO anybody"
Asked about the possibility that Mr. Hen
dricks's illness might eliminate him and open
way for the legislature the Governor replied:
ITO relieve your mind on the matter. will
say that Mr.. Hendricks Is up and about and
that have just talked with him over the teIe-
phone"
Senator Stevens said:
II is true that did not talk with the Governor
prior to attempting to introduce my resolution
but I knew from the press exactly what his pO-
sition was. With this there was no reason why
I should feel under any restraint in doing my
duty I know the sentiment of the policyhOlders
all over the country. ! have talked with many
and I know there is unauinity OF sentiment
favorfng a legislative investigation by a special
committee appointed by the Governor Policy
holders generally have confidence in investi-
CATION by State department. and 1 feel that
their sentiment is entitled to recognition. More
over In my Judgment, public confidence be
restored by a Legislative investigation only.
am not politician. but should think that IL
they We're deaf 70 all other reasons mere politi-
cal considerations ought to carry weight with