New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-07
COPY OF BILL STOLEN?
PAGE MAKES CHARGE.
Sensation OUer accusation COncern-
ing Utilities Measure.
~ TeIegraph 70 Tae Trlbuna- ]

the street railways of New York. and that IN an
interview with him one OF the legal agents for
the railroad concerns referred 70 a provision
contained only in that bill. We're voiced to-day
by Senator Page in connection with the formal
introduction OF the Governors bill regulating
the transit concerns. 1t is known that George
w Morgan. formerly Superintendent Of Elec-
tions who now is the registered lobbyist for the
Belmont railroad interests. talked with Senator
Page. but Senator Page refused 70 tell the name
Of the to whom he referred.
These charges. made first on the floor OF the
Senate and supplemented afJerward in an inter-
view, creating a genuine sensation here. The
usual activity Of the transit concerns and others
affected by the public utilities bill 70 obtain
advance Information of it's provisions. even any
stray crumb OF gossip. and to take advantage
OF any bit OF probable opposition to the Gov
ernor's suggestions. has caused considerable talk
at this session; but even the rumor Of the de-
IIberate theft OF one OF four advance copies OF a
tentative draft OF the bill is little strong even
for A1bany's advanced notions Everybody Is
wondering to what lengths opposition 70 the
measure will go now
Governor Hughes knew that advance infor-
nation was in the hands Of some interests. He
declined 70 discuss the leak for publication.
But it was his knowledge of that fact, together
with the discovery last night by Senator Page
foot to spread misleading reports Of the nature
Of the bill which brought about the giving out
of the authoritative statement OF its provisions
prior to introduction.
TILT WITH SENATOR CASSIDY.
Introduction Of the bill productive. too.
Of another significant fact, since it brought
prominently into the Imelight Senator Cassidy
as head and front Of The technical battle against
the BILL ably seconded by Senator McCarren-
1t was in fact in a tilt with Senator Cassidy
that Senator Page made his charges Of the theft
of the advance copy OF the bill When he intro
duced the measure Senator Page asked that.
since it brought up so many questions OF law.
it be referred first to the Judiciary Committee.
OF which he is a leading member. and then TO
the Finance Committee. where il must go be-
cause Of the appropriations carried Senator Nc
Carren at once suggested that 1t should go 20
the Cities Committee. but was easily convinced
that it affected every part Of the state as we'll
as New York City.
And then Senator Cassidy inquired II the state
ment published in the morning papers was cor
rect as made by the introduCer Of the bill SEN
ator Page answered that it was
Did the Senator in the latter part Of the
statement where he holds out a threat TO tho
corporations interested in the bin, to the effect
that unless they mildly and taTneiy submit to
the bill certain things might happen. intend that
part of this body or on the part OF any other
body before the passage OF this biII?' demanded
Senator Cassidy.
I'VE are not seeking to control the thought
OF any man. Those who able to think we
/ expect Will exercise that power" retorted Sen
ator Page.
Does the Senator think 1t is fair 70 this or to
any other body concerned with this bill 20 pre-
cede the introduction of the bill with a state
= 49,, g,s-,
OF this bill preparatory to it's tntroduction?'
queried Senator Cassidy.
FELT JUSTIFIED IN GIVING STATEMENT.
While this question has no relevancy to the
question OF the committee 70 which the bill
shall be referred which IS the subject before the
Senate, still have objection 70 saying that
early copies OF this bill have been stolen. and
that erroneous statements were being made in
the press for certain purposes, and we found
that an incorrect abstract Of the bill was HablO
to be published this morning so under those cir
cumstances we considered ourselves justified IN
giving TO the press correct statement. IN order
that the public might not be misled' Senator
Page explained, while the Senators glanced az
one another in amazement.
Il asked the question for this reason" said
Mr.. Cassidy. chat if the threat at the end OF
the report has any force whatever. then there g
no need for any reference OF the bill to any
sede thought and action on the part OF this
body and on the part Of others interested in the
welfare OF this great state, IL seems to me the
bill should be referred TO the Committee on Mis-
cellaneous Corporations.
And then Senator Page took sharp tall out oc
his opponent:
Il supposed the gentleman was leading up TO
that request. If I were member OF that COM
mittee and had dealt with matters before the
IL
be anxious to project myself into the Hmelight
by trying 10 get control OF this bill. think Il
would be improper TO refer 70 that committee q
bill which deals with only one subject properly
referrible 70 that committee. while IT covers
numerous other subjects in way connected
with the work of that committee"
The Committee on Miscellaneous Corporations.
Of which Senator CASSIDY was an influential
member. was known for many years as the
ulOrgue'' for SO-cent gas bills and similar meas
ures
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORTS BILL
After considerable more debate Lieutenant-
Governor Chanler said that he had no option
under the rules. but must refer the bill to the
Finance Committee. A motion 20 discharge that
committee would be in order however. So he
referred the bill and Senator Page asked unal-
imous consent to have the committee discharged
and the bill re-referred TO the Judiciary Commit
tee. Senator Armstrong, chairman OF Finance,
was willing but Senator Cassidy objected Row
ever. Immediately after the session the Finance
Committee held a meeting and reported the bil
SO that tomorrow II can be referred 10 JUd.-
ciary
In the Assembly the bill was referred without
debate 70 the Committee on Railroads OF which
Mr.. Merritt, the intrCducer. is chairman
After the Senate adjourned Senator Page was
asked about the stolen bill He said;
/ heard from two distinct sources that copy
of the bill IN the possession Of banking