Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1905-02-16

cities in the different counties in a po-
sition where they would have to pay
a considerably larger proportion OF the
state school and county taxes than
they now contribute,
Aside from the question Of how the
proposed maximum tax rate would
operate in keeping down the amount Of
money that would be paid by the rail
roads in taxes on second class property
and in compelling cities to pay a larger
proportion Of state school and county
taxes than at present, there is the
unanimous recommendation of the
commission. which is worth a close
study Heretofore railroad companies
have been paying taxes on second class
railroad property of $3.50 and have
paid these taxes direct to the munich
palities AHA the municipalities have
been permitted to retain the entire
amount of rhese receipts for their local
ase. The new proposition is to include
second class railroad property with the
local ratables. In this way these new
ratables will enter into calculation in
the fixing OF tax rates. 1t should be
remembered, however. that these rat
ables will also enter into the calcula-
tions in fixing The portion of state
school and county taxes to be paid by
each municipality
Equal taxation bills have been pre-
lpared by Senator Minturn in the sen
ate and Minority leader Hamill in the
house Other measures on the same
subject will be presented shortly. May
or Pagan of Jersey City has bill
ready to be presented, Governor
Stokes and the state leaders are giving
considerable time to the administration
measure on equal taxation which is
expected shortly and which will be the
measure that will no doubt be passed
by the majority
The Fordyce BiIl's Fate.
There seems to be a general impress
sion that the Fordyce bill prohibiting
the carrying of excursionists or passen-
gers from New jerseys docks or
wharfs excepting on steamboats, that
are practically fireproof is doomed to
failure despite a strong sentiment in
favor of the measure. 1t is reported
that strenuous fight is to be made
on the bill. 1t is believed in some quar-
ters that the Introduction of the bill
has done a great deal of good even if it
fails this session, for it has crystalIized
public sentiment in such Il way that it
lis believed it will gradually grow into
la demand for greater safety in excur-
sion boats. The belief is expressed that
boat builders will do well to comply
voluntarily with the bills provisions,
for it is conceded that it will be only a
Question of time when they will be COM
PEELED to conform to these provisions.
The proposition to build Il monument
at Red Bank to commemorate the vic
tory of the American arms at that his
toric place is meeting with favor Cen
erai Washington in his orders to Gen
eral Greene stated that the defense of
Red Bank was of vital Importance to
the American cause, and it is generally
believed that the magnificent work of
the Continental soldiers there is dese1v-
ing of a shaft similar to the battle
ADiauiAACAtt III IlSiltOi. II - NSIN pfOD-
able that a legislative appropriation.
will be asked for such IA shaft.
The Red Bank mentioned is not Red
Bank in Monmouth county, on the
Shrewsbury river. but is the Rel Bank
in Gloucester county. on the Delaware
river. opposite League island, Philade-
phia.
4 great many complaints are heard
all over the state concerning the tinker
ing with the game laws. The laws on
this subject it is said are greatly in
need of revision Those who have mace
a study of tlie subject claim that what
is reeded is a revision based upon the
life history of the fish. birds ana beasts
and the relation they bear to the food
supply of the commonwealth. This may
not meet with the views of tie sporting
men, but it is conceded that the best
results as well as those generally salts
factory will enly he Obtained by con
STEERING the matter from a thoroughly
scientific standpoint
Government OF second class cities.
A bill for city commissions in second
class cities is expected to be presented
to the legislature in few weeks. Ths
bill aims at establishing commission
forms of governments for cities of this
class. By it common councils would
be relieved of all executive functions
The measure would provide for the ap
pointment of commissions of about
five members each on finance and
streets and to have control of police
and fire matters To prevent tile bill
being declared unconstitutional by tic
courts a referendum clause is proposed
to be inserted. According to the pres
ent plan suggestion. the commissioners
would be appointed By the mayors oil
cities adopting the act and confirmed
by the circuit courts.
1t has been proposed to add an
amendment to the antimosquito bill to