The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1902-09-18


we had one man at the head of the
water department, but he should be elect
ed by the people. When you give the ap-
pointive power to a Mayor the possibili-
ties are enormous. He might pass acts
that would put the city in a position
where it would be bankrupt
IF the Republican members are ready
to assume the responsibility we will
have to submit There is no honest
Democrat in Jersey City who fears for
one moment the result. You must take
the responsibility.
ONE MAN POWER.
Commissioner Bacon slowly arose and
said:-'This is the first time had heard
the notion that this act was political
one. 1t is not a question of politics. I'm
not familiar with what the Democrat or
Republican parties wish. Many people
have said to me that the people should
have right to express themselves at the
polls in this matter. 1t is giving them
more rights instead of taking their rights
awav."
Commissioner Lembeck said there was
great danger in one man power and re-
marked that it wouldn't be safe to put
too much power in the hands of some
Mayors. He continued: "I'll object to
this act at the ballot box and will vote
against it now because it doesn't put
check on that man"
Mr.. Brock said.-'I don't question the
honesty of the present Mayor. don't
think that he would do anything of the
kind. 1t is the future we have got TO
guard against. The fact that this Board
should lend itself to such possibilities
tha.'s what | fear"
RINGLE is SORRY.
The Democratic Commissioners intent
ly gazed at President Ringle when he
began to explain how he happened to
change his mind. Mr.. Ringle said
Il have given this matter a great deal
of thought. / had made up my mind
to vote against it. If l did | would set
myself up as dictator. The Legislature
says that this act must be put before the
people If l should say to the people,
You don't know your business what
would they say? They would say that
l was dictator and arbitrary. / can
not stand up and declare that the people
at large can't be trusted and don't know
what they are doing or what theys want.
l had made up my mind not to vote for
this resolution. but decided to vote for
it when l considered that the people
H. No ~ s.rI of .hot
I'm sorry I'm in this position. Some
of my best and warmest friends may
think that | have not acted kindly
towards them. If the act had been with
out the referendum clause l would have
been against it,
RINGLE WARNED.
"You have changed your mind so sud-
denly" said Mr.. Lembeck, addressing
President Ringle, .that I am very much
surprised. You gave me to understand
that you would vote against it.
1T is your duty as an official Of the
city," said Mr.. Brock, ito consider seri-
ously before you place this burden on
your shoulders. You say you don't want
to be Dictator. You understand the
possibilities of such an act. In fact of
all the possibilities, the dangers in which
the city will be placed will be put on
your shoulders. You are not dictator.
You are guardian of the peoples safety.
The proposed commissioner can override
the Mayor. Is this good politics? What
will the people say to you? The redec-
tion will be cast on you. If you prefer
to carry that, have nothing to say" 53
Clerk Kalaher called the roll and he
resolution was adopted by a straight
party vote.