New-York tribune., 1905-12-29
HIGGINS SAYS HE'S SURE
SILENT ON LEADERSHIP.
Wadsporth in Conference sOith
Governor or Speaberskip.
IBv Telegraph to me Tribune.l

Albany, Dec. 2S-After a conference with As
semblyman James W. wadsworth, ir.. candidate
for Speaker and talks with other Assemblymen.
Governor Higgins tonight made his final pre-
diotion Of victory
Il can only repeat what have said many
times" said the Governor ''I have no doubt
whatever to the result OF the caucus. iudg-
ing from the expressions of various members of
Assembly with whom have talked, and who
have written to me. I shall say nothing more
about the Speakership situation until after the
caucus has been held
The Governor would express no opinion as to
who would be made floor leader. That was a
question to be decided after the caucus, he said.
and referred his interrogators to Mt weds-
worth. He saw several Assemblymen to-day,
among them Messrs. Agnew and Wells OF New
York; Wainwright, Of Westchester; Whitney,
OF Oswego, and Walk, Of Cattaraugus
Governor Higgins had luncheon with Assem-
blyman Wadsworth, who arrived here this noon
and opened his headquarters at the Ten Eyck-
He would not discuss their conversation which.
It Is said treated mainly Of the Speakership situ
alton The Governor. however. is absolutely con-
hdent of victory for BIr. Wadsworth and the
candidate himself does not seem worried.
7 have not made pledges Of any character to
snybody in relation to committee assignments
or appointments" he said. The subject of
selecting chairmen for the various committees
viii not be taken up until the Assembly has
made its choice for Speaker. have no doubt
OF my election. Enough Of my fellow members
have pledged me their support to assure that.
There has been some discussion of the pos
sible abolition OF the Rules Committee. should
not favor the abolition Of that committee. On
the other hand, believe that it can be made
very valuable adjunct of business, as well as
thoroughly representative Of the Assembly"
came up from New-York on the same train with
M wadsworth Mr. Wainwright said he had
talked with BIr. wadsworth. who is a close per-
Eonal friend Il don't think there is any doubt
Of his election" said the westchester Assem-
hlynan-
For himself. Mr.. Wainwright is standing
pat" He does not care 10 discuss his probable
attitude in the caucus on Tuesday night Asked
il he still a candidate for Speaker, he said
My attitude now is exactly what it when
announced my candidacy and built my plat
form on a protest against Interference in the
situation. I have said nothing care TO have
unsaid and done nothing care to take back
The disposition Of the rules committee is
question which will come up for serious discus
sion along with the debate to the man for
floor leader. the heads of the various important
committees and the personnel of these commit
tees during the recess after the assembling Of
consider it one Of the important questions which
VIII confront the new Speaker and are glad OF
the view Mr. Wadsworth holds. Assemblynan
Wainwright said tonight that probably he
would bring UP this question OF new rules for
the Assembly in the caucus
Radical action in regard to this committee
should be taken. in my opinion he said. Either
It should be abolished or its makeup should be
changed; it should be enlarged so that the
Speaker could by possibility exercise control
over it. In that condition lies the evil Of the
present situation. Eliminate the Speakers con-
troll Of the committee
Assemblyman Agnew had q few words with
Mr. Wadsworth during the day. He conceded
his victory over Mr.. Merritt. The attitude of
the New-York delegation had not been decided,
according to Mr.. Agrew. Another meeting of
the city members later would be held, he said
The expectation noFy is that the Municipal Own
ership men will act unit.
That some Of the members say, will not be
bad thing as they viii form practically third
party in fhe Assembly.
There are eight Of the Municipal Ownership
League men. It was understood here to-day
that they would come on Tuesday in a BODY
and the politicians shifted the air, expecting
fireworks Of some description Governor Hlg-
gins said iokingly tonight that he had not been
Informed officially Of the visit