The sun., 1919-02-25
SMITH ANDG.O.P.
AGREE TO TRUCE
ON LEGISLATION
Governor and Republican
Leaders to Confer on Pro-
gramme To-day.
pUFFEY Is FIRST VICTIM
Bitterness Between Parties to
End and Both Sides VIII
Get Something.
speetai Despatch 10 rnr SUE.


ALBANY, Feb. 24-lnstead Of a bitter
nsht between Republican Legisia-
trrs and a Democratic Governor,
which was looked for when Gov. Al
fred z. Smith assumed ONCE. It seems
very likely now that things politicar in
Albany hereafter will be rather serene
and peaceful
Neither the Republican majority nor
Gov. Smith appears to have been very
eager for fight, and now. that the Re-
publcans have met the Governor half
way by confirming many OF his ap-
pointments the Governor seems to have
expressed his willingness to sign a
peace that win enable both parties to
have fingers in the various pies with
out anybody getting ali the plums.
What might be termed the peace pre-.
llminaries will be gone over Tomorrow
afternoon, when the Governor will con-
suit with Senator ]. Henry Walters, Re-
publican leader OF the Senate. and
Speaker Thaddeus C. Sweet OF the As
sembiy to map out a programme for
the big legislation to be considered be-
FORE the Legislature adjourns in April.
Everybody to Get Something.
1t IL believed that public service legis-
lation, social reform legislation such as
and other important measures are to b
hsshed over at the conference and a de-
clsion reached as to just what the Legts-
lsture is to pass up to the Governor Ia
sgn. II 10 very likely that when the
conference Is ended the political situa-
ton will have been adjusted on a basis
satisfactory to both the Governor and
the Republican majority-and everybody
will get something.
Tonight It seems very probable that
Highway Commissioner Edwin Duffey OF
Cortland. a Republican. will be the first
victim Of the new arrangement. He is
known to be slated for removal. because
his term actually expired April 90, 1915
and the Democrats long for control OF
his department. with its patronage and
contracts this year alone totalling more
than 323, 900. 900. 1t is also known that
Gov. Smith intends to have this depart
ment as one OF the Democratic puma
and while the Republicans could unite
and save Mr.. Duffey they seem more
Inclined TO permit the Governor to name
n Highway Commissioner and will very
likely confirm him, letting the present
Official out. In return for this the Re-
publicans probably will be able to pass
much legislation that they want and gel
il signed by the Governor.
Failed to Reappoint Duney.
Commissioner Duffey has not beer
popular with the Republicans since hi:
appointment by Gov. Charles S. Whit
man. His confirmation was procured
only after a long fight in the Senate, ant
report was circulated in Albany to-day
that Gov Whitman had pusposely failet
to redesignate Commissioner Duffey "a
the last session of the Legislature II
order 10 postpone another fight unit!
after the November elections.
Nj. Duffey himself is said to have toll.
friends that there will be no troubl,
ABOUT relinqulshing his office. for while
he rather likes his job he is disinclinet
20 fight for II. At the same time IN
would have fought his removal undei
charges, as he feels that his adm!nistra
ton has been clean and efficient.