Year: 1879

The most dull and stupid session of the Senate held
this year that of to-day. Almost the whole time
was consumed in talking about a trihing reduction
Of the pay Of some petty officials in Erie county.
Only bill Of any general interest introduced
1t came from Senator Pierce. of Brooklyn. and pro-
vides for the establishment of State Board
of Health to watch the sanitary condition
of the people. receive reports and statis-
tics from health officials all over the State.
and embody them in report to the Legislature every
year. The commissioners to be physicians. three
in number. nominated by the Governor and con-
frmed by the Senate. They to receive $4,000 q
year each, and to hold Office four years. The Of
to be appropriated yearly for their salaries
clerk hire and general expenses. In places from
which no sanitary and mortality reports be at
tanned otherwise, one of the commissioners is
thorized to make personal investigation and report
In short the Board is to exercise sort of general
supervision over the health of the people of the
State.


IN THE ASSEMBLY.


The Assembly was busily engaged to-day in the
third reading Of bills introduction of all sorts of
propositions. presentations of petitions every
conceivable topic and miscellaneous business of an
important character.


Mr. Simonson startled the House by introducing
peculiar bill which it is understood has been pre-
pared by certain members Of the Municipal Society
in the city Of New York. 1t provides that all app
cations to the Legislature to incorporate villages
cities to affect any local interest in any city. to
modify or repeal any act relating to any city:
operation of any railway on any street,
and. indeed. all applications for any local
once week tor six weeks before the first day of the
session of the Legislature. Every association and
corporation seeking incorporation or amendment of
any act Of incorporation must also advertise its ap
plication. All private, local and special bills to
be filed before the opening Of the Legislature and if
the exercise Of right of eminent domain is to
invoked notice of the filing Is be given all
whose property is to be affected.


wao before the can sny
such bill rs described. shall pass upon and approve
or disapprove the same.


plan. 1t introduces an entirely new but aMost cum
brous system-a sort of double system Of legislation


EXCISE QUESTION.


Some Of the members of the Committee on In
ternal Affairs have got together and prepared an
excise bill out OF the numerous measures now before
that body TOR consideration. This bill reported
to-day the House for the purpose of being printed
when 1t will be Immediately sent back to the Com
mittee Internal Affairs. 1t permits the licensing
of all reputable liquor stores well hotels. In
conversation with members of the committee, how
ever was given the impression that Mr.. Strahans
excise bill with the most favor in that quarter,
and Is likely to be reported In preference to the
others. Mr.. Langbein took the floor to-day for the
purpose Of moving that the committee be directed
to report excise bill in five days. but the Speaker
did not recognize the gentleman at the proper mo-
ment that he was unable to got his motion before
the House.


RAPID TRANSIT IN BEooKLYN.
Another bill was presented to-day by Mr.. Ogden
providing for compensation to property owners. in
case of interference with their rights In the erection
| of Brooklyn elevated railroads.


The Judiciary Committee to-day reported in favor
Of the passage of Mr.. I. J. Sheridans bill. which
brings Brooklyn, New Utrecht. Flatlands and other
| places under one municipality


APpoRrIoNMENTs.
Speaker Alvord having appointed the conference
| Committee on Apportonments in the House-Messrs.
Hepburn. Pool. Fish. Strahsn and Broadhead-the
| wirepulling will commence In this important
matter. is prophesied in advance that sstsfac
tory agreement can be come to between the Senate
and Assembly committees and that the duty Of ap-
portoning the State will be again neglected by the
Legislature for the third time.


CONSOLIDATING CITY DEPARTMENT..
Mr.. Dean claims that II his bill. consolidating the
Fire and Building departments of Now York. becomes
o law large amount will be saved yearly to the city
treasury. The following are tho provisions of the
bill


The Fire Department shall consist Of four COM
missoners who shall elect president to be head Of
the department. The Board shall be non-partisan.
being taken from each party at salary Of $4,000
each, and each to hold Office Ave years. The terms
of office of the present Commiss ioners shall terminate
at the expiration of their Office bureau of build
ing and construction is attached to the Fire Depart
ment with superintendent appointed by the Com
missioners at q salary Of $4,000 The following saa-
aA