New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-17
Reform IN PENNSYLVANIA.

Faith in the adage that the leopard cannot
change his spots nor the Ethiopian his skin has
been rudey shaken by recent events in Penn
sylvania. The legislature of that state has Just
adjourned after an extra session of four weeks
and its record of root and branch reform is
sensational enough 10 discredit the whole Cal
whistle theory of inherent and irredeemable
depravity. The Pennsylvania lawmakers have
INDICATED the more wholesome optimism of the
hymn writer who contended that while the light
holds out TO burn the viest sinner may return.
The election of 1903 like a great light set
on a hill, and the legislators at Harrisburg seem
TO have taAen that confagration a final warn
Ing TO repent and TO bring forth works meet for
repentance. OF the completeness of the change
of heart effected there be no question. For
q legislature which sat in regular session last
winter for three four months without be-
stirring itself TO pass single piece of progress
i've legislation has this year within four weeks
grated the statute book more desirable re-
forms than Pennsylvania had seen enacted in
a generation
Last spring the legislature passed two rip
per- bills, amending Philadelphia's charter by
taking from the Mayor the power to appoint the
heads OF the two chief administrative DEPART
ments. This legislation was forced through at
the behest of tho Republican machine in Phil
adelphia-a machine Overthrown and dis
TO repeal these "rippers" But the spirit of
reform released by the last state election COM
PEELED much further heroic treatment of the sit
uation in Philadelphia A personal registration
act was passed affecting the larger cities of the
state; PAiladelphias Oficeholders were put I'M
der civil service regulations, and their partici-
patton in politics was rigidIy restricted assess
ments on officehoders were forbidden; corrupt
practices act was passed, compelling candidates
10 file detailed statements of their expenditures
and political committees to publish the names of
all contributors 10 campaign funds q uniform
primary system was adopted; long postponed
appOrtiOnment of representation in the legis-
lature was effected; abuses in the Office of the
Insurance Commissioner were uncovered and
the fee system OF compensation was abolished
the deposit of state funds was regulated and
the consolidation of Pittsburg and Allegheny
City authorized. In addition the Iegts-
lature initiated inquiry into the alleged VIC
lation of the state constitution by railroads
which have directly indirectly engaged in coal
mining, and asked the Governor TO call an extra
session to enable it 10 impose Il two-cents-a-
mile passenger rate for railroad service and IN
give trolley lines the right to carry freight in
order 10 reduce rates and encourage competi-
ton with the express companies.
This is a remarkable exhibit of zeal md
industry Governor Pennypacker who himself
cohtrlDuteu hcuNely 10 the extra sessions sue
cess was entitled to say that better work had
been done than ar any other legislative session
in the states history. Pennsylvanians. witbout
regard TO party. ere delighted with the notable
advances accomplished in good government
Every other state, too should take heart from,
the lesson taught by Pennsylvanla's uprising
The will of the people, clearly expressed M one
election. wrecked at single stroke a political
machine which had held itself TO be inyulner
able and converted legislature wholly subser
Went TO machine leadership into willing and
active instrument of political reformation
Pennsylvania politicians have shown thar tho,
are ready 10 bow 10 public sentiment when thar
sentiment is once Enthusiastically expressed. and
in that they are wiser than many of their CON
temporaries. The bosses in other states who
think they can outwit the public or tire n ON,