The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1896-12-11
REFORMS PROPOSED
Republican Assemblymen
Organize and Map Out
a Plan of Action.
TO TAX TROLLEY CARS
Legislature to Be Invited Here to
View Railroad Property
other Measures.

A number of the Assembly, ymen-elect met
last evening in the Union League Club
house and considered various matters
which they intend to bring before the
House during the coming session. Among
those present were Messrs. Demarest'
Goldenhorn Nelson. Urquhart, Wildman,
Dod, Armbruster and Macarthur. The
first thing done was to organize the dele
cation by the election of MIR. Nelson
chairman and Mr.. Wildman. secretary.
The conference then took UP the subject
of equal taxation and it was resolved to
make most strenuous fight for the pas
sage of some measure which would do
away with the gross injustice of the pres
ent system of taxing corporate and private
property.
Mr.. Nelson made a suggestion which
met with the hearty approval of all the
members present. He advocated that the
Board of Trade and citizens generally ex-
he entire Legislature to visit the city
and see for themselves the vast amount
of property in this city which is owned
by railroads and other corporations that
pay taxes to the State instead of to the
city. His plan provides that committee
be appointed to welcome the Legislature
and take them in carriages to view the
property. A tug is also to be employed
to take the visitors around the harb0r
So that the distinguished visitors may
view the enormous amount OF valuable
water front which the railroads have
gobbled up and upon which they pay to
the city direct not a cent of taxes. Pro-
vision is to be made for the suitable en-
tertainment of the statesmen and for
housing those who cannot go to their
homes that night. After the visitors
have been suitably entertained with the
view of the railroad property and other
things, it is proposed TO have a meeting
in some hall, the Aldermanic Chamber,
perhaps, where Mr.. William D. Edwards,
John WahI Queen and others versed in
the subject may address legislators, point
ing out the iniquity of the present syS-
tenn and suggesting remedies. The ex-
pense of all this is to be borne by sub
scriptions to made by public spirited citi5
zens who have the welfare of the city at
heart and earnestly desire some more just
and equal mode of taxation.
The plan met with the approval of those
who heard it and it is generally consid-
cred an excellent idea, which if properly
carried out cannot fail to be productive
of much good.
The matter Of Hudson's share in the
organization was taken up. There was a
tendency to support the candidacy of ex-
Assemblyman Henry Nutzhorn of Hobo
ken for clerk, but after thoroughly dis
-cussing the matter it was concluded to
aay the matter of offices over until it
suld be ascertained what Hudson could
-e~Hudson Won't get much If It goes
1t that way and what she does finally
sceive under the present state of affairs
fill be only after she has made fierce
1ght for it.
The taxing of trolley cars was next dis
cussed. There was some comment upon
the fact that in Newark the cars were
compelled to pay a tax, while in this
county they were allowed to go free 1t
was finally agreed that q bill to compel
every trolley car passing through the city
pay tax should be introduced and its
passage urged.
That much abused institution the Board
of FreeholderS also received an over
hauling and it was decided that some sort
OF measure absorbing that body should
pc made law. Just exactly what should
pc substituted in its place the conference
did not make up its mind. but If was
suggested that the affairs of the county
should be run by something like a COM
mission of Charities and Corrections
Some suggested body to be appointed
by the court while others want the Com
m1ssloners elected by the people. The
exact nature of the measure will be de-
termlned at q subsequent meeting The
Hudson delegation will make a play for
ctairmanships and good places on COM
mittees.
The County Jan came in far a fair
tnare Of the discussion and It was de-
clded TO introduce a bill which would
'dce the jail in the care of a warden at
2 salary, and conduct it on as near the
same plan as the Penitentiary is run
rs the circumstances will permit. The
Warden is to be elected by the Freehold
ers. 1t was pointed out that in this way
teuch Of the abuse which arises from
paying the custodian of the jail so much
Tor every prisoner he feeds would be
aDoilshed. 1t would also do away, 1t was
sald, with the necessity of building a
new JAN. for whereas the county 1aii was
so crowded that it was said a new build
ing OF some kind must be erected. while
Inc penitentiary was helf vacant. If ali
the tramps and buns who are sent to
the County Jail to live easily at the ex-
pense Of the county, were sent to the
PenItentiary and made to work this mat
ter would be adjusted.
ference. the members say, for anyone for
any office, and viii make a combinatjon
with anyone who will help them mass
bins which are to the interest Of Hudson
county. 1t was resolved last night to act
as unit on everything and vote solidly
togetner on all measures, resolution
"hieh IS much easier made than kept.
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