New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-04-28
SULzER THREAT CALLED
UNJUST INTIMIDATION
BIauveIt Says That Independent
Thinkers Will Resent Gov.
ernor'S Words.
DIFFERENCE OF OPINION
ellFounded Objections Against
Only Features Divergent
from Own Bill, Asserts
Senator.

Albany. April 27.-"I insist the Gov
errors threat to drive men out of the
party If they refuse TO support his Gill
is radically unjust and unfair and will
be resented by every man who de-
mands the right to exercise his honest
judgment-a judgment uninfluenced By
partisan selfishness-a judgment wholly
as honest as any the Governor could
form on this or any other proposition
This declaration is embodied in a
statement made tonight by Senator
George a. Blauvelt, of Rockland, one
OF the Democratic legislative leaders,
commenting on Governor Suffers
speech to the Democratic county chair
men in the executive chamber on Sat
urday in favor of the passage OF the
Governors statewide direct nomina-
tons bill. Senator Blauvelt introduced
the primary and election reform bill
which was vetoed by the Governor on
Thursday on the ground that 1T was "a
shift"
1T doesn't necessarily follow" de-
clared Senator Blauvelt, that man
must he right because he is Governor.
He has no more right to threaten men,
bers Of the Legislature IL they do no.
support his bill than we have to
threaten him if he does not approve
every Legislative proposition we send 20
him"
Senator Blauvelt characterized Gov
ernor Suffers speech 10 the county
chairmen as a declaration of purpose
Ito compel the passage OF his primary
bill by intimidation and threat with
out regard To contra thought honestly
held by intelligent and sincere Demo-
Gratis throughout the state"
mo matter how honest a Demo-
cratic official may be In his opinion on
primary legislation" continued Sena-
tor Blauvelt. the Governor has threat
ened TO drive him out OF public office
in case he disagrees with the Governor
on the pending measure.
1T must be conceded by all fair
minded persons that there is honest
difference OF opinion on the subject
For instance. the term statewide was
coined by the Democratic state con-
vention OF 1910 TO express the univer-
salty Of the primary legislation pro-
posed by Governor Hughes. In contrast
10 the amendments OF Senator Grady
which excepted New York City from
It's operation. That convention had I'm
mind uniformity in application only
throughout the state. Can any Demo-
crat be criticised II he holds 10 that
opinion al this time? ,"
Senator Blauvolt said there was nm
honest difference II opinion concerning
several provisions of the Governors
bill, including the one for the abolition
OF state conventions. He contended that
the proposed system would give New
York City an advantage over the up
state districts In nominating candidates
for state offices. He also questioned
the wisdom OF increasing the member
ship OF the state committee from 81
10 $50, the designations OF party can
didates by petitions, the grouping Of
candidates. the elimination OF party
circles and emblems. the selection of
delegates TO national conventions by
Congress districts and the creation of
"A party council 10 prepare party plat
forms.
with very few exceptions" said
Senator Bauvclt, the amendments
embodied in the Blauvelt bill are in
corporated In the Governors bill. The
only important and salient new features
are the abolition of state conventions
and the omission Of party embems and
party circles from the primary ballots.
To the former the objections OF the
rural sections are strong. cogent and
well founded that the convention should
be retained, and TO the latter the ur-
constitutionality OF the Governors pro-
posal is so apparent that 10 adopt them
is dying I'm the lace of a Court OF APP
peals decision"