New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-12-05
MNNRSEYMENc

sNew-Jersey Republicans are bound in honor TO
redeem the promise made to the people of an
economical administration OF State affairs. Some
professional politicians who regard such prom
ises as mere ante-election clap-traps now
marching on toward the offices with determine
tion TO let nothing slip through their fingers.
Trey are opposed to any reduction in the per-
ouisltes and fat pickings. beyond what has al
ready been accomplished. They particularly
set against a scaling down CT salaries an
abolition Of the fee system. On these points they
are likely TO come into conflict with Governor
GrIses. and II will not be surprising if open
fight should result.
John W. Griggs is earnest In his intention to
be honest with the people. He proposes TO do
his share in the way Of putting the State ex-
penses on a reasonable basis. He ia said 10 have
I'm mind the enormous fees received by the Chan
Gerry Clerk and Supreme Court Clerk. Each Of
these officials s said to draw from $4,000 to $50
900 year out of his office. while having much
less responsibility than the State Controller who
receives annual salary OF $4,000. BY putting
the Chancery and Supreme Court clerks on the
same basis, ii is believed that the State would
be really, II not quite. $4,000 year richer than
ii is now.
Among the specious objections urged against
the abolition of the fee system is the old one
that the officials would be less diligent in col
.ecting fees for the state If they were salary.
That possibility could be provided for just as
Chancery Clerk McDermott protects himself now.
Mr.. McDerr cit requires lawyers to keep money
on deposit with him to cover the costs of papers,
etc The Legislature could pass law prohibit
Ing the issuance of any document from either the
Supreme Court or Chancery Court until the fees
had been paid. and for their own convenience
lawyers would be glad TO follow the method now
In vogue in the Chancery Clerks office.
The fee system has grown to be a great seaman
all through New-Jersey Sheriffs and County
Clerks in many of the counties receive incomes
out Of all proportion to the Duties devolving upon
them, and whenever attempts are made to re-
duce their fees the Capitol is overrun with
swarm of the interested officials and their friends
who generally do successful lobby work There
are in some Of the counties officials who are re-
ported TO draw from SO 900 to $4,000 year from
,f1ces TO which they give a comparatively small
part Of their time.
Then take the District Courts. In Newark, for
example there are two Of these courts, and one
OF them IS no; self-sustanng. Yet II is said that
he constables earn something like IS. 900 annually
In fees 4 fair salary and percentage OF the fces
10 the constables would make both courts not
only keep themselves. but would give 10 New
arks city treasury a contribution yearly IN
stead Of taking something from IT,
II Is TO be hoped that when Governor Griggs
attacks the existing abuses he will go right
through the line from top 10 bottom, beginning
with the fat State clerkships and ending with The
constables
THE MINISTER WILL PREFER CHARGES.
FRAUD. He SAYS. IN THE PARAMOUNT AVENUE
BAPTIST CHURCH. OF NEWARK.
The pev " Hartpence who has left the pulpit OF
the Paramount Avenue Baptist Church OF Newark
declared Yesterday that there had been fraud In the
financial management of The church. and that he
would bring charges against the church before the
Northeastern Association OF Baptist Churches or
Eew-JarseV The Rev NJ. BarchwlZ ne SAD
IA ,l,n The church on Free Methodist principles