The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1907-01-12
New Turn Taken by New York
ReactionarieS
SENATE CLERK HAS POWER
70 ExpeI OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES t.
Be Blow at the Governor
He Would Appeal to the People
Through the Newspapers


Albany, y. Il, Jan. 12.-The reae-
tionary forces in the State Senate, led
BY senator John Raines, have taken
another step in their effort to limit the
work Of the governor for reform This
step was direct effort TO muzzle the
press in Albany, entirely reminiscent of
the action Of Governor Pennypacker Of
sage by the Senate Rules Committee of
Pennsylvania. II consisted Of the pas
"a resolution empowering the clerk Of
the Senate to revoke III his pleasure
the privileges of attending the session of
the body granted to any newspaper cor
respondent. In reality this means that
any membem OF the Senate can. under
cover Of the clerk, expcl eorresuon-
dent whose report of any proceeding dis
pleased him. This Is the direct out
growth Of the criticism Of the organi-
zstion Of the Senate by the New York
press. It's particular significance. how.
ever, lies tn the fact that the Senate ae-
ton directly follows the governors an.
nouncement OF his intention To appeal
70 the people directly IN the case Of
trouble. His method Of appeal must be
the press, and the Senate has placed
the correspondents at it, mercy by its
resolution.
This Is the second time this effort TO
muzzle the press has been made in re-
cent years This first occurred two
years ago when the editor Of the New
York Press was hauled before the Leg
stature and threatened with imprison-
nlent for the printing Of criticisms Of
the conduct Of certain legislators dur.
ing the Impeachment trial Of Justice
Warren B, Hooker The chief interest
in the matter lies in the fact that II in.
dicates the lengths to which the oppo-
nents 81 Governor Hughes are prepared
to 20 in their efforts to defeat his poll.
eics.
Not Planning Income Tax.
Sherman Moreland, the Republican
leader in the Assembly and member
OF the State Tax Commission, this
morning denied the report that the com
mission was planning TO recommend to
the Legislature an income tax Of one
per cent on all incomes between $500
and $4,000. and larger percentage on
incomes above this limit, Mr.. Moneland
said that a majority of the commission
opposed this measure, and that either q
form Of Inheritance tax OF an adapta-
tion OF the English habitation tax was
more likely I'd be opposed The com
mission holds its final session tomorrow
and reports to the governor carly next
week
Hughes Faction Developing.
Already there are indications, how.
ever, that both In the Senate and the
Assembly there may be a Hughes fac
tion" composed Of legislators from both
parties. This faction viii be composed
81 men, who, while their party affilia.
lions are well defined, have earned the
title Of independents, because they had
the courage to stand out in the face of
opposition within their own party for or
against legislation according to their
belief regarding its effect on the public
welfare. These men in most instances
have been barred from all important
committee posts 10 the organization Of
both Houses, but they cannot be de
Iprived of participation in any discussion
on floor of the Senate Should the Is.
suc be Joined between the Executive and
the machine element, these mon will aid
ia the fight with at least one re.
sult-a mighty stirring up of public
sentiment. The mere knowledge Of
this fact on the part Of the machine
element may prevent, or at least delay,
any open fight, There is nothing the
leaders fear as much at this time as
detection from the ranks. The Demo
Gratis, with the prestige Of a partial
victory in the State, are anxious to add
20 their strength and build up a state
machine for future political battles
The Republican machine Is IN state Of
disorganization, minus patronage and
minus a strong hand TO guide II.