New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-03-17
HINTS FOR INQUIRY
AEUCONB ASKS PER
TINENT QUESTIONS.
POINTS Out Matters an Which
He Thinks State Is
Interested.

Albany, March I6.-Senator Josiah r
AeWcOEnD. OF New York. who was largely
instrumental ia bringing 90 light the
charge OF bribery against senator Aids.
has been going over the records OF the
Legislature in search OF further charges
on which a broader Investigation OF al
legged legislative corruption might be
based. Senator NeWcOmb Is the author
Of a resolution now before the senate
Finance Committee providing for the ap-
pointment Of a special committee 20
make such an investigation. He expects
20 bring mp this resolution after the
Allds-conger inquiry has been dis
posed OF.
Basing his suggestions on Official rec
Ords 81 the Senate and Assembly. Sem
atOr NewcOmb in a statement tonight
points out questions in which he be-
iieves the people OF the state are inter-
ested. II the legislative probe IS 10 be
applied along the lines indicated by Mr.
NewcOmb. the investigators viii seek 20
discover who made the alleged demand
for money from the bridge companies IN
1895 20 influence legislation; whether
Colonel George W. Dunn, as chairman
OF the Republican State Committee in
1903. took steps 20 protect the bridge
companies against so-ealled strike bills
after Senator COnger paid Colonel Dunn
5000 as a contribution 20 the Repub-
iican campaign fund; what methods
we're used by insurance companies in in
nuencing legislation. 20 which reference
was made in the report OF the special
legislative committee which conducted
the insurance investigation in 1905:
whether the charge is true that an en-
plOye OF the Assembly wss influential In
determining the fate OF certain Iegisla-
ton in the lower house. and what meth
DDS are employed in holding up measures
in both houses.
Senator Newcomb quotes from Senator
COngeF's testimony in which Senator
Allds's accuser said that Fred W. sage
had stated AZ a conference OF bridge
company representatives in Syracuse in
1895 that a demand for a fund Of $4,000
10 protect certain legislation had been
made
'The record thus discloses the charge"
says Senator NeWcOmb, that a demand
was made in 1895 by somebody I'm the
Legislature for money 20 influence Iegis-
lation. The name Of the man making
tho charge is given. The Legislature
viii doubtless wish 10 know whether
such a demand was really made. and il
so who made III"
Senator Newcomb. referring 20 Sena-
tor Conger's contribution 20 Colonel
Dunn, says:
The Legislature and the public Nill
doubtless wish 10 know by what meth
ods ana By what step tho bargain was
carried out; not 50 much for the sake OF
raking Up Old matters as 20 determine
whether the same methods and steps
could now be used: and il so. what
change of procedure or other action
would render the process impossible"
a bill increasing the powers Of tho
Public Service Commission was last year
passed by the Assembly and transmitted
IN due course 10 the Senate" says the
statement in closing. Later il was IA
Vorably reported b. one Of the foremost
committees Of the Senate. II vas then
run into a blind alley. where no vote
coulc be had on il. This Is only one ia
stance Of familiar process Similarly
m the Assembly the Rules Committee,
controlled by three men, is permitted TO
refuse 10 the Assembly the right 10 vote
on bills during the most important part
Of The session, even though such bills
may have passed the Senate unanimous
Is. Ought such things 10 take place. and
n not. how can lhcH be nrarantnd--