New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1918-12-30
Heavy Programme
Has Prepared
For Next Assembly
Wet and Dry Fight Over the
Referendum; High Cost
of Living and Care of
Troops Are Big Problems

star Correspondence
ALBANY, Dec. 29.-The 1919 Legis-
aturc. which convenes here Wednes-
day, will deal a programme more ex-
tensivc than that considered at any
preceding session.
The entire question of the high cost
of living will probably be investigated
by commission appointed by the Leg
lslaturc or the Governor. or by both.
Within the last week Governors elect
Smith announced he was in favor of
such a commission
Another problem is what shall the
state DO to aid the returned wounded
soldier and his dependents. Some of
the legislators who arrived here to-day
were emphatic in the belief that some
substantial form Of state aid should be
given TO the New York men manned in
the service of their country and to
their families
Other Important Protlems
Other matters which viii be CON
sidered by the Legislature are: Health
insurance, including maternity insur-
ance Tor women workers, and other
labor measures backed by the State
Federation of Labor; new methods of in
creaslng the states income municipal
ownership legislation a plan to have
the state develop, regulate and sell its
own water power; amendments to the
banking law, giving state banks, trust
powers similar to those granted ma
tional banks by the Federal Reserve
Board repeal of the direct primaries
act and restoration of the party con-
Nention method of nominating candi-
dates; ratification Of the proposed
hone-dry amendment to the Federal
Constitution.
The drys will make a strong fight to
have the proposed Federal amendment
ratified. Their leaders declare that
should they fail in tins an effort VIII
lie made TO pass a law making the state
bone dry, the act to take effect i'm
mediately The vets declare that
neither of these propositions viii sue
coed.
The vets regard the situation as
more Favorable to them. in so far as
possible legislation is concerned, than
1t was IN the last session. Now, they
have a Governor. or will have one. who
has been elected on a platform COM
hitting him to submitting the Ques-
tion to q referendum of the people.
ms is the programme Of the vets
and the wet leaders declare that if
any legislation at all is passed it will
be in the nature of a resolution carry
Ing out the Democratic platform
pledge.
Water Legislation Asked
Legislation for the development
regulation and sale of the states water
powers has been recommended by the
State Conservation Commi ss ion and by
the State Conference Of Mayors, com
posed of the chief executives of all the
municipalities Of the state The May
or's bill would permit the state not
only to develop its water power. but
to sell it. giving municipalities pref
erence. The Conservation Commission
recommended that the state construct
power dams as permanent improve
mcnts to property on its own sites and
lease the power privilege to munic,-
palitles or corporations. leaving it to
the Public Service Commission to regu-
late rates and service.
1t has been contendcd that if the
water powers of the state are properly
developed and conserved power can be
carried all the way from Niagara Falls
to New York City at great reduction
III the cost of electricity there
Municipal Ownership Asked
The state conference Of mayors also
prepared a municipal ownership bill.
which differs from the measure which
Hearst unsuccessfully sought to have
passed last year, in that it requires
that certificate of necessity be Sc
cured from the Public Service Com
mission before a public utility can be
purchased Both proposals Will be Of
fcrcd early IN the session. Other adj
vocates Of municipal ownership believe
that before any legislation is con-
sidcred a commission should be
created to study the question.
There is a certainty that the next
tax laws viii be amended so as to pro
Vidc new sources of revenue Senator
Henry NJ. Sage, chairman Of the Senate
Finance Committee, declares that unless
this is done the state is in danger Of
going bankrupt. 1t has already been
suggested that the state stock transfer
tax be doubled. that the tax on auto
mobiles be increased and that The tax
on the incomes Of corporations be ex-
tended to partnerships and, in fact
ali kinds Of unincorporated business
concerns.
Real estate men arc demanding that
all personality be taxed so as to lower
INC taxes on real estate. There is
also possibility Of an increased d.