The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-10-11
DEBATE WIDENS ON
new CONSTITUTION
Counsellor Polk Of state de-
partmrnt Joins OppOscrs
Of Change.
SEES GAIN

Prank l.. Polk. counsellor 81 IN" STATE
department at Washington ana former
Corporation counsel. aligned himself
Yesterday with the opponents or 'he
proposed new state Constitution. Mr.
Polk came to New York to register on
SATURDAY. Before returning 10 WASH
.ngion h, said that he opposed the
ndop,ipn OF the new Constitution. ~ New
York city could gain little through the
change.
United States senator james W. Wads-
worth. Jr.. as chairman or the commit-
toe for the adoption of the tonStiiu-
ton, sent out u circular letter yesterday
20 prominent men of all parties raing
that they support tire new Constitution.
At the same time the executive council
Of tn, New York state Federation OF
Labor issued u statement To the labor
unions Of the state giving thirteen rea-
sons why the Constitution should I've
defeated.
"Homa rule il the crying need of the
cities of the state. but the new Con.
ktitution ls scarcely less iudging in
this regard h the old" said Mr.. Polk.
"While II makse n specious show of
granting larger powers OF self-govern-
ment. 1t limits every concession with.
causes that make II useless and !nefs
fectlve. New York city can expect
nothing better than TO he einbrolled ii
endless litigation IL the new Constitution
v adopted.
Polk sees Many Defects. ;
y change worthy Of not, is made
IN New York city's representation in
the LEGISLATURE. Although New York
has more than half the population OF
the State and pays 20 per cent. ~ the
states total taxes II has only ~ per
cent. Of the representation In tie As
ssmbly. The new Constitution would
continue this injustice for twenty years.
rs there Is good reason to believe that
no reform in this matter will ever be
accomplished through a separate amend
mcnt.
at seems to me that there are many
other defects IN the proposed Const,-
luton and that much of the good II
CONTAINS may be secured through lcgis-
iative action"
In his letter senate Wadsworth
said: W write to urge you tn work
Tor the adoption Of the proposed Con-
stitutton, which In It's main provisions
carries out the constitutional revision
pledges made by the political parties
Of the State.
even II this were not the case the
proposed Constitution would deserve
united support on It's merits. Its most
important changes are dictated by a
sane, intelligent effort to remedy abuses
and TO increase the efficiency OF govern
ment. II is "A progressive document In
the best sense of the word. support
Of its adoption will strengthen any
party In the only way that II party de-
S.ryas 4, Ia. tr.nuth,pal ,.,,.l. l.,
the rendering Of IA great public service.
Praise. Budget Idea.
''aiany Of its advantages are con-
c.ded. Its new provisions regarding the
state debt will ave millions in interest
payments. The article providing for "a
State budget not only m favor
able general support In the state but
has attracted the favorable attention Of
the entire country. Reorganizing the
present weller Of over $50 state agencies
into seventeen great administrative de-
partments will not only save money
hut increase efficiency. The judiciary
article will quicken and cheaper the
securing OF Justice. The home rule
article gives the cities Of the state en-
larged powers. protects them against
special legislation and affords their
citizens direct participation in the
formulation and adoption of city
charters.
ut is not SO generally understood
that the proposed Constitution takes
long steps toward improving the
character Of the Legislature and the
quality of legislation. We scarcely
need to tell you, with your practical ex-
periencc. that every decrease in the
number Of inconsequential matters
pressed upon the Legislature; every de
crease In the opportunity for caprictous
special Legislation every decrease" IN
the ability TO control votes ION matters
of fundamental importance by TN. grant
ing or Withholding of local legislation
every decrease in the incentive to and
opportunity for log rolling IL pure gain.
We know that these opportunities IN the
pas, have perverted legislation and
brought the Legislature into contempt
and disrepute. We know that every
right minded legislator will welcome. re-
lief from these evils no 'less than. thu
great body OF our citizens.
But some ask. that We should foregS
all these manifest advantages lest this
Constitution make the Governor a king
Our present Constitution and most other
State constitutions place responsibility
without adequate power on the Governor
and power over administration without
responsibility somewhere else. Fol
nearly a century the constitutions oi
this State have said that the Governor
shall be the chief executive of the stat.
shall see TO II that the laws are
faithfully executed, ana then the Con
stitution has seen to II that the Gov
ernor could not possibly control more
than n small fraction Of the agents Of
the State charged with its aiministra
ton.
NilIiOm Views Of Perfection.
"Some persons talk of opposing the
proposed Constitution because some new
provision was not inserted. one woulc
think that the choice was between per.
lection. as seen by each one of a mill
ion voters, and what is now proposed
T. cannot be- repeated too often that tn,
simple question before the state il
shall the present constitution remain II
effect with all its known defects ui
shall II he superseded by the PROPOSED
Constitution. with all It's manifest al
,antages and its courageous reform OF
known abuses?
"In comparison with the present CON,
stltution. the proposed Constitution ear
stand exhaustive scrutiny
The State Federation Of Labor give,
the following reasons for its opposition
70 the new Constitution