New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-13
BUILDING


Since the circumstances that have precipitated
this contest will all be brought out on the floor
OF the Senate this week, there several de-
tails that may serve 10 explain the founderings
and the rnanoeuvrings that have resulted in the
present climax. Before the session began State
Chairman Odeu and the NewYork County Re-
publican organization practically mortgaged the
energies of the legislators of the majority TO re-
medal gas legislation. The opening days OF the
session saw the introduction Of avalanche Of
gas bills and resolutions including the Page
measure for which the introducer claimed the
sanction of Ex-Governor Odell. Not to be out
done. the Tanmany contingent also discharged
voley of gas measures, including the notorious
20 cent BILL a favorite measure of long legisla-
tive pedigree. which big Tim Sullivan used to
put in annually, for purpose that no one mis-
took
Following the introduction of bills came another
avalanche Of hearings and while these
the Republican leaders hesitated and debated over
the passage Of Investigating resolution. This
delay was serious mistake, in the minds OF many
legislators. for it gave the opposition to all gas
legislation chance TO crystalline and begin opera
tons, and it also afoat reports seriously ques
tionng the good faith Of the champions of lower
gas rates To such a marked degree did this
sentiment develop that when the majority leaders
finally decided TO favor the Fitzgerald bill they
found themselves without the support Of their
colleagues The reason for Selling upon the Tam
many measure due to this situation provoked
by delay, the leaders felt that the Tam
many votes, which pledged to the Tammany
bill. could not be disregarded> at that tuncture.
But no sooner was it decided TO report this bill
than there was an unforeseen complications the
committee having ii in charge lodged an unexpect-
ed attempt TO call it up by precpitate flight. and
Senator Fitzgerald the proud parent led them
ALL A Republican caucus promptly called,
and the first conflict was precipitated The caucus
long and bitter, and in 1t Senators Of unques-
toned integrity did not hesitate to critcise the
wisdom of effort to report ancient Tammany
strike" bill party measure. bill moreover.
which the evidence ar the hearing all tended TO
show was condscatory in its character and there
fore. probably unconstitutional and not calculated
TO relieve the situation in New-York For this bill
a majority Of all Republicans served notice they
would not vote. and the adjourned without
action.
Hard on the heels OF this the Miscellaneous Cor |
porations Committee. which had in for savage
criticism for not reporting the BILL took advantage
of the knowledge that the bill could not pass and
reported IL out leaving the legislative leaders with
the choice between casting the Republican vote for
an unconstitutional measure of Tammany origin |
that would afford relief and defeating IT, only
lay themselves open TO the charge that they had
defeated the effort Of the Democratic members to |
lower the price OF gas Once the Tammany mem |
had cast their vote for this BILL fl clear
that they would be in position TO have pretext
for voting against any practicable Dill that would