New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-08
PASS BANK RESOLUTION
CALL ON THE GOVERNOR.
senators ASk Information-More
Delay for Inquiry.


Albany. Feb. THE resolution adopted last
night by the Senate Finance Committee. calling
on Governor Higgins for his information regard
ing the Kilburn charges. reported to the
Senate to-day, and unanimously passed 1t has
been sent to the Governor and he will furnish
the information Immediately 1t is contained In
letters and notes relating the failure of the
German Bank, of Buffalo. and the Merchants
Trust Company. of New-York
The information from the Governor cannot be
considered by the Finance Committee (Which
mas in it's keeping a resolution passed by the
Assembly demanding inquiry until its meet
ing next Tuesday. Probably then no action will
be taken unless in the mean time the committee
has decided to amend the Assembly's resolution
and gain more time by sending il back
Firm in their intention to conflne the investi-
cation entirely to safe ground the opponents
of broad investigation are trying hard to
, saddle the responsibility for any shortening in
this direction the Governor. At first, when
it seemed unlikely that there would be an in
quiry, they tried to make him appear as pre-
venting it. Then, when he showed clearly that
he not in league with any efforts to oppose
the demand for light department methods.
they determined to take up the old charges
which he already had investigated. and if pos
sible confine the investigation to them.
THE investigation all appears to be before the
Governor now said Senator Malby head of the
Finance Committee, to-day. Il think that's a
good resolution. and the beauty of the situation
is the absolute unanimity. Everybody seems to
be of one mind"
The Senators who apparently control the sit
uation, according to the present plans. intend to
keep any investigation right in Albany. Those
who favor q searching inquiry say that when
public demand has forced these Senators into ac-
uon-they willing to concede something TO
a..
Of the Assembly resolution which probably will
allow the appointment of a committee. whose
members. however. will not be all members of
the committees banks in the two houses
Also, only routine affairs of the Banking De-
partment would be taken up by this committee.
and the Senators would see to it that they were
Investigated the way that they want.
The supporters of the resolution in the As
sembly. when it was passed there expected.
naturally that the investigating committee
would have its leading spirits Senator Stevens
and Assemblyman Wainwright. Chairmen OF the
committees on banks and men whose reputa-
tons We're guarantees Of a thorough inquiry. 1t
was hoped, also, that William M WINS, or New
York could be obtained as counsel because ms
thorough knowledge of financial conditions and
political subterfuges would be OF great value IN
such an investigation.
The probable action of the Senators. however,
would allow them TO substitute for Senator
Stevens any chairman OF their own choosing
Committee will cut out the appropriation for
counsel saying that some lawyer member or the
committee could act counsel
The situation to-day is crystalliZed into delay
and more delay, unless the supporters OF the
inquiry resolution marshall TO its aid some.
unusually strong force Governor Higgins
would not discuss the situation Those who want
an investigation, however, hope that he, since
the Senate opposition is declaring so emphati-
cally that 1.-The situation is up to the Governor"
will accept the bLrden. and declare openly for
the broadcast possible inquiry.
The situation is complicated by the peculiar
spirit of unrest which surrounds Superinten-
dents Kilburn and Hendricks, of the Banking
and Insurance Departments. Reports of Sup
ertntendent Kilburn's resignation persist al
though the best information obtainable is that
he has no immediate intention of leaving the |
department Superintendent Hendricks's term
will expire Monday. but apparently no dis |
position OF the vacancy has been decided on |
James McKeen has been suggested as likely |
candidate. 1t is taken for granted that Mr. |
Hendricks will not be reappointed. He and the |
Governor are having almost daily conferences. |