New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-12-06
Endorses Scheme for a
Revision of the State
Constitution.
URGES NEED OF
PROMPT ACTION
Short Ballot, Primaries, Prison
Labor and Home Rule Topics
To Be Considered.

Albany, Dec 5.-Hearty Endorsement OF
the plan to hold constitutional conven-
ton in 1916 was given tonight by Gov
ernor Glynn. 4 bill will be introduced In
the Legislature next week calling for
special election next year for submitting
the question to voters. II the plan Is
approved by the people the delegates will
be chosen at the November election In
1914.
Governor Glynn pointed out that IL the
subject was not disposed Of Immediately
by legislative act the question would be
submitted automatically to the voters in
the general election Of 1916. Because a
Presidential election will take place at
that time, the Governor expressed the be-
lief that the constitutional convention bal :
lot then probably would receive scant at
tention. Speedy action was necessary, he
said, because If a convention was voted
next fall the delegates could not assemble
before the first Tuesday In April, 1915.
Proper subjects for consideration BY
such convention, Mr.. Glynn declared, p
were the short ballot, conservation OF /
hydraulic power election and primary re-
forms, prison labor, home rule. judicial
reforms. woman suffrage, more specific
declaration as to the Governors power OF
appointment when the Senate was not in
session and revision Of the laws covering
impeachment.
Endorsed by Governor.
Governor Glynn Endorsed the conserva-
ton Of hydraulic power change in pris- 4
on labor regulations and better home rule
legislation. The other topics, he said, .
should receive consideration.
There seemed TO be a strong and grow
ing feeling for the short ballot, the Gov
ernor said. The demand was that power
be given TO the Governor to appoint the
Lieutenant Governor, the Secretary OF
State, the Controller, the Treasurer, the
Attorney General and the State Engineer
and Surveyor or some Of them.
There was agitation, especially among
students and commercial travellers. for an
amendment making II possible for them 70
register and vote without appearing per-
sonally on primary or Election Day.
It was proper, Governor Glynn held,
that the convention should take up the
question Of home rule. with view OF
serving the best interests Of municipal
ties. Before the Legislature could pass
practical home rule bill It would be
necessary 10 have constitutional amend
ment delegating that power.
Appointment Of Judges
Many persons believed that judges
should be appointed, instead Of elected,
and should have a life tenure of office.
The question was important, the Gov
crnor said. He added that the high cost
Of living and other causes had made the
salaries of many state officials inadequate.
That Office holding might not be confined
20 the rich. careful consideration should
he given to the compensation OF executive.
judicial and legislative officials
The restrictions Of the present corstitu-
ton as 10 borrowing money had been out
grown. Mr. Glynn continued. The pro-
vision that a proposition 10 borrow money
and create bond indebtedness could o4
submitted only at n general election, ana
then for only one purpose al time, had
caused collision between advocates OK
various public Improvements and ought
10 b. given consideration.
REPRESENTATIVES chosen by the people
the Governor said, could very properly
PASS on the right OF women 20 enjoy the
electoral franchise.
Governor Glynn returned from Wash
ington tonight and found John \. Hem
nessy's letter, terming the Osborne graft
inquiry sham Investigation awaiting
him. lie refused 10 discuss the com
munication, but il was learned that Hen
nessy's letter will in no way affect tha
inquiry. The Governor believes that, no"
that ne has given MIR. Osborne the right
TO search for graft wherever he believes
IL exists, his work should not he ham,
pered by new orders because OF COM
plants.