New-York tribune., 1907-01-14
BIG BILLS THIS WEEK
IN ACCORD WITH HUGHES.
Measures VII Corer Nearly EOery
Recommendation of Message.
Try Telegraph to The Tribune. ]


Albany, Jan. l3.-While the Legislature in its
first few days OF activity last week received
bills TO cover nearly every recommendation OF
the Governors message. this week VIII the
Introduction Of many more important measures
along those lines. Ballot reform the forna-
ton OF the public utilities commission, the Off
cial recount bills and many more are scheduled
for presentation carly IN this. the second week
Senator Page and Assefnblyman Prentice Will
Introduce the ballot reform measures to-rnor-
row night These viii be the bills over which
the Association for the Prevention Of Corrupt
Practices Elections has been working prac-
tIcaIly since they failed of passage last sea-
They viii provide for the Australian or
Massachusetts form Of ballot, in which the
names Of the candidates grouped alpha
betically under the designations Of the Offices for
which they running. Whether or not the
ballots viii contain party ernbleTns remains to be
seen. In the past considerable opposition has
been raised here to any tentative proposal that
tho party emblem should be dropped.
The argument was that without the party
emblem voters unable 10 read would be dsfran-
chised. The Association for the Prevention Of
Corrupt Practices at Elections is prepared TO
waive that point and consent TO the party
blens If such action will help the passage Of the
bills any.
Drafting the legislation which is to do away
with the Board Of Railroad Commissioners. the
State Lighting Commission and the Rapid
Transit Commission in New York City and re-
place them with general public utilities
mission for the state and a separate commission
for New York City is no easy task This work is
IN the hands Of Senator Page and Assemblyman
Merritt. head Of the Railroads Committee in the
lower house. Mr.. Merritt last year drew bill
reorganizing the State Railroad Commission,
and he feels kind Of proprietary interest in the
task
Both of these legislators have been holding
frequent conferences with the Governor on this
subject In addition, they have obtained all the
sections Of the railroad laws of other states
which might aid them I'm their work and these
are being collated before the New York bills are
drawn. Ballot reform measures Of one kind and
another were introduced last week as was the
old recount bill The recount measure to carry
out Governor Hughes's suggestion, however.
probably viii be introduced tomorrow night.
According 10 the present plans there will be two
hills. One viii provide specifically for a re
count of the ballots cast in the Mayoralty cleo
tion in New York City in 1905. similar to the
bin presented by Assembyman Prentice On
this bill Republicans and the Tammany Demo-
Gratis will unite. The only source of opposition
TO it appears in Senator McCarren's attitude.
and there seems no good reason TO think the bill
will not be passed and become operative be-
fore Attorney General Jackson's latest procedure
a count of the ballots.
The other bill wifi be a general measure
establishing procedure according to which
future applications for recount must be made.
No particular hurry exists for the passage of
this measure, and the leaders in both houses
expect to proceed cautiously with it,
One Of the most significant features of the
work of the Legislature last week was the
group of bills presented the first and second
days, supposed TO contain provisions carrying
out the reforms indicated in Governor Hughess
message. Democrats and Republicans alike In
troduced these measures. Senate and Assembly
each bills to create a local railroad com
mission for New York City. bills for reforming
the ballot by doing away with the party circle
end the cross and bills for 1scount too, but all
drawn in such way that they would not ac-
complish the Governors desires. Some slight
conflict may arise between these bills and those
that are drawn especially TO meet the Gov
ernors views when the latter are presented
The ballot reform bills are likely to meet par
ticular opposition the part of some of the
legislators. But ali of this the Governors
attitude is plain he sees what is Interpreted
by trouble seekers as the formation Of a lineup
against him. and he dsregards it. his hands
are off the Legislature; he is not anticipating
trouble. and he has hearty assurances of sup
port from almost every one VINO mas talked with
him.
Among the important bills introduced last
week was that OF Senator Sake and Assembly
Murphy, similar TO last years recount bill.
providing for recount on the affidavit of any
citizen. In the Assembly the bin appealed es-
pecialy some wag I'm the clerks department.
for the number given TO ii on introduction was
changed to the cabalistic "23"
Senator Grady introduced his public utilities
commission bill for New York City. 1t provides
for the election of five commissioners who con-
stitute body having jurisdiction over lighting
and telephone companies and all varieties of
railroads Senator Page introduced the meas
ure TO repeal the tax the surplus Of savings
banks.
Senator SAKE introduced four companion bills.
designed TO compel strict accountability on the
part of directors Of banks and insurance COM
panies One measure specifies that the Super
intendent of Insurance shall make such rules
for the conduct of directors Of the domestic in
surance companies as he deems proper These
rules become part OF the bylaws of the COM
panies. and violation OF any of them may be pun
ished by removal OF the offending director from
offce. Each director within ten days of taking
Office shall hle a bond in such sum as the Su-
perinten6ent may direct, and fsNure to file such
a bond may render the office vacant Any d.
rector holding Office when this bill takes effect
must nle hts bond within thirty days A second