New-York tribune., 1906-01-04
ATTACK ON SPEAKER.
More to Abolish Rules Committee
Laid to DIR. OdeM
rRv T.l.grapb 10 The tribune.


A1han-- Jan 3-While he encountered un-
usual difficulties on his first day as Speaker.
Mr. Wadsworth demonstrated his ability to take
care of himself and manage the House His
rulings were prompt and were obeyed promptly,
His first real work was TO regulate debate over
an amendment for the opposition intended to
curtail some of the power Of the Rules Com
rnittee and therefore weaken the Speaker $
authority.
The discussion, four hours long. rose over an
attempt to amend the rules Of the Assembly.
Behind the attack were the Democrats, Munict-
pal Ownership men and the Republican follow
ers Of Mr.. Stanley and Mr. Wainwright. Some
declared it to be an Odell move. and held that
Mr.. Wadsworths supporters had not won an
unqualffed victory. though they prevented the
amendment which would lessen the Speaker $
authority. Assemblyman Burnett moved TO have
the rules of 1905 continue for the rules of 1906.
Part of Rule % gives TO the Rules Committee
the powers and Offices Of all the standing COM
rnfttees in the closing days of the session. Mr..
Palmer minority leader. offered an amendment
to abolish the Rules Committee and retain all
standing committees to the close of the session.
Mr. Palmer said that his amendment repre-
sented sentiment against the absolute power Of
the Rules Committee. which had been growing
for ten years. People might present all their
arguments about particular measures TO One
committee having them in charge and feel that
they had done all In their power. he said. but
if the bills remained in the committee until ten
days before the close of the session they were
thrown into basket and all taken into the
Sneakers room whence went forth the order:
Don't let any one in who is interested in these
bills"
"The people Of this State are in favor OF hav-
ing hearings before standing committees" said
he, and Of having those committees continued
until the end of the session. The most honest,
the most fair the most intelligent committee,
cannot conduct its work as does the Committee
on Rules without Just criticism. The people
have demanded reform. II is stated that the
executive has demanded reform and taken pos
session of some parts of the Assembly to bring
it about wed better get into line
Mr. Burnett declared that Mr.. Palmer was
playing politics and that all members Lad the
privilege Of giving their reasons for wanting
their bills reported out by the Rules Committee.
''Under the present conditions" said he the
Committee on Rules. with its present powers. is
more necessary than ever. The Speaker Will
ind it great convenience. He can assemble
its members more often than ever before and
propose rules for the betterment Of working con-
ditions in this Assembly"
AssembIyman Fish favored a limitation Of the
powers of tho committee Any bill not reported
by a standing committee. he said. should not be
reported by the Rules Committee. Mr.. VAIN
wright argued that the procedure in the As
sembly should be the same AS in the Senate:
where the standing committees are kept until
the end Of the session. Mr.. Thompktns quoted a
Republican Senator. who said that the Rules
Committee was the most vicious thing in the
State as regards legislation"
Mr. Rogers asked for delay in deciding the
question, and urged the members not to preju-
dice the interests of the Republican party.
ANY interference with the Rules Committee
now would hamper the new Speaker, he said.
and prejudice his methods for bringing about
the reforms which he had under consideration.
Mr. Merritt thought the Assembly might wait
10 learn the composition of the Rules Commit ee
before trying to amend Rule 23
More debate followed. led by Stanley, VAIN
wright and Fish, over another amendment by
Mr. Palmer TO retain the Rules Committee but
eliminate Rule % This amendment was lost.
81 to 80 but the Palmer Stanley W ainwright
forces gave notice that within thirty days. under
the rules they would move to suspend the rules
with regard to the Committee on Rules. This,
they say. will give opportunity for strong
fight 10 force a reorganization of the rules, or
a change of methods.