New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-03-01
Governor Aroused by
Tinkering with His Re
form Measures.
SEEKS AUTHOR OF
TAX BILL JOKER
Will Not Sign This Measure or
Compensation Bill as
Amended.
From STAR Correspondent, Of The rribun. J

tfTpln san 'NfTFtp 'iucAN VI ilr AlANNNel
Albany, Feb. 2s.-An open clash be-
tween Governor Whitman and the Leg
islature IS regarded as inevitable by
those having inside knowledge Of con-
dtons at the Capitol. The Governor
is far from pleased with the way many
important measures have been handled,
particularly his tax reform bill.
This, the most important constructive
measure introduced this year, estab-
fishes the State Tax Department and
provides for many reforms IN the as
sessinC and collection Of taxes. II was
introduced nearly two months ago but
like every other important measure.
excepting the so-called ripper bills, 1t
has been held up. Moreover to use the
language OF friend Of the Governor,
il has been mutilated almost beyond
recognition.
Two important amendments have
been made to this measure, which was
prepared by noted tax experts. in
GLIDING Professor Seligman, of COlum-
bia. Professor Bullock. of Harvard,
Lawson Purdy and ex-senator SAKE.
One of the amendments is looked on by
Governor Whitman as q vicious joker.
The Joker looks harmless. II pro
vides that the property between tracks
Of railroads and traction companies
shall be exempt from a franchise tax.
In view of the recent decision OF the
Court Of Appeals, that property be-
tween tracks is taxable. the Joker,
should il become law, would mean
considerable saving TO the railroads
and a consequent loss to the state.
The other amendment takes from the
State Tax Department, as constituted
in the bill, the power TO cquallze as
sessments levied by county supervisors.
As originally drawn, the bill gave the
department power 10 90 over the heads
Of the county supervisors, but there
has been considerable opposition from
these men. who are powerful political
factors. and the Senate Taxation and
Retrenchment Committee has needed
their protests.
Il is we'll known that many OF the
assessments made in some counties are
frauds on the state. Il IS common talk
that assessments are lowered by some
supervisors for q price.
Friends Of the Governor believe, and
arc not backward in saying so, that
some Of the legislative leaders, and
men from whom he ought to receive
fun support, while apparently friendly
10 him, are actually working against
him.
They're trying to put something
over on the Governor" rs tho way one
expressed il, "bUt they'Il find that he
knows a trick or two himself before
the session is over
Against Compensation Rider.
Tho Governor was particularly in
ceused at the rider put on the work
mems compensation appropriation Dill.
This rider, after a fight i'm the Assem-
bly, rcd by John Leo Sullivan, OF Chau-
tauoua, was taken out, and word was
sent TO Senator Elou X. Brown, presl-
dent pro TEN. Of the Senate, and other
Senate leaders that the Assembly
would not accept any bill providing for
a direct settlement between injured
employees and casualty companies. The
workmen of the state opposed the rider.
Governor Whitman Is Of the same
mind as the Assembly, and he will not
sign the bill even should the Senate
prevail on the Assembly TO change its
view and pass the bill with the rider.
Another measure the Governor is
against in its present form Is the
Argetsinger election bill, which prac-
tically nullifieS the direct primary law
by restoring the state convention and
eliminate the Massachusetts ballot.
This is regarded by the Governor az
one of the most reactionary measures
introduced i'm the Legislature IN years.
The Governor is also having his
troubles with the Assembly. There
bill was introduced by Harold j. Hin
man. Of Albany. the floor leader, abol-
ishinC the present Highways Commits
sion and substituting bipartisan
board. The bill was introduced by Mr..
Hinman after the Governor appointed
his old classmate, Edwin Duffcy. High
wav Commissioner. Mr.. llinman said
the appointment Of Mr.. Dutfey did not
solve the highway problem.
One familiar with the ways of the
Legislature summed up the situation as
follows:
Things arc shaping themselves for
some sort Of killing. Two months
have gone and none Of the scores of
pork barrel bills have been passed.
The reason is patent The leaders
want something and are holding up the
massage Of these bills until they are
sure the various county legislators will
be with them in the deal or deals they
have in mind"
Friends Of the Governor believe these
bills are being held up chiefly TO
swing the vote against him should 1t
become necessary. The Governor him