New-York tribune., 1906-03-28
SENATE CHANGES MIND.
amendments to Anti-PaSs Bill
Stricken off and Replaced.

IBy Telegraph to The Tribunel
Albany, March 27-The Bracket bill abolish
ing all railroad passes in any circumstances
had a checkered career in the Senate this morn
ing. Amended to bring It to its original form
and advanced again to third reading after
sharp debate it was again amended by Senator
Grady to take II back to the form in which
the Railroad Committee had left it. the "bas-
tard bT' against which Senator Brackett in
Weighed last week. This second amendment
prevailed, and the lineup Of members on the
rollcaH indicated that the bill probably would
be passed in that shape. despite Senator Brack-
ett's opposition.
AS a kind of side issue to the main question,
Senators McCarren and Bracket had a sharp
tilt over Senator McCarren's corporation lean
tngs. The latter. arguing for officials passes,
admitted that he had heard the frequent whis-
perings that many of the legislators were not
serving the state. but the corporations.
IN not plead guilty to that" he declared;
neither will my friend Senator Grady
do you want to hear the evidence before
you submit the plea?' inquired Senator
Bracket
NO. I don't" said Senator McCarren, "and
you've got no evidence; merely ideas which float
around in your head as the result of your lively
imagination"
We'll I'll admit have no facts or even any
other legislators are here working for the cor
porations," confessed Senator Bracket. "but
do believe his viewpoint is hopelessly wrong.
It's quite possible TO do wrong from conscien-
tious motives, you know and maybe that's how
he's working whether his bias is in favor of the
corporations or merely against the ordinary peo-
Pile"
In its original form the measure forbade all
passes to anybody. As amended by the railroad
committee It provided that railroads might is
sue passes to their own employees and those Of
other railroads. while they should give free
passage to all state officials on state business
who presented certificates issued by the Secre-
tary OF State. 1t was to these amendments.
which absolutely nUllihed the intent of his bill,
he said. that Senator Bracket objected so
strongly last week. Then they were passed over
his head. champoned by Senator Grady.
Senator Grady in championing the amendments
declared that it was pretty misery state which
wouldn't pay the transportation Of its officials.
There is no suggestion Of graft or salary
grabbing in this BILL he said. It's simply
just provision TO prevent our having TO spend
our own money in the states business
Senator Cassidy asked if it would be quite
constitutional for a state official to accept per-
ouisites, and Senator Grady said it would be in
this form. Senator 8IcCarren believed that the
state should pay travelling expenses when
legislator was forced to go to his home to see
his constituents. as we'll as mileage for the
first trip.
Senator Brackett made a strong plea for his
bill in the form in which he presented it, de-
clarng that the Senate had no right TO mutilate
It. Apparently the Senate agreed with him, for
Il sustained him. IS TO l., and the amended bill
was advanced TO third reading.
But then Immediately after the Committee Of
the Whole had risen, Senator Grady moved TO
reconsider the vote by which the amended bill
had been approved and then moved to strike
out the Brackett amendments, leaving the bill
in its second form, as presented by the Railroad
Committee.
Were getting too good in this Senate" he
said This reform wave is imposing us too
strenuous a life. Everything must be handled
with the most delicate consideration for the feel
ings of the constituents imbUed with this reform
idea Why, we want 20 get some clouds and
scatter them round this Senate chamber. and
some white robes and then let each Senator get
a harp and II he can't sing anything else, let
him sing his praises
His motion TO reamend the amended bill pre-
y-aiIad % n 10