New-York tribune., 1909-03-13
TALK OF ADJOURNMENT
4NTI-HUGHES MEN BOLD.
Courage Nay Not Last, Ho1oe0er-
Ward Bills Ready.
IRv Telegraph 70 The Tribune J

TBv Telegraph 20 The Tribune
Albany March 12.-Renewed reports Of sud
den adjournment OF the Legislature after the sp-
propriations and supply bills and one or two
other absolutely necessary bits OF legislation nave
been finished to-day from anU-Hughes lead
ers. They included mere details the announce
ment that the anti-Hughes men were prepared 10
slaughter the direct primary legislation. the New
York City charter, or about anything else Of I'M
portance which seemed likely to interfere with ad-
3ournment by April Is or thereabouts
Nobody here doubts that these enti-Hughes
leaders inst now have the votes to do that very
thing-if they have the courage Most Of the
Governors supporters and few Of his enemies
have some doubt whether all the legislators VINO
talk about hasty adjournment ito leave the Gov
ernor and his reforms up in the air, would vote
at that time the way they talking now. The
Governors ability for keeping the legislative nose
10 the Erindstone is we'll and unfavorabIy known
in legislative circles and the dread term extraor-
dinarv session can evoke from the average leg
islator more picturesque and unprintable comment
than anything else in the current list OF polite
torment
The financial bills which ordinarily mark the
beginning Of the end OF legislative session. are
well advanced now. The appropria tions bill has
passed the lower house. and is before the Senate
Finance Committee for consideration; the annual
supply bill was introduced yesterday by Chairman
Merritt OF the Assembly Ways and Means Com
mit.ee. Nothing now is before either house-lf
the New York City charter is 10 be excepted
which would interfere with an adjournment by
April even Next week the Public Service legis-
lation and the direct primary bill delayed IN
r,repaation are promised by their sponsors. II
they were 10 be considered carefully on their ner-
its aside from any political agitation and per-
sonal bias against the Governor, they and the
charter would take two three months TO thrash
out. n the usual leisurely manner OF legislative
work.
Rut ~ = sudden rush Of cold to the feet OF the
Hughes leaders does not ensue in the uncertain
March weather the programme seems far different
It seems probable shat he ant-Hughes men
vii, 60 very slowly before they put their
plans into execution. The sentiment that was
worked I'D in favor of the Governors antgambling
bills last year lesson 20 them. They have
seen recently that his hold on the people now is
even stronger than It was at that time. They de-
clare somewhat disdainfully that he cannot work
UP the sa Of support for his primary re-
forms because there's no moral issue involved.
but they losing sight Of the fact that there
is abroad in all parts Of the state a formidable
"anti-boss' feeling. which would need only spark
Ike that Of a contemptuous adjournment without
action on primary reforms to the ablaze
Besides all that. Senator Elihu Root, the man
whom the organization Republicans are proud to
call the state leader has cautioned them publicly
1nonished them to stop their pickering with the
outside New York state as well as here So they
are. and evidently will continue TO be, somewhat
chip of the Governors shoulder and equally in
apprehension of the consequences II tneE 90
The shreTder politicians among them are nor
forgetting that the Governor quite within his
stItutfonal rights and privileges, and wholly with
IN the line Of his duty. last kept them so busy
with things which they hardly dared neglect that
he kept the Legislature in session until Senator
Foeker was able here to vote on the anti
gambling bills Just so the Governor without
calling an extra session on the direct primary
project undoubtedly could find a great quantity
Of material sufficiently pressing 10 lay before an
/ fa TnIE Tnn
adjournment were taken. There will be a report
from his Wall Street Investigating commission
soon and the committee Of fourteen in New YORK
CITY NAV bring forth in connection with Its excise
legislation material which would need careful, even
exhaustive, treatment. also such claTor might he
aroused in New York City over the charter that
the Governor would feel inpelled TO summon the
Legislature especially to act that question If II
neglected 70 take action before adjournment this
session
Assembvn1an ARENAS Ward, If. Is putting the
finishing touches on the election bills which
were prepared and have Just been sent TO him by
the subcommittee of the New York County Re
publican Committee, appointed with Edward r
Finch as chairman. 10 draft election legislation
He expects 10 introduce them early next week
One Of the bills contains a proposition, which
has been creating considerable comment in New
York political circles. that IS to reduce each cleo
tion district from FIVE hundred 20 four hundred
voters.
The sealed envelope system is to be established
At the general election by another one OF the DIS
/ Il provides that the after preparing their
ballots shall place them in sealed envelopes, the
purpose Of which Is 10 prevent the possibility Of
the watchers or inspector at the poles from seeing
how a man voted. Each ballot is TO have stub
containing the number Of the ballot which is 10 be
! torn off before the ballot is given TO the voter
last wears law for the Identification of voters is
/ amended by adding several questions TO be asked
/ voters who are unable 10 sign their names. The
racA Of residence OF the parents OF the voter, If
/ living is among the additional information re-
/ quired.
Another bill provides that the Board Of Elections
! shall have charge of the registration books be
tween registration Gays instead of their being kept
by the board Of inspectors at each place Of regis
J try. The books be sent to the Board Of
/ Elections each night and returned the morning
! OF the next registration day. After the last day
the Board Of Elections will retain the books until
/ they are turned 10 the police IN time TO de-
! liver TO the poll clerks before Election Day.
An extra column is added to the registration
books, in which each inspector comparing the vote
IS 10 place his initials. that If any mistake is
made il will be known who is responsible for IT.
Senator Ranes made 1t plain to-day that these
measures were not to be confused with the primary
! measures which anti-Hugfles will present to
offset the Governors direct nominations legislation
/ PRTN4RY BILL PROGRESS.