The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-02-10
THE TERM-EXTENDER.
Nothing Talked of Among
Politicians, But It's
Chance of Becom.
ing Law.
IT IS POLITICAL SUICIDE
If the People Want the Present
Office Holders, Why Do
They Fear a Vote7
City Clerk O'DonnelI Will Obey
the Law-Gampaign Time
Drawing Near.

Assemblyman John E. McArthur's bill
abolishing spring elections, and conse-
quently extending the terms of office of
certain officials of this city and cutting
short those of officials in Newark, which
was railroaded through the Assembly,
yesterday, is causing unlimited comment
in the political circles of both parties.
Every man who is in any way affected
by the bill or who has taken part in
its passage through the Legislature is be-
ing soundly condemned by voters of both
parties. In discussing the measure,
which he characterizes as an Ubiquitous
one, Senator DAILY is quoted by morn
ing paper as saying:-''No matter wheth-
er this bill passes the Senate or not, we
will have a spring election in Jersey City
and we will elect Mayor and such other
officers as should be elected in May. We
have city clerk, in Jersey City, M. J.
O'Dornell, who will not be bluffed and
he will see that an election is held. If
necessary. and it probably will be, we
will mandamus this law"
The Senator's remarks have caused un-
easiness in the Republican ranks, it is
said, and it is reported that in view of
the fact that the constitutionality of the
act will be tested, the Republican Senators
will hesitate about passing it It is quite
Well known, however, that every possible
wire is being pulled to secure the speedy
passage of the measure. Senatorial state
ments are also being circulated concerning
the influences that are being brought to
bear on the Senators and Governor to get
the bill out of the way as soon as possi-
BILE.
Mayor Wanser. whose term will be ex-
tended until next December by the act, de-
clines to discuss the subject. His Secre-
tary, John J. Nevin. also refuses to speak
of the measure In the City Hall every
holder of an office ts on the uneasy seat
and is speculating as to what the outcome
of the battle at Trenton will be-
City Clerk O,Donnen declines to dis
cuss the bill. When asked what action
he will take in the event of the passage
of the term extender,.' he said
Il will obey the law
Under existing laws the first day of
registration for spring election will fall
on March 16. Public notice of such regis
tration must be advertised two weeks
previous, SO that the notice would have
to be published as early as March 2. One
week DeIOre the Qay OF advertising the
date of registration, public notice by ad-
vertisement must be given to the several
Boards of Registration, directing the
members to cali at the City Clerks office
other paraphernalia. This last notice will
have to be published on February "a. The
time, therefore. that the Republicans
have in which to pass the measure Sc
cure its approval by the Governor and
have official copies served upon the cities
affected, is growing short and, it is that
fact which is causing them uneasiness.
Coupled with Senator Days declaration
stitutionality of the measure, the Re
publicans are in a state of mind and not
a few of them seem to fear that a sad
fate awaits the "extender."
In speaking of the bill Davis had this
tosay today:-"It will simply be political
suicide for the Republicans to pass the
bill. Seme of them know and are hesi--
tating, but there are others whose greed
will not allow them for a moment to con-
slider the rights of the people. This meas
the ii Liberties Of % Voters. ~ The FL M Repubicans 5 cans
may announce If they see fit, that the bill
is being passed in the interests of economy
but every sane man knows that Republf-
canism is Synonymous with extravaganza
and disregard of liberties. 1t is only too
apparent what and who are passing the
syndicate has powerful alleys extending
from our lowest Offices right up to the
highest seat in authority Of 1 our State,
conserve certain interests by passing the
bill, and in this scheme they are being
ably assisted by railroads, the representa-
tives of which have sought and are now
seeking privileges from the city at the ex-
pense of the already overburdened tax
payers
If the present city officials imagine that
taxpayers want them to continue In office,
why are they spending time and money
to pass this bill which will perpetuate
them in office? Let us have an election
n LOT t7a 10 In, f43<,<,
run. If the people want them they will
be elected; if not, defeated Then if the
city can save money by abolishing spring
elections let US abolish them. The ex-
perience we will gain by having a Mayor
atty election in April and another in No
yember will be a fit recompense for the
outlay. This talk about economy from
know what the word means The sex
tender is only another conremptible Re