The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-12-17
EVERETT COLBY'S PROGRAMME
WILL WORK FOR A LEGISLATIVE
REFERENCE DEPARTMENT.

This In the Interest Of Clear and Consistent
legislation Also FaVors q Bill Pro-
yidIng for the Expression Of o Popular
Choice for Senatorial Candidate.
WEST ORANGE, N. j., Dec. 16-State Sem
ator Everett Colby to-day issued the foi-
lowing statement Of what he believed would
be the principal tasks for the New Jersey
Legislature to carry out at the coming
session:
The composition OF the next Legislature
il such as to warrant the hope that much
good legislation may be passed, m It un-
doubleday will be IL craftsmanship does not
play too conspicuous a part. II both parties
claim that which il not their due and en-
deavor to discredit the motives OF the other
a splendid opportunity to establish a hign
water mark for advanced and sound legis-
lation will be lost TO the people OF the state.
Barren results from the Legislature OF
1907 due to partisan politics and petty
jealousies would be a calamity the public
would AVE every reason TO resent, n IL
would therefore seem the part OF wisdom
for us, when we settle down to work, to re-
member that we represent the whole state
and not q party or faction.
The danger with the present oorn-
plexion of the Legislature Is not so much
that good legislation will not pass as in the
probability that what legislation 10 passed
will lack uniformity and consistency and
in this connection IL woul be well, 1 think,
il greater pains were taken to draw all bills
along lines consistent with the general
principles Of government, based upon
accurate knowledge OF the subject under
discussion. Many Of the bills we pass are
drawn hastily to meet political contingent
cies or by corporations attorneys for Their
clients, and not I per cent. OF the bills are
actually drawn by the members themselves.
Just at this time, whenl legislation OF the
most radical character is so often suggested
as a remedy for this or that evil, it would
seem unwise to advance measures that we're
not thoroughly understood by the members
of the Legislature themselves n for which
no one could be held directly responsible
by the people. To correct this tendency
and place directly upon the representatives
themselves the responsibility for legislation,
l believe a legislative reference department
should be created along the lines Of the one
in the State capital Of Wisconsin.
1T Ia the duty of those in charge Of the
department to accumulate data on all
public questions, so that when the oon-
s~tjtuency of a Representative requests
HIM to introduce a bill he does not have
to get some friend or attorney, ~inexperi.
enced perhaps in this particular line OF
work, to draft il for him, but goes directly
to the reference bureau, finds the history OF
all such legislation, h the law on the
subject is in every State and what lts erect
has been. Working out his own ideas in
the provisions Of the bill it is, if he so desires,
nut into correct form by the bureau. Legis-
| iation in this way is drawn along, broad
| lines and has some semblance OF a scholarly
and scientific basis. l shall try to get the
Legislature to authorize the formation OF
such a department.
Il shall seek also to have the Legislature
pass the civil service bill. which places
under civil service regulations all public
| officials in State, county and city except
these elected by the people, those APP
pointed by the Governor with ~connrTna-
ton by the Senate, school superintendent
and principals, election officers and heads
of departments and law officers OF cities
and counties. This measure, to my mind,
ia most important as a companion Dill 70
the direct primary, for lille the conven-
ton lent itself readily to the manipulation
OF party bosses, and it's removal from
politics will be a great step toward popular
government, yet even thed direct primary
can be used by the leaders OF reform move
ments, which experience has taught do not
remain politically immaculate Tor more
han a few years and who soon learn to
make use of the very methods they o m
demned. The o~ficeholder, being the nrst
to feel the pressure Of political influence,
should therefore be protected IN the ful-
flment of his duty by law. 80,
There seems reason TO believe that a Dill
providing for the expression Of popular
choice for the party candidate for United
States Senator will pass this winter. There
is probably no question before the people
of the country which is meeting with such
favorable response. AS rs ven Known, Ine
passed a resolution in favor OF a change
and once the measure has been reported
by a senate committee. lnirty-ohe
States have passed resolutions calling for
the popular election Of this branch OF Con,
press. OF the thirty vacancies which Will
occur in the Senate OF 1901 fifteen a IN
September last already been filed by meth
DDS similar to the n proposed In my bill
of last winter. Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia,
Illinois. Kentucky. Louisiana, Mississippa,
and Virginia have either a direct primary
or a party rule for the nomination Of Sena-
tors. Idaho, South Dakota and Nebraska
will ave candidates nominated In conven-
tons. while in New Jersey, Iowa, Wash
ington m Maryland are being
conducted in the interest OF some law pro-
yidinR for a popular choice. So IL would
seem that within the next ten or fifteen
wears July 50 per cent. Of the Senators OF
the United States will be chosen oy the
people.
ment Of the main stem property OF rail-
roads. the law which would provide fol
the taxation OF franchises at their value
last year. The law providing for the ap'
pointment Of county tax boards will un,
doubtedly receive careful consideration ano
be amended TO meet the defects that were