Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1905-08-03
POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE.
Camden Citizens Organize.

SsAH->-~@NN Ce~@~~-~@~r
Government by political machines is get
ting to be distasteful to American commit
tees, and in all directions the people are
issuing new declarations Of Independence,
and asserting determination to have their
home go ernments advertised ia their in
terests, and not the personal enrichment of
the few who haye constituted themselves.
The spirit that moved Philadelphians to
break the chains that bound them, has
spread to Camden, and there is now well
developed movement there to form Poop
les governments administered honestly and
in the interests Of the people. II was launched
at a meeting held in the Masonic Temple
last Thursday night, people representing
all political parties from all oyer Camden
County.
ence B. Croft, who was made permanent
chairman. In opening the meeting Mr.,
Croft said.
RADICAL REFORM NEEDED
We meet tonight to form an orQaniza-
tion whose purpose will be to devise and TO
carry into action measures for ridding our.
county and city governments OF partisan
politics and the many social and economic
eyils that have grown therefrom. With
the projections Of this movement, who for
several years back have carefully studied
existing conditions, both here and else
where, it has long been matter OF conyic-
tion that radical reform and changes must
be obtained or the so-called popular govern
ment must be pronounced failure.
/ shall not offend yonr intelligence or
take up yonE time BY detailing the partic-
ulars of the recent political Machine expose
in our neighboring city of Philadelphia.
Now, how about our own city, Camden?
At the last election it is positively said that
there were 5000 bogus names ON the regis
try lists, and naturally 5000 fraudulent
voters counted in favor Of the Camden po-
litical machine-but surely the several men
who led the Camden Machine are respec-
table gentlemen? Il is not our purpose or
desire 20 eater into personalities o. 70 ds-
fame the character OF anyone, hut il is diff
cult to understand how registry lists are
falsifed, certain election officers are intimi-
dated and repeaters protected, unless tie
gentlemen at the head of the Machine lend
their aid, comfort and protection.
Perhaps you may ask bow could there be
5000 false registrations, and the recount
not show il? That is simple enough. The
several saloonkeepers and Others who
housed the tramps or furnished the names
and residences can explain that. The
names were on the list, and the number OF
ballots were in the boxes, and the recount
in itself iuid not show back of this It is
also a sad case when an election officer sells
himself for gold; but such cases, alasl oc-
coul Based on the number Of names on
the registry lists, Camden's population
should be about 124, 900, but the State cen
sus, Just finished gives Camden only S3 600.
Who is right the Camden Machine or the
State census-takers, to whose financial in
terest it was, by the way, to secure as many
names as possible?
How about the franchises, the street car
service? And what about the electric light
service and illuminating gas? Are the citi-
zens not paying high price for poor gas?
Is it not time that halt was called upon
the righteousness aud the grasping Of the
Public Service Corporation? Does not the
very title suggest ironY7 Do you think
that if the wires were put underground and
the unsightly poles dispensed with appear
ances would be enhanced? And do you
think shat if the competition was encour-
aged by those in authority we might have
better car service, cheaper and better gas
and less corporation interference?
Who is to blame for the rule Of bosses
and the consequent bad condition in our
local governments The answer is, em-
phatically, the people themselves. They
let the bosses have full sway. They close
their eyes to fragrant abuses. They are
lulled to inaction by that most foolish oil
all considerations, the good Of the party.
Not the Democratic party. No the bosses
party, the Machine Look at the hybrids
in the so-called Republican organization
and you will see that its composition has7
nothing to do with any but one party, the
bosses party, the party for power, for
graft, the dollar and the fat. We must
have clean, honest governments on nom
partisan basis, clean registry lists, an hon.
est BALLOT, the disuse Of corruption frauds,
competition officeholders and freedom for
every man from persecution and intimida-
tion, a square deal and fair play for every
one
A higher and nohler name than Republic
can, Democrat or any otner party name is
that Of American Citizen.
LEAGUE FORMALLY FORMED.
After Mr. Croft was literally applauded
permanent organization was effected by
the election Of Clarence 3. Croft, president;
George Nj. Beringer, vice president, and
Robert Webb Willard, secretary. Ii was
announced that treasurer would be elect
ed at the next meeting, there being Mr..
Croft said, several candidates for the posi-
tion. The constitution as adopted BY Sec
tions provides that the association shall be
known as the Legal Voters League The
object Of the League is to protect the legal
voters in their rights and to promote better
lcity and county government.
| An Executive Committee. consisting Of
one member from each ward, borough and
township. is to be appointed. Permanent
headquarters are to be opened in central
part 81 the city IN char ge ci able heuten-
ants.