Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-04-16
REFORM BILLS FIGHT
IN SPROUL'S HANDS
lCovernor Will Say Whether op-
posing Factions Shall Come
to a Real Showdown
PENR0SE GOES TO CAPITAL

IN Governor Sproul will have the final
say as to whether. or not the rival Pen
rose and Ware forces are to engage in
finish fight over the Philadelphia re-
form legislation now pending in the
Legislature.
The Governor is expected to reach
his home in Chester Saturday from Hot
Springs, Va. where he has been re-
cuperatiug from an attack of rhcuma =
tism. Leaders Of the Penrose faction
] it is understood. will put up the propo e.
sition of a fight to the finish on the
Woodward charter bills and the Brady
registration measures shortly after the
Governor arrives from Hot Springs.
Senator Penrose and the political elc-
ments aligned with him are said to be
anxious for, a showdown on the bills
which have been sleeping in the l'cEis =
ilature for some weeks, and are anxious
to lock horns with the Ware forces in
factional strife.
Politicians to Gather Here
Senator Penrose is planning to go to
Harrisburg next week to direct his
forces in the prospective battle. A
series of conferences between him and
upstate Republican leaders, who are
aligned with his faction, are scheduled
for over the week end.
Politicians from all sections of the
state are expected here over Friday and
Saturday. Senator William f. Grow,
Republican state chairman, may not
arrive until later. He is now at his
home in Uniontown.
Amendments to strengthen the char :
ter bills, and add possibly a ripper
or two may be submitted at the coming
conference for consideration. So far
the governor is understood to have op-
posed any proposed ripper legislation
and has taken the attitude that the
rival factins in Philadelphia should
reach an agreement on a new charter
for the city.
Persons in close touch with the Gov
ernor declare that he will have the final
saw on the charter revision measures
and that neither the Penrose forces nor
the Ware forces will be permitted to
amend them in any manner which does
not satisfy him.
Ware lieutenants confidently assert
that a charter revision program will
be nut through the Legislature, but
that it will contain radical changes over
the Woodward bills.
They contend that the governor vii
demand city budget system, the elm
nation of the police and tiremen from
politics and the elimination of dua
oce holding. On the question of ,
small council, Ware men maintain i
was shown at the recent charter re
vision hearing in this city that the pres
ent system of dual chamber has beer
demonstrated to be capable and eff
cient in handling the city's affairs.
Prepare "Ripper" Provisions
Independtn leaders are intimated t
be preparing one or more ripper meas
ures which will be submitted to the con
ference of Republican leaders this week
Whether these measures will be ap
proved or rejected could not be learned
Two amendments to the Brady regis
tration bills have been prepared ant
will be submitted to the Legislature
when it reconvenes next week. On
amendment changes the registration
dates from September ., and 6 t.
September . and 6 and August %. TIL
other would require division registrar
to make returns to the registration com
missioners on the Monday followin
registration day, instead of Tuesday, a
is required under the present law.
George W. Coles, chairman of tn
Town Meeting party, says the frs
amendment will give independents NOR
time to register. The other will affor
more time following registration day
in which to complete street lists {
~ofarc