Another sign of the passing of an era in state government

Comptroller emeritus William Snodgrass has died. He held the constitutional office of Comptroller from 1955-1999 and is widely credited for "accountability and good government," in the words of John Morgan, who succeeded him.

Mr. Snodgrass's death has contributed to the postponing of legislative committee meetings this week. Senate Judiciary, which was to have taken up the adoption measure today, is going to meet next week. In theory, the upcoming meeting is the last one and will be a decisive moment in the adoption battle.