New-York tribune., 1909-04-16
TO CHECK THE GOTERNOR.
T7cO of Three Resolutions Haze
Origin in assembly.
fRy Teit tsraph to The Tribune. ]

Albany April 1.-Two of the three resolutions
providing for investigating commissions which are
designed to checkmate the desire TO call an extra
session. attributed to Governor Hughes. originated
in the Assembly. They were reported to-day from
the Rules Committee.
The expected resolution for commission TO con-
5. Ter the proposed New York City charter was
handed down first 1t provided for q commission
of three Senators and five Asscmblymen appointed
by the presiding officers of the two houses to sit in
New York. hold hearings on the proposed charter
and administrative code and report TO the Legs-
lature of 1910 by February l. II carried appro-
priation of $4,000 for expense. Mr. Bennett OBJ
jectcd to the resolution the ground that it did
not continue the existence of the present charter
revision commission. expert body whose two
years of study of New York city conditions thus
practically would be thrown away.
But the Speakers Gavel crashed on the desk. and
the resolution adopted with only Mr.. Francis
and Mr. Bennett in dissent It was hurried to the
Senate and referred to the Finance Committee
which held a special meeting and reported it favor
ably at Then. at the end Of the direct nom-
nations debate it was hurried through in con-
fusion of adjournment without Il vote in opposi-
ton to it,
The second resolution was intended to dispose Of
the telephone and telegraph situation 1t
drawn In such phraseology, Hughes here con-
tend that the committee would have powers prac-
ticalIy to investigate the Public Service commits
sions and to recommend legislation curtailing the
powers and duties or those bodies.
The resolution. which also provided for a COM
mttee of three Senators and five Assembymen,
recognized the fact that public interest demands
appropriate legislation the subject but such
legislation should be undertaken without long
and careful consideration. This consideration Will
cost the state least $1,000 the expense appro-
priaton allowed III the resolution.
AssembIyman Bennett. after hearing the docu-
nent read. said from the arguments of its advo-
Gates he Judged they intended to investigate the
telephone and telegraph companies. Bit. he
said las read the resolution il is to investigate
not the telephone telegraph companies. but the
Public Service commissions
Then came a cry Of ''Obstructionist from Beverly
n t,obusou who time ago advocated the emaS-
cuiatton Of the Public Service Commissions law.
Mr. Merritt the majority leader. waited out: The
=, ntlenau wants trJuoe. l know of 10 other rea-
son for his attitude No one. however. answered
his contention offered to amend the resolution
that 1t would directly provide for investigation
of the telegraph and telephone companies. His
motion to put the consideration of the resolution
WIS passed by the same vote.
Those who voted against it Messrs. Bennett. !
Francis Thorn, Toombs and Marks. all RepuD- |
licans of New York except Tho'n. who comes from |
Erie County.
In presenting the telephone and telegraph COM |
mission resolution Mr.. Merritt read statement. !
which, he said. expressed the sentiment of the !
members OF the Rules Committee on the measure, /
in which he said:
The situation in the Legislature to the bill
present session the Legislature, positive
ton be taken or the subject
Assembly has passed concurrent resolution !
for adjournment and the legislative session will !
soon come a close. The bull proposed has had ]
H. consideration In committee of this house. nor :
has any hearing been asked Or had relating to its
provisions-ths being entirely due to the fact of |
its late inIroductlc-.
In order to do justice to the subject and all par