The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-01-09
TANNER SAYS HE'LL
NOT BOSS ALBANY
Tells Young Republicans Legis-
lators VIII Not Feel Chair
mans Power.
ATTACKS OLD METHODS

Frederick c. Tanner in speech at the
fourth annual dinner OF the Young Re-
publican Club at the Hotel Astor last
night served notice on his party that no
matter what other Republican state chair
men may have done. he will refuse to
exert the power of his position to compel
or prevent legislation"
Fresh from the opening Of the Legisla-
ture at Albany. Mr.. Tanner said II had
become evident to him in the past few
weeks that many persons still think the
State chairman lie tho man to run to with
legislative schemes.
81 have on my desk he said. more
than two score of bills or suggestions.
most of them presented to me by persons
interested In reform and civic movements.
with the request to get behind this or
that measure Attempts to exert such
power have been wrong in principle and
generally disastrous in practice.
For Instance, Tammany Hall. which
is in reality the State committee OF the
Democratic party. the State charnan be-
ing a hgurehead. has interfcred during
the last four years with the judiciary
and We have the Willett scandal; with
the executive and we had the Sulzer
impeachment II has directed egisla
ton by long distance telephone. to the
utter encouragement OF the good mem-
bers Of the Legislature and the de-
bauchlng OF the bad ones"
The Republican party. Mr.. Tanner s1,d.
formerly had the same idea th1r CEN
traliz1tion OF legislative power In the
% raniZation' tends to build up the or
ganizatiou In the autobiography OF
Thomas G. Plat he found evidence that
Plat threatened Coz Levi =. Morton
with the organizations Opposition to
Morton's candidacy for tho Presidency
unless certain laws were passed.
But the spirit OF the times has changed"
Mr. Tanner went on. To-day the best
political intelligence places the respon-
sibillty for the passing OF laws and their
execution where It belongs. upon the Gov
ernor and the Legislature
This does not mean that I have not
consulted and will not consult and advise
with the Governor or other State officials.
\ state chairman cannot b. expected to
give up his rights az q citizen. To advise
and consult is one matter; attempting to
drive legislation through by means OF
patronage or the party whip is another.
II have not been elected TO the Legis-
lature, | have no voice In II, and conse-
quently no responsibility. nor do in
tend TO assume such responsibility. The
Republican Legislature can direct its own
affairs. II II is as incompetent to per-
form It's functions as was the preceding
LEGISLATURE there would be small justih-
cation, from the point OF view of public
interest for the sweeping change in the
Legislature brought about in the last cleo
ton"
The Young Republicans and their guests
cheered for Mr.. Tanner and his declara-
ton OF hands of"
James W. Wadswotth. Jr. United
States Sena ;or-elect. was another speaker.
lie rejoiced that "decency once more
reigns In Albany"
There were also speeches from Henry l..
Stimson. Edward A. Thurston. Republican
chalrmah of Massachusetts William +.
Garcelon, president OF the Massachusetts
Republican Club: Judge Jerome p Con-
gleton OF Newark and Philip J. McCook
retiring president of the Young Republican
| Club. which on Monday is to elect as
It's president William Nice. Mash.