The New York herald., 1920-12-02
MILLER SEEKS IDEAS
FROM MANY GROUPS
Talks With Mayor Hylan on
Use of Voting Machines in
City Polling Booths.
INDEPENDENTS SEE HIM
Next Governor Hears Views on
Ballot Reform and State
Reconstruction Work.

Judge Nathan l.. Miller, Governor
elect, is seeking every shade OF opinion
on the problems of government that con-
front him. Proof of this fact is that on
Tuesday night. it was learned yester-
day, he was dinner guest with group
of Independents interested in govern
mental reforms while yesterday he dis
cussed proposed changes with practical
politicians.
Late in the afternoon he argued a
case in the Appellate Division OF the
supreme Court and this morning goes to
Albany to appear in the Court or Ap-
peals. He will return for further con-
ferences on the State government on
Monday
Jacob A. Livingston Kings county
leader. was among the first to talk to
tho Governor-elect. He had previously
called upon Mayor ITylan at the city
Hall. where, it is understood, he talked
about the possibility of the city using
voting machines next. fall The New
York city Board of Elections wants
$3.50. 600 for supplies alone for next year,
to say nothing of salaries of the cleo
ton officials. Mr.. Livingston, who is
Commissioner of Elections, is said to
have expressed the opinion that While
voting machines would be expensive 10
install. they would be cheaper in the end.
Opposes city Convention.
Mr. Livingston apparently has
changed his mind about the extent to
which there should be return to noni-
Mating conventions. Last week he was
represented as favoring a city conVen-
ton. Yesterday, 1t was reported, he toid
the Governor-eect it would not be wise
N restore any other than State and 1u-
dietary conventions From his talk win
Judge Miller Mr.. Livingston got the I'M
preston that he did not favor consol'-
dating the two public service comniis-
slons but rather a reorganization OF the
commission in the FIRST department >
With more authority.
Mr.. Miller did not discuss the possi-
bility of increased fare legislation, put
the Kings county man explained II
"would be a mistake TO put through any
legislation which would bring ABOUT an
increase in the cost of transportation IN
New York city" Franklin b. Lord has
suggested to Judge Miller that those
Transportation companies that need
financial relief might get that assist
ance through repeal of the franchise tax
law making 1t unnecessary to grant an
increased fare.
home of Richard S. .nilds of the City
Club. Among others invited to meet the
Governor elect were those who have
been interested in the technical end of
ballot reform matters and State recon-
struction programmes both in the City
Club and the Citizens Union. Among
thenr were Raymond V. Ingersoll, secre-
tary of the City Club, and Robert Moses,
chief of staff of the Smith Reconstruc-
ton Commission, who was able to ex-
plain the technical side of the work of
that body. Most of those present were
for direct primaries, but they found the
Judge firmly opposed to the system and
bent upon a return of the convention
system. They were pleased. however, to
find that the Governor seemed to have
no sympathy with those who are advo-
eating the abolition of the Massachu-
setts ballot and a return to the old
party emblem.
To Combine Collections.
Among others who conferred with the
Governor-elect yesterday were Justice
f. r. Finch. an expert on ballot matters (;
former Gov. Charles S. Whitman, Bor-
ough President Henry II. Curran. Sem
ator Schuyler NJ. Meyer and George d.
Pratt, Conservation Commissioner. whose
term expires in April.
Some items left out of the original
tabulaton of state budget requests have
brought the grand total up to s229. o0o.-
900. 1t was learned yesterday 1t has
been estimated that the State revenue
next year cannot reach more than s120,
900 ,O0O which is s5.0oO.O0O less than the
first estimate
AS a matter OF economy, as we'll as
good business. 1t is probable that the
collection OF all State revenues will be
placed in the hands of single depart
ment. taking away all collections from
the Comptroller's office as we'll as from