New-York tribune., 1900-01-13
NEW-JERSEY NEWS.

The bill for the abolition OF spring elections
in cities Is being prepared. and will be intro
duced in the House by Assemblyman Lewis as
soon as il has been submitted TO the repre-
sentatives Of the cities most concerned in the
measure. It will follow the lines already in
dicated in these columns. in conformity to the
prevailing sentiment and viii probably have
pretty smooth sailing. The exfgencies OF busi-
ness life prevent the better element from taking
part in elections held on a day which is not a
holiday in New-York City and practically dis
franchise them. leaving the elections held in
the spring in the hands OF those who make local
politics their business TO the detriment OF the
municipalities. and who, by corralling the saloon
vote. keep themselves in power. II is this fact
which makes the abolition OF spring elections
in cities practical reform. The change will
undoubtedly be in the interests OF better munich
pal government. and on this account II is sought.
1t has not been suggested or advocated by po-
htical leaders. but has been demanded by the
better class Of citizens and II is in obedience 10
their wishes that the legislative representatives
Of the chief cities Of the State are moving in the
matter.
No cogent reasons have been urged against
the change and although ii will deprive the
local newspapers Of much profitable advertising
and Of the increased circulation which they en-
Joy during a political campaign most Of the
elections in cities
In the opinion of eminent lawyers. an act ap-
plicable all cities viii not be open to any
suspicion OF unconstitutionality. as the distinc-
ton between cities and boroughs and townships
is one that will hold good in legislation while
distinction between cities on a basis Of popula-
tiOn would not
The line is to be drawn at cities because the
conditions are different in borOughs, towns and
townships and these smaller municipalities do
not desire the change. while the cities want il.
II is true that there are some boroughs which
desire to have their local elections in the fall
but there are places which have outgrown the
borough form Of government. and should no
longer be classed with the smaller municipal
tiles These boroughs can readily secure the
advantages of fall elections by Incorporating as
cities, and this is what they will do For ex-
ample, in Rutherford a movement in this direc-
ton has already begun, and a bill is to be pre-
pared 10 make that thriving borough a city.
Similar action is likely 10 be taken in other
better organized local government a necessity.
and in all such cases the advantages Of fall cleo
tons will serve as additional inducements TO
the formation Of city governments.
The cordial reception Of the proposition 70 en-
large the powers Of the State Sewerage Com
mission is an evidence OF. the development Of
public sentiment in favor Of vigorous measures
70 abate the pollution OF the streams OF the
State, and it also attests the confidence which
is generally felt in the members of the Commits
sion. A year ago ii would have been political
suicide for certain members Of the Legislature
10 for the bill which Senator McCarter in
troduced on Tuesday. Now the passage OF such