New-York tribune., 1908-04-09

THE ANTT-GAMBLfNG BILLS FAILURE.
The tie vote on the gambling bills. - 70
- cannot be regarded finally disposing of
those measures Governor Hughes has en-
listed so heartily in the cause of making the
state law carry out the plain intent OF the state
constitution that he is not likely to accept
tie vote as final defeat, and neither will pub
lie opinion. The Governor will undoubtedly
have the people with him in any steps he may
take TO press this issue 10 q conclusive result.
y majority vote either way might have been
accepted but an even division should not
and viii not be.
Various steps are possible 10 secure further
consideration of the bills, If they are not taken
from the table and passed at the present ses-
sion. A special session of the Legislature has
been predicted for some time because certain
important measures seem unlikely TO receive
full and due consideration at this session
such. for instance as the amendments TO the
Public Service commissions law and the Op-
tional direct primaries bill. At such special
session if it is called. it is extremely probable
that the Governor viii renew his recommends
tions regarding the anti-gambling legislation,
if it has not already been finally and salts
factorily disposed Of. When the bills come be
fore a special session there are various ways ~
which the Governors position may be strength
ened. He may order special election 10 choose
a successor 10 the late Senator FTanchot, and
thus secure one additional supporter for the
anti-gamblng bills which would give them the
necessary majority. Or. again, at a special ses-
sion called for the specific purpose, among
others. of considering those bills the Repub-
licans may appropriately make them party
measures TO which party support may he bound
by caucus action.
While respect for the state constitution is
not perhaps a party question. the develop
ment of the debate and the alignment Of the
Senators upon the bills have made them prac-
ticay a party iSsue-the proposal of a Re
publican Governor supported by all but eight
of the Republican Senators, and with a strong
prepOnderance Of public opinion behind them.
IL least in all the Republican sections Of the
state: while the opposition has been almost
entirely Democratic. in charge Of the Demo
cratic leaders Of the Senate. and with the sup
port throughout Of seventeen of the nineteen
Democratic Senators. Thus II may be thought
that as not only the Republican Governor but
the Republican voters throughout the state
urgently desire the passage of these bills they
can properly he made the subject of caucus
action if Il special session is called for their
final disposition
Probably the course which the Governor and
his supporters in the Senate will pursue has
rot yet been fully determined. but We mention
these possibilities 10 show that yesterdays tie
vote cannot he regarded as final and that the
friends Of the bills. by reason of their power
Of recruiting an additional supporter in the
person Of = successor 70 the late Senator Fran
chot and their ability 70 use the caucus. oc-
cupy the stronger position in case Of future
action. The racing interests have exerted all
their energies and have succeeded only in caus-
ing tie 1t is easy 70 sec how the supporters
of the bills can increase their strength. 1t is
not easy 10 see how the opponents can increase
theirs. Public opinion also, SO far as thar is a
controlling force, is likely 10 make itself heard.
if the bills come UP again for passage. more
potenrly than hitherto. There was general con
fidence that they would be passed. and there
win he general disappointment that they have
failed.