The New York herald., 1920-01-12
Politics First in
All Business of
the Legislature
tContfnued from Page One.)

ening, even in the face Of the furor. The
were so inclined. The Assembly by Its
almost unanimous approval Of the resolu-
tion to unseat, the Socialists has placed
itself in the position of prosecutor who
will suffer if those accused are not con-
victed.
Democratic State leaders are asking why
the minority in the Assembly accepted
without a word of protest or challenge the
demand to unseat the Socialists pending the
trial. The minority members are wonder
ing themselves Now that the State Is
divided into two groups on the question
one condemning and the other approving
the action-the Democrats admit they must
have been asleep not to have seen the dan
ger in the custer resolution. Tammany
is particularly incensed over the matter.
1t is not good politics for Tammany.
The Democrats by voting in favor of
unseating have given moral Endorsement
to the Speaker and the Republicans If
the case turns out badly. the Democrats
cannot hope to escape their share Of the
responsibility. II 1t Is sustained by the
Judiciary Committee and later by the
State, the Democrats admit they will not
share in tho advantage. That will go to
Mr.. Sweet.
State leaders are asking the Democratic
Assemblymen for explanations, and Judged
politically it would seem that the answers
might be hard to make. For now the
minority sees that, without committing it
self on the proposition Of the fitness of
Socialists to sit in the Assembly. 1t could
readily have avoided taking an affirmative
stand and thereby escaped all possibility
of censure.
Governor Smith. the State leader of the
Democratic party, in a measure, by his
statement published today, has placed the
party in a position as against the action
by the majority and for a full. fair trial
for the Socialists, in the meantime assum-
ing they are innocent
The trial will be one of the most inter-
esting the Assembly ever held. The Judi
cial Committee, with Republicans from
upstate districts in the majority, will sit
as body with power both OF judge and
jury. The leaders are determined to get
through the trial as quickly as possible.
Any move for long delay will be crushed
The orders are to give the Socialists rea-
sonable time for preparation of their case
so they cannot raise a cry that they are
denied their rights. But the evidence Will
he presented as quickly as possible with
out showing undue haste.
Also Prohibition.
Other legislation is to be held in re-
serve pending the outcome. The subject
next in Importance at present before the
Legislature is prohibition. The Democrats
are bent on forcing a vote on the Cover
nor's request for State wide referendum
on the liquor issue.
Senator J. Henry Walters, leader of the
Senate majority, Is opposed to any form
OF referendum until the United States
supreme Court gives its final decision on
the legality of ratification. Unless the
court holds that Ohio and other States
did not ratify legally, Senator Walters
maintains that the adoption Of the con-
stfutional amendment stands approved.
The dry enforcement bill prepared by the
Anti-Saloon League also will be held In
committees until the constitutional ques-
ton Is finally out of the courts.
Republican Senators were considering a
proposal TO go on hunt for the "oyer-
shadowing crime In New York when the
socialist crash came. That ended for tho
tlme being, at least, any new investiga-
tons The suggestion had been made that
the Legislature name a. committee TO find
cut what is the trouble with the New York
city administration. That might have been
done IL the Speaker had not jumped into
tho centre OF the stage with his moro SEN
sational inquiry.
Ono such proceeding at time appears
to be enough for every one.
Senator Walters has taken a deo,ded
stand against any kind of investigations
which arc likely to start trouble. His in
tention Is to finish up the constructive
business OF the session as quickly as Dos
sible and adjourn.