The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1898-12-16
PURIFY THE PASSAlC.
Newark and Neighboring
Municipalities Discuss
the Problem.
TRUNK SEWER PROJECT ENDORSED
Resolutions Recommending
the Plan Of the Commits
sion Of 1896 Adopted.
TRUNK SEWER PROJECT ENDORSED
Especial to sThe Jersey city News.sl

tQ jQliltQ WllA LIE RU1lQ W -
nesday night in the discussion Of the
pollution of the Passaic River and the
measures proposed for the abating of that
evil. The sentiment of nearly all present
was reflected in resolutions which were
signed by George d. Swan, J. A. Lep-
keucher, Morris R. Sherrefd, Chandler VI
Riker and s. rs Meeker. composing a spec
ial committee to which the matter had
been referred. The board adopted the
resolutions, which were as follows:
Whereas, The condition of the Passaic
River from the effects of sewage pollu-
ton has grown steadily worse, causing
constant complaint from residents near its
banks. and i~njuring commerce, manufac-
turing and the interests of real estate,
and making remedial measures impera-
lively necessary without further delay;
and
Whereas, A commission is now engaged
in giving further consideration to the sub
ject and win make report to the approach
ing session of the Legislature; be it
Resolved, That the Senator and As
semblymep of Essex county be earnestly
requested to use their influence and ut
most e~ndeavors in behalf of the enact
ment of laws necessary to prevent the
further pollution of the Passaic River by
the sewage of cities and towns in the
watershed draining thereto; and that q
law which shall provide for the complete
removal of the existing nuisance be
passed without delay.
Resolved. THAI the Board of Trade
favor a system of joint action by the
municipalities interested, under control of
properly constituted State authorities, and
that the Board of Trade. through it's off,
GERS, inform the commission now consid-
ering this subject. of its support in favor
of recommendations looking to the pro-
curing of such legislation as will give
early and effective relief from the
nuisance; and be it
Resolved, That the Boar of Trade pre-
sent this matter through its officers to the
Legislature at the first opportunity at
such public hearing as may be given; and
Resolved, That the Board of Tratle
hereby reiterates its approval Of The plan
proposed by the commission of 1896, n
urges its adoption. with such alterations
as to details as may be considered neees-
sary by the present commission soon to
make report
Mr.. sherrerd reported the resolutions.
III AiAt "a tOAAASCltOl d ittLtI WdS4 IEdtt
from Samuel Philips. President of the
Passaic Valley Mutual Protective Asso-
citation. ealing the attention of the Board
to the diversion Of part of the flow or the
river by the East Jersey Water Company,
II declaring that the ~dirniaution Of the
supply contributed largely to the nj: salce.
A letter was also read from Assembly,
nlan-elect William Mungle, stating that
he would be glad to cooperate with the
board in case it should desire to nave IN
troduced measures in the Legislature.
Mayor Edward Kenny. of East Newark,
wrote that it was tine the nuisance was
stopped.
stop the pouring of sewage into the
river" continued the Mayors letter. '.The
New York Law seems to be effective. Have
it enforced here and let the other people
do the talking"
John Eastwood of Be1levile WAS tie
first to speak on the resolution. He said
that the people of his town were with the
Board OF Trade in their efforts to step
the pollution of the river. Few places.
he said, suffered like Belleville, where the
filthy condition of the river drove people
away from its banks ana had the effeet
of greatly depreciating the value of
property. The Orange sewer. Mr.. East
wood said, was the most dangerous of the
many sources of pollution.
This matter concerns not only Belle
Vile" said Edward W. jackson, of that
place. but it also applies TO all sections
along the river. In our town valuations
of property near the river have fallen
from forty to fifty per cent. People can
not live along the river, and consequently
rave to leave. The result will be that
sooner or later we win have to go into
bankruptcy.
Pollution must be stopped. The only,
things to be considered are the methods
of stopping it and the cost. Belleville
recognizes the fact thai it has to be done,
and it is willing to stand its just proper
ton of the cost. / am satisfied that
Franklin, Kearny and other places along
the Passaic are willing to agree to this
proposition
A c. Studer, of Montclair, said that
Montclair was willing to do what it could
but realized the difficulty Of solving the
problem. Thereby. he added. was an ar
gument in favor of the Greater Newark.
We don't favor it much up our way,
but We recognize it as almost inevitable.
continued Mr.. Studer, and a ripple of APP
plause went around. But we ask YOU
to see to it that when it is done it is
well done. The more of the outlying mu-
to stop pollution the greater will be the
interest and the better will be the re-
suit"
Assemblyman-eleet Bruder, of Harri-
son, expressed the hope hat his city and
the neighboring towns on the east bank
of the PaSSaic would soon be a part of
Newark. He added that the crusade
against pollution would have his support
and y0fa in thp II legislature