Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1904-07-21
EQUAL TAXATION
SAYS E. G. STOKES.

Trenton, July 20.--Clerk in Chan
Gerry and Former Senator Edward O.
Stokes, who is booked for the Repub-
lican gubernatorial nomination, does
not hesitate to talk frankly about the
political situation in this State, the
issues looming up and the policy OF
the Republican party. Speaking in
his capacity as acting chairman of the
Republican State Committee, ex.sen-
ator Stokes said:
New Jersey within the last ten
years has become sure Republican
state, and there is every reason why
1t should remain in the Republican
column this fall. Its great and varied
business and industrial interests can
not afford to risk the uncertainties that
would come with Democratic vic
tory as that party is organized at
present. The action of the Committee
on Resolutions of the Democratic con-
vention in voting the gold plank out
of the platform, and the unanimous
concurrence of the convention itself
in that action, gives encouragement to
gold Democrats. Their party ia still
under the control of the elements that
ruled in ninety y-six and nineteen hun
dred. and the voter will weigh this
fact carefully when casting their bal
lots.
The same is true Of the situation
in thia State. The elements in the
Democratic party that were voted out
of power in ninety three and ninety
four are still in control of the Demo
cratic organization, and until new
elements come to the front in Demo
cratic councils. that party will not be
able to make an effective campaign. -
When asked about the probable
effect of the equal taxation agitation,
and if he had any hesitation in speak
ing upon this subject, he said:
None whatever. The Republican
party recognizes this as vital and
pressing problem and it has no desire
to avoid the issue and no fear to meet
it. 1t is for equal taxation absolutely
and unqualifiedly. The expressions Of
opinion | have heard from leading
Republicans are unanimous upon this
subject. Our party will settle this
question and settle it right.
This is a great and important
problem, far reaching in it's effect. It
has to do with the great lines Of trans
portation. with the revenues of our
various municipalities and with all
taxpayers interested in the just and
fair equalization of the burdens Of
taxation. However important and
far reaching this problem may be it
can be properly settled upon presenta-
tion of the facts in the case.
With these facts before the Legis-
lature the question is capable of solu-
tion, as are all questions in the hands
Of those who are actuated by honest
and statesmanlike motives.
Jersey City has an especial inter-
est IN this matter because of it's
unique location. 1t is the port of exit
for the whole country back to the Pa
cific and the demands of trade and
transportation necessarily require ter
minal facilities that occupy the prop
erty which otherwise would be in
cluded IN the local ratables.
For this reason Jersey City and it's
sister municipalities along the Hudson
have just ground for exceptional con-
sideration. The Republican party
recognizes this fact and is fully alive
to this situation.
Il am clear in the opinion that the
problem can be worked out with JUS
tice to the interests Of the other parts
of the State. Our party is perfectly
competent and ready to settle this
question without fear or favor and
with fairness and Justice to all.
There is no reason why any Republi-
can who believes in equal taxation
should on this account vote against
his party ticket