The sun., 1919-02-20
SMITH TRIES TO END
ALBANY DEADLOCK
Fails to Get Leaders Support
for Rapid Transit Com
missioner.
spectdr DesputeA 10 7,rr sur.

tPNNses DcehesGN W 80 DSNs
ALBANY, Feb. ls.-Gov. Smith made
another strong bid to-day to break the
lexisiative deadlock which has prevented
passage or any or the major legislation
he has advocated.
Apparently the Governor had some
success in HE effort to effect Q working
agreement with the Republican Jegisla-
ture. but he failed 20 obtain the Repub-
hcan leaders, promise to put through
the measure calling for appointment OF a
Rapid Transit Commissioner to complete
the building or subways In New York
city and another carrying an appropria-
ton OF SEQ, 900 for Reconstruction
Commission, OF which Abram l. Elkus r.
chairman.
The Governors talk was with Senator
J, HG--y Walters, Republican lsade- of
the Senate. and Speaker 1'haddeus G.
Sweet, Republican boss OF the Assembly.
where Republican control is strongest.
|. began before noon In tho Eks, ltive
Chamber and was continued at the Ex-
ecutive Mansion later in the day. The
first thing upon which they agreed was
for adjournment OF the Legislature
about the middle OF April. A resolution
fixing q tentative date will be introduced
soon in the Assembly.
The other item agreed uron was for
the passage by both brar she's Of a reso-
luton which will be introduced to-mnr-
row by Assemhlyman Adler. majority
leader. providing IN Official state com
m!ttee TO welcome homecoming New
York troops. That there may be no s,e 5
picion OF partlsauship u has been agreed
that the committee be composed OF
elected State officers members OF the
Senate and Assembly and the New York
delegation in Congress.
So no charge Of junketlng may be
made afterward 1t was agreed that no
appropriation would be Forthcoming for
the committee. each welcomer plying his
own expenses. bnt,Hears. men inter-
pref the action as a slap Mt Mayor
Hylan's committee In New York city, OF
which Mr.. Hearst Ia chairman, but the
Hearst men say the State committee will
not interfere In any way with the
Mayors body
Where the couferees held aloof was in
their discussion OF the situation In the
Department Of Highways. The Gov.
ernor has intimated that he would &C.
cept the resignation OF Edwin Dutfey
Republican incumbent. whose term ha;
a year to run.
Mr.. Duffey has made known that he
has no intention OF resigning. But the
Democrats OF the State are urging &C
ton by the Governor, in view OF the fac
that about 1000 mon will be employed
soon to keep the highways in condition
during the summer. Contracts for thli
work also must soon be let. and the
Democrats want one Of their own family
to be Highways Commissioner when that
Is done.
The Governor expressed a strong de-
sire to have passed bills providing FOL
State health insurance for workers an6
the minimum wage legislation introduced
by Senator James A. Foley. Democratic
lea der. lie was told no action would bt
taken on any OF these measures unit
after the Republicans have had a chance
to consider the bills In conference. JUS
how long that will hold them up was MOI
made clear There Is much opposition
to them In the Assembly.
II Is understood the Republicans stood
! Arm against granting the proposed ap
| preparation for the reconstruction com
missiot. This was unexpected.