Albany or Washington?

Jacob Javits has made a poor beginning as Senator from New York by involving himself in a petty political squabble with Governor Averell Harriman. Javits plans to retain his post as State Attorney General until January 9, when the Republican-controlled State Legislature convenes, so that another Republican may be appointed by the legislature to fill his post. Democrat Harriman claims, however, that the meeting of the Senate on January 3 will automatically vacate Javits' state post and permit the Governor to fill the spot with an appointee of his own.

While Harriman's position may be of doubtful legality, Javits' is certainly of little wisdom. An avowed liberal, Javits should be present in the Senate on January 3 to aid the move aimed at changing Senate rules to make filibustering over civil rights legislation more difficult.