New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-05-09
ALL WITH GOV. HUGHES.
OPPOSITION FADES AWAY.
Republican Senators Unanimously
Resolve to Support Utilities Bill.
lBs Telegraph to The Tribune 7

| unanimously a resolution offered by Senator
Raines pledging their support to the public
| utilities bill substantially as 1t was reintro-
duced by Senator Page on Monday night. That
| draft of the bill was examined by Governor
| Hughes, and it's provisions are satisfactory to
him. Any amendment proposed on the floor is
to be the subject of a Republican caucus.
Senator Raines's resolution was as follows:
| Resolved, That it is the purpose of this con-
ference that the bill known as the public utin-
| ties bill, numbered l .566 be supported by
| Republican Senators in substantially the form
| In which II is printed and that the committee
having charge of the bill be requested to report
| the bill as soon possible.
Resolved further, That if any amendments
| shall be made. they shall be submitted to a
caucus OF Republican Senators
Twenty-nine Senators of the thirty-two Repub-
| ncans were present. counting Senator Dunn. who
had given proxy to Senator Armstrong The
| absentees were Messrs. Aids. Wemple and
Cordts. Senator Travis. of Brooklyn. presided.
and Senator Burr was secretary There was
discussion of the utilities bill lasting for nearly
three hours 1t went into every detail of the
measure Senator Page explained carefully It's
provisions. and times subjected TO
storm of inquiry. which. however. did not any
time become hostile in its tone. 1t was. rather.
the careful inquiry Of senators anxious to know
just what the measure to which they were com
mitted actually did. No vote was taken on any
thing save the final resolution
To show the attitude of the senator's at this
conference. one Senator deeply interested in the
Governors programme cited this instance-the
section giving the Governor power of removal.
which was under discussion. Senator Page had
explained it. when another Senator broke in
with long criticism.
We'll, replying to the Senator's criticism. I'd
say began Senator Page. when the other
Senator interrupted: Hold on. Senator he
said. that's not my criticism. it's criticism
I've heard. and I'd like 10 know the answer
that's ALI"
NO REAL ARGUMENT OVER BILL
The sections governing the power OF removal
| and the provisions regulating the power OF ap-
| peal 10 the courts from judgments OF the COM
| missioners aroused most discussion. but in no
| instance. the Senator said. did this discussion
| rise to the plane Of a real argument over the
merits of any provision II was merely ques-
tion and answer. seeking for information. No
| effort made tonight to bring this confer
ence the nature of a caucus
Those who have read the resolution noted the
| word substantially" referring to the existing
form Of the measure. The explanation given for
its presence was that 1t was inserted because
the cOnferrees thought some amendment might
be presented by the Democrats on the floor
which it would be found wise, after general dis
cussion, TO adopt.
of the conference tonight. while not positively
assuring the passage OF the utilities bill without
damaging amendments is so long a step IN ad-
vance that they see little room for doubt OF
hearty support for IT.
Loyal supporters of Governor Hughes declare
that at no time the situation outside his
grasp. and early this morning Senator Page had
the necessary number Of names for the calling
of a caucus on the utilities bill Certainly the
harmony was achieved much earlier because OF
the arrival of the big leaders. who brought about
sweeping change in the Views OF some legiS-
lators who previously had been opposed TO the
Governor
OPPOSITION DIES SUDDENLY.
Thus II was that. with a suddenness almost
amazing opposition among the Republican leg
islators 10 the Governors public utilities bill
seemingly died to-day and legislators big and
little Joined in a scramble 10 unite with those
loyal Republicans who sustaining Governor
Hughes and aiding him to carry out his legis-
lative programme. Two things were instru-
mental in bringing this aboUt-an overwheIrn-
ing realization of the public sentiment which
had been aroused throughout the state as a re-
suit Of the stand against Governor Hughes on
the Kelsey case. and the manifest interest which
President Roosevelt is taking in seeing that the
tried and true" organization leaders back the
Governor in his legislative programme. utilities
bill and all
These things. OF which the outwardd and Wis
ible sign notable gathering OF organiza-
tion leaders here TO impress the public will on
the Legislature Immediately resulted in the call
ing of a conference OF Republican Senators on
the utilities bill and other legislation. which
leaders confidently predicted would turn into a
caucus on the bill the Governor wanted it;
next Monday which should adopt the Governors
legislation. and the calling of meeting Of the
Republican State COMMITTEES for Saturday
which will commend Governor Hughss's entire
course.
Into the Capitol to-day came National Com
mitteeman William L. Ward. OF westchestsr:
George w. Aldridge. of Monroe: William Barnes
jr Of Albany; Lucus n. Lttauer and Con-
gressmen Cocks. of Long Island. and Bennett. OF
New York. both of whom got into close touch
with the President. and William J. Youngs. long
known as one of the Roosevelt aides-de-camp.
IMPORTANCE OF RUPTURE REALIZED.
Many OF them previously had talked over the
situation among themselves and realized how
much an open rupture between the Governor and
the organization meant at this time. Others OF
them had been in touch with President Roose-
Welt and knew how earnestly he desired har-