The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1905-02-21
HAMILL- KEEPS
HIS PROMISE
Democratic Assembly Lead
er Undeterred by Criti-
ciam Introduces May
or Fagan's Three
Measures.
A DRAMATIC SITUATION
While Assemblymen Are
Commenting on His ABB
sence Mr.. Hamill En-
tsrs and Rushes In
His Bills.
4 DRAMATIC SITUATION
lgpsslaI i .ras Jsrssy. oIty New..'l

Especial TO tIhe Jersey CITY 4Ns"S. =
TRENTON, Feb. p, 1905.-Contrary
10 the expectations of his Democratic
friends of Hudson. Assemblyman James
Hamill Of Jersey City, the minority lead
er in the Honse, introduced three bills
last night which were given 10 him by
Mayor Pagan of Jersey City. They were
the franchise tax measure; a bill to allow
Jersey City to institute quo warranto
proceedings to test the Public Service
cornaation's franchise in Jersey City
aud She bill to allow Jersey City to make
N.sjcr contract with Harrison, Kearny
aud East Newark and the adjoining
Towns if possible.
ii was known that 1Ir. Hamill had
these bills in his possession and that he
had promised Mayor Fagan he would in
troduce them but up to last night it was
generally understood that he intended to
return them to Mayor, Pagan. Democrat
ic Leader Robert Davis contended that in
view Of tie fact that Assemblyman Scott
Of Rayonne, the only Republican member
Of the Hudson delegation. had refused to
Introduce these bills Mr.. Hamill should
rot allow himself to act as a eatspaw for
Mayos Pagan and his Republican admin
strait
Notwithstanding the objections Mr..
Hamill declared that he had promised
Mayor Fagan he would introduce the bills
and that he intended to keep his promise.
When the Assembly was called to
,rder at s.15 o'clock, last night. the DEM
,eratie members anxiousIy awaited the
appearances Of Mr.. Hamil He could not
be found and no word had been received
is to his Whereabouts. The Democrats
we're perplexed It was the first time
hat their leader failed to appear at the
appointed opening hour of the session ex-
,ept during the recent blizzard.
where is HamilI?' was the question
lsked by every Democratic member
present. but none could answer He
was the only Democratic member alb
sent when Speaker Avis called the
meeting The minority was ar loss
aow to proceed.
'In case Of the absence Of the
leader who should take his place?' in
auiringly asked Assemblyman Boucher
Df the Ninth Ward, Jersey City. who is
serving his FIRST term in the Assembly
It was suggested that the minority
should recognize Assemblynan Jos ph
G. Duff. who had been honored with
he complimentary nomination for
Speaker
Mr. Duff declined the honor. He CON
tended that Mr., Hamll was evidently
delayed and that he would certainly ap.
pear. In the meantime the Democrats
were without a leader TO gnide them.
The routine business was being trans
acted. Still Mr.. Hamilrs seat was
Taeant. The Speaker called for the in
Production Of bills AS if by magic Mr.
Haniil suddenly appeared on the
scene He was as iovial as usual and
apparently uneoncerned about the bills
be intended to introduce. In fact he
gave his colleagues no intimation that
he intended 70 introduce any Of Mayor
Fagan's bills. 10 sooner had he reacll7
:. ed his seat flian he songht the reeogni-
ton Of Tie speaker rs if anxious to
hare the thing over as quickly as pos
sibie
senblymau Manners. Of Newark
lqd the attention Of the Speaker at the
fine He introduced ;iree bills. While
shri tides were being read Speaker
Avis east bis watehful eye upon Mr.
IIainin and smiled significantly as if he
thoroughly understood what nieasnres
he Hudson man intended 10 introduce.
The next opportunity was given to Mr..
fta1aili. Without blush he arose and
offered tie three bills. The members
kept unusually quiet. They seemed to