New-York tribune., 1919-03-16
Revolt Threatens
Among Republicans
I'm the Legislature
Leaders Are Being Criti-
cised for Failure TO Call
Conferences; W. Ell. Hays
Is Asked to Bring Peace
StaF Correspondence

StaF Correspondence
ALBANY, March 15.-Dcmand is
being made here by Republican legisla-
tors who are not averse to criticising
the party leaders in the Legislature,
Thaddeus C. Sweet, Speaker of the AS
sembly, and j. Henry Walters, presi-
dent pro tenn. Of the Senate, that Will
Hays, chairman of the Republican Ma
tional Committee, come here and take a
hand in the situation.
Some of these Republican legislators,
who talk of the "alleged leadership" of
the Republican heads of the two
houses, in interviews with the Tribune
correspondent, declared that the situa-
tion had become acute, and that if there
is not change Walters and Sweet may
have revolt on their hands.
These Republicans welcomed the at
tack made on the two Republican lead
ers by the Citizens Union last week, in
which the charge was made that the
leaders had entered into q bipartisan
combine with Governor Smith.
Think Hays May Help
The Republicans who are in mood
for revolt are hoping that National
Chairman Hays will persuade the lead
ers here to call conferences of the Re-
publican legislators to discuss the big
measures now before the Legislature.
Mr.. Hays has notified State Chair
man George A. Glynn that, if possible,
he will attend the meeting
1t is planned to tender a reception
to Chairman Hays.
republican critics of Senator Wal
ters and Speaker Sweet are bitter be-
cause no conferences have been called
on the welfare legislation now before
the two houses This legislation. which
has the backing of the Women's Joint
Legislative Conference, the American
Association for Labor Legislation and
the State Federation of Labor provides
1or nealth insurance, minimum wage
for women and the extension of the
protective features of the labor law to
women in transportation, Offices and
women elevator operators. Nor have
any conferences been called, they COM
plain, on the groups of hydro electric
bills and the municipal ownership bills
which are before the Legislature.
Assembly Revolt-Proof
Is is doubtful if revolt could be or
ganized in the Assembly, for, as one
OF the liberal Republicans put it, "the
machine there is the good, old-fash
ioned type Of steam-roller and in good
working condition." In the Senate
large number of the Republicans are
Of more Independent turn of mind.
There the machine is conspicuous by
its absence. And twice members Of
the majority overrode Senator Wal
ters; once on the ratification of the
18th amendment and again on the con
frmation OF Miss Frances Perkins as
member Of the State Industrial Com
mission.
In the latter case Senators Henry
M. Sage and Frederick M. Davenport
led the boilers, with the result that Miss
Perkins was confirmed. In the wet
and dry fight Senator George f.
Thompson led the drys, who forced a
caucus of the Republicans over Sena
tor Walters protests. Both Senator
Davenport, who was the candidate for
Governor on the Progressive ticket in
1914, and Senator Thompson are
known to be dissatisfied with the way
things are being conducted in the
Senate. Any revolt in the upper house
would be led by these two And both
are old hands at this game.