The sun., 1919-02-09


Of his leadership Of the Democrats in
the Assembly, and finally while he
was Speaker, the gentleman from
oliver street had sound reason for be-
lcving that II any man at Albany
had it soft that man wasn't he.
His working days. stretched from
sun TO sun and often on to midnight.
That's why Al is where he is now, and
meant for fifteen years to get to be.
But during those years there were
plenty Of times when he didn't see the
fun of the apprenticeship.
II wish 1 had life easy like the
Governor" he'd sigh, sitting back
worn out as the clock hands drew to-
gether to mock him on XII.
And now look at his darned "life!"
Al Che insists on the AD has learned
a lot about sinccures from a month
in the Governors shoes. Hear him say
bis lesson:
Anybody who thinks the Governor
OF New York hasn't much work on
his hands has another think coming
l have so many people to see and so
many problems to take up every day
that by or 1880, when start home
TO dinner. feel haven't anything
10 show for a crowded day but talk.
That means coming back to the Capitol
after dinner and pitching in. As a
matter OF cold fact there hasn't been
night I could get away before II
and I'm barely able to keep up with
my work at that
There IL the Little Difference.
30 there you have the great little
difference. the difference between be-
ing inside and being outside looking
in. Ever since Al first hit Albany on
behalf Of his district constituents and
Immediately made 1t a practice to read
every bill that was introduced. he's
been notorious as a horse for work
incidentally he says that so far as
Governor he's had an elegant oppor-
tunity to keep UP that bill reading
practice!
"My first impression was wonder
ut the quantity of detail that comes
TO the immediate attention Of the Gov
ernor." he said. For instance, he
is required by law to o. X. with his
personal signature certain surety
bonds required for contracts on all
public work. His signature is re-
CURED on all contracts OF the State
Hospital Commission. Extradition
papers for men charged with crime
ard the deliveries Of these men to
other States, with the warrants OF
the officers looking after their trans
portation. all have TO be signed by
the Governor with his own hand.
"A few little questions put up to
him are those of renewals OF leases
ct all property occupied by the State
for any purpose whatever. of who
shall have the contract for remov-
Ing ashes from the Capitol. Of what
is 10 happen to the cigar stand privi-
lege in the Capitol. of the Capitol res
'aurant, and many more such. all be
cause he Is on the board of trustees
OF public buildings"
Uses Weather Mans Word.
Gov. AL uses the weather mans word
unsettled to describe the state Of
mind OF a Governor during the frs
few weeks of his official career. II
lle first place, the new Governor
wants to be sure of his ground before
every move: he must be sure tina
what he says won't kick up a politi
cal row; he can't offhand promise ap
polntments to the hundreds who come
10 him for them; he must confer will
me legislative leaders on many mat
ters; he has to sit quiet under tor
rents OF advice from friends who ar,
sure they know how the government
should be run. and what he should d,
10 make a deathless record.
All this and much besides he mus
undergo, and still keep his mind un
confused and his head above water.
And then there are callers, an,
callers, and callers. until the nev
Governor wonders when he Is to get
chance at some real work. Legislator
call to assure him OF their friendship
and incidentally to tell OF some pc
'' 'AtS iopo no Will blBH. SltlZeIl
OF all parts OF the State and man
strangers from outside its boundarie
want to shake hands with the Gov
'rnor In the public reception room @
The executive suite. State officer
come for conferences, pleading mat
ters OF interest to people all over tn
slate, ana they must have the Gov
ernor's ear.
And I should say that nearly
quarter Of my time Is taken explain
ing TO people why It is absolutely i'm
possible for me to attend the thou
sand and one dinners, receptions, ball
and gatherings Of all kinds that pee
I's think every Governor should al
tend"
Day Not Long Enough.
Ha las figured that the day woul
nave TO be twice as long as 1t Is, eve
The daylight saving rule were to b
hpp"ed in January and February,
ley him travel around and keep ha
ire engagements he Is asked to max
he has made It q cast iron rule the
lie VIII accept no invitations to a
tend dinners or receptions or spea
al meetings until after the Legisls
'nre has adjourned, when II Is prof.
VI oblN that he will have more time.
As soon as he came to Albany