Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-05
HUGHES OVERCOMES
ALL OPPOSITION
New York's Governor Beats Down
Political Bosses in Legislature.

| H; Bender. whose removal was unsuccess-
fully sought by various civil service re-
form associations for violation Of the law
In compelling state employees to contribute
to political campaign funds.
He followed up this act by firing a Ave-
barreled broadside commanding the legis-
lature to pass these bills. which the oppo-
sition had planned to bury beyond resur-
rection.
The bill providing for thorough house,
cleaning Of every state department. which
Is expected to uncover many scandals In
volving political officeholders, past and
present.
The bill providing for direct primaries.
The bill amending the corrupt practices
act to make it more effective.
The bill providing for an investigation
OF the water-power resources of the state
with view Of making them revenue pro-
ducers.
The bill taxing special franchises where
railways intersect highways
The only measures of public Importance
that the governor did not include In his
recommendation were those providing for
the reform of the ballot system, the scent
fare and universal transfer reform, the
amendment to the Economic Power and
Construction Company's extraordinary
charter and the restoration OF the Sake
Death avenue" bill to its original form. 1t
Is not improbable that these measures will
command his attention today or Thurs
day.
Governors Message.
The governors message. which was not
entirely unexpected, was short, sharp and
direct to the point. "A rapid-fire fusillade,"
Senator Cassidy styled 1t. 1t was read
in both houses at the same time and be-
fore the reading had been half completed
1T was evident that the senators and assem-
blymen would obey.
There were a few nutterings of discon-
tent and "brainstorm'' or two, but they
soon passed and the men who a month ago
were believing their defiance at the gov
ernor were as meek as pet lambs Only
McCarren. who has consistently opposed
what Raines. his whilom ally, once char
acterized to be this reform nonsense" con-
tinued hostile. He made strenuous effort
to instill fighting courage into Raines and
the dissenters in the republican camp but
gave 1t up in disgust.
The governors message was in part as
follows:
L respectfully urge the passage of suit
able legislation with reference to the fol-
lowing matters:
I'D Provision for investigation by the
governor of administrative departments
''(2) Amendment Of the primary election
law, so as to make proper provision for
direct nominations and official primary bal
lots.
"(3) Amendment of the election law so
as to make more effective provision against
corrupt practices. The recent decision of
the supreme court holding certain features
Of the act of the last session to be uncon-
quirement of notice to persons affected by
proceedings for the purpose of inquiring
Into the truth or suff1ciency of statements
of election expenses makes it highly i'm
portant that the law should be amended
The scheme for judicial scrutiny Of the
statements filed Is a most valuable one
and should not be allowed to fail Of effect
I also recommend to your consideration the
further Limitation of the amounts which can
be expended in connection with elections
without being scheduled or itemized.
80 Provision for inquiry and the formu-
lation of plans with reference to the de-
velopment and use of water powers and
their proper regulation and control by the
state.
90 Amendment Of the tax law so as to
include for purposes of taxation within
the term special franchise the crossings
of streets, highways or public places with
in the limits of cities and incorporated VIII
lagos. Under the present Jaw, as 1t has
been amended. 1t appears that large
number Of important special franchises to
maintain such crossings not the SUBJ
ject of taxation and there would seem to
be no adequate reason for exemption