New-York tribune., 1908-01-02
LEGISLATURE MEETS.
OPENING SESSION TAuE.
WOOdruf and Parsons Among Us
itOrs-McCmren's Outbreak
nv TeIesraph 70 The tribune !


Albany Jan. 1-Qule:ly ard with a notice
able absentee list. the 131st annual session OF
the Legislature began at noon to-day The two
houses organized. listened with varying emo
tions to the reading of the Governors message
and dispersed 10 meet on next Monday night II
comparatively tame affair. chiefly because
of the holiday. though one or two outbuTsts oy
members gave indication Of HveIer happenings
soon.
Visitors and flowers were somewhat scarce.
State Chairman Woodruff sat through the SEN
ate session and TO the surprise of many was
very cordial Senator Raines. who last
year during the Kelsey fight called woodruff
camp follower" who skulked in the rear when
there was real fighting Herbert Parsons pres
ident of the New York County Republican Com
mittee remained in the Assembly The galleries
held a bare handful of the general public and
friends and relatives OF the members were not
numerous.
Organization was effected quickly by a rou-
tine election OF the old officers in each house.
with the exception of Assembly clerk. Ray 3.
Smith succeeding Colonel Archie T.. Baxter
Speaker Wadsworth cheeTed Justify Wnen
he was escorted to his chair by Assemolynen
Merritt and Palmer.
In openfng the session Of the Senate, LieuteE-
ant Governor Chanler said a few words or
complimentary character. expressing the nope
70 the members of the Senate and profitable for
the people
In the course of his brief speech or accept
ance Speaker WadswOrth said
'sTbe peopIe of the state this year had but ono
channel through which they could express their
opinions on the general policy Of the state gov
eminent and that was in the election or she
Assembly This house, composed of members
chosen in one hundred and nifty districts
throughout the state, constitutes the latest ana
,,os+ authoritative expression of the public Will
We are expected take UP our duties promptly
and to conduct this session in manner BENT
,t,, tho norrIar branch Of the government
With Judgment unwarped by any outside in1iu-
ences owing no allegiance save TO the peopie
who have sent us here to represent thern' We
can make the session of 1908 a success
The reading Of the Governors message IN 'ie
Senate injected touch of spice lhto an o'N
wise savorless dish AS Senator hSaines "aS
about TO move that it be printed for reference
Senator McCarren interrupted 10 reIeFe hihsVA
Of some burning thoughts
-! have given much attention 20 the part Oh
the message which relates TO the Public Service
Commission said he but have Jailed 20 note
any reference to what Is known as the Brooklyh
Bridge crush The commission was appointed 70
relieve that crush. I believe II has been IN
office six months The crushers are still erushlhs
/ the crushees and the crushed are being erushed
4 lust as usual II this recommendation VIII give
the commission the ability to relieve that crush'
| still in existence it will be good
| II note also the references 10 the Percy-CIray
| racing law and that it's constitutionaity IS at
tackled by inference. l can't agree with the
/ Governor there either. His record on the re-
/ count bill is not calculated To inspire me with
/ great respect for his constitutional ability
! Senator Raines expressed deep and abiding
regret that the Governor had not consulted with
/ Senator McCarren and sought his advice on
/ these subjects. When Senator Grady, too. said
| he hoped to pay his respects to several sections
/ of the message. Senator Raines ventured the
/ declaration that there could be no better rec
/ ommendatiOn for that document than that il had
/ drawn the fire Of the Democrats
Bishop Doane opened the session OF the Sem
/ ate praying that the Creator would preserve tina
| legislators from error and ignorance. from
/ passion, prejudice and partisanshp."