New-York tribune., 1906-05-04
THE LEGISLATURE.

Even the most captoUs critics of the Repub-
lican state administration forced to confess
that the Legislature which adjourned yester-
day did an extraordinary amount of valuable
work. No legislature ever yet adjourned with
out leaving unpassed bills proposed to accom-
plish some good purpose which were urged by
large numbers of high-minded persons Some
such bills are impractical Some are too radi-
cal to make their way instantly with large
bodies of men, however honest. Some of them
meet prejudice or arouse special interests which
are able, though supported only by minority,
to block them. Some are simply lost in the
scramble to get through more important meas
ures Nobody but a visionary will Judge any
legislative body by the standard of ideal re-
forms unavailingly suggested to it, Legislation
is a practical business. to be accomplished by
the meeting in compromise of many minds with
many conflicting interests. prepOssessiOns and
principles-sOme able. some stupid many hon
est and a few corrupt The congresses under
the inspiring trials of the Revolution were just
haiting, just as disappointing to eager friends
of progress. as most modern legislatures.
When we look at the record of the session
just concluded in this state and judge it sanely
in the light of history it will be found we think,
worthy of honorable place among legislat-
ures which have done good service for the
people Indeed do not recall legislature
for many years which has actually done so
much that deserves praise and so little that de-
serves blame. and which by its discussions or
votes in a single house so advanced toward fut-
ure accomplishment reforms which it was not
yet prepared TO adopt. The Assembly in par
ticular was hOspitable to progressive ideas.
There some young. able and honest men have
not only been doing good work for the pres
ent but growing in strength and leadership
for the future. The administration as a whole
has shown a spirit of devotion and highminded-
ness, and in the face of all obstacles has Sc
cured a measure of success for good legisla-
ton which offers the people brilliant prospects
Of further advance in good government if the
present predominant influence shall be contin-
ued in power
First on the list of the Legislatures achieve
ments must be placed the seven insurance
bills. Thanks TO Governor Higgins, these went
through in substantially the form recommended
by the Armstrong committee Then comes the
recording tax on mortgages, which was tri-
umphantly carried in spite Of the attempt of
a small minority in the Senate to block its
passage Some critics of the session seem in
clined to reproach the Senate for the actions
of the obstructing minority on several bills, not
seeming to realize that not they but the ma
jOrlty which overcame them are the Senate, and
that it is entitled to corresponding credit. New
AOfh Clty mas secured S0-cent gas. Provision
has been made for its additional water supply.
law has been passed to cure the evil of the
fake" hotels. The removal of the railroad
tracks from the surface OF Eleventh avenue has
been decreed. The bill to save Hook Noun
tain went through at the last minute. Senator
Elsberg this year finally consented to modify
his rapid transit bill so that progressive men
who were not prepared TO see the city forced
to municipal operation could support II, and
with its many excellent features it passed. The
Legislature has taken steps to relieve the laws
delays in this city and in Westchester by prO-
Viding for the election of more judges. II has
also, in addition 10 the Anti Lobbying bill re-
sulting from the insurance investigation. Dossed
a corrupt practice bill The efficacy Of This
measure has. we think been impaired bv thc
exceptions made with respect to accountinos
but it is a step in the right direction will do
much good and unquestiOnably leaves the work
ers for honest elections in a good position 70
SECURE Strengthening amendments
All plans for new ballot law came to naught
NO doubt the ballot should be simpliied and
the method Of counting made more certain. but
the reluctance Of lawmakers of both parties 10
make the voters learn how 10 vote in a new
way on the eve Of an important state election
was certainly natural and perhaps wise. The
enahge could better he made in an 'off year -
An omission less defensible was the faiIure 70
repeal me savings bank tax The Governor IN
lspeltea messages urged this redemptiOn of
lhe parry pledge The Legislature offers LITTLE
ground Tor criticism on account nf nosft,,,e
Wronguomg No conspicu0usly lad hin has
found It's way 70 the statute book Tho soss,o,,
mas beeh remarkably free from tha l,suaI cron