The evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1907-1908, 1907-11-15

TOO OLD TO
BE GOOD
Civic Federation Decides
New Jersey Should
Have New One.

A meeting of the executive com
mittee Of the New Jersey State Civil
Federation was held at the Newar
Free Public Library last night. Afte
the transaction of considerable routin
business the questioned the creation O
a new constitution for the State o
New Jersey was discussed, and 1t wa
decided to issue the following state
ment:
ITO the Civic Organizations of New
Jersey.
eve have much to feel proud of in
the record of the past year. Substan-
tial results in legislation have been
achieved, and the future is bright with
promise.
"Our citizens all over the State are
aroused; new civic clubs and soeieues
are forming: the newspapers give more
space to governmental problems than
ever before; In the campaign just closed
the people insisted on hearing the
views of candidates on the great is
sues of the day and pledges were given
which must result in salutary changes
in our laws.
"Of the measures advocated by the
federation, several nave already be-
come laws and others are in process.
We are especially gratified by the en-
actment of the State Railroad Com
mission law, which is almost Identical
with the bill and amendments drafted by
us. The federation fatherer this move
ment in the belief that reasonable regu-
lation is essential TO the welfare OF the
public and the railways alike, but has
steadily refused its sanction to any eX-
IRENE or drastic proposal.
"The present law contains broad pow
ers, ample under any fair construction
TO afford relief from many fragrant
abuses, n we call upon the Railroad
Commission to execute such powers
pending the adoption of further legisla-
ton. -,
''The repeal of the promoters liabil-
ity act; the direct primary law; public
expression respecting United states SEN
ators: the equal taxation laws, and
other progressive measures. al atlest
the responsiveness of our Legislature to
the popular will and afford us just
cause for satisfaction. In addition
the protection Of our potable water
supply and the enactment of a compre-
hensive civil service law, both original
ly brought forward by the federation,
are virtually in sight.
"But an even larger theme is now be-
fore us. We believe that New Jersey
should have a new State constitution,
and to that end, we favor the calling Of
a constitutional convention at the earli-
4st practicable date.
1T is useless to expect any ade-
quate amendments of our present con,
stitution through the mode prescribed
therein. Such specific changes, diff
cult to secure. are at best mere
patchwork. A new instrument is
needed.
1.-The body of our present consti-
tuition al remained practically UNI
changed since it's adoption in 1874,
sixty-three years ago. Meanwhile
vital changes in every department OF
life have occurred. We believe that
our people, aroused to a sense of their
civic responsibility, Idesire to live
under a constitution In harmony with
tile spirit OF the present day.
I'VE believe they want a simple and
practical judicial system; separate mu-
nicipal elections: an orderly range
ment of the terms of Office of our State
officials, in lieu of one year terms for
as~semblymen, and three year terms for
the governor and senators; the election
of assemblymen by the voters of proper
assembly districts instead of by an en-
tire county; adequate civil service pro-
visions in the organic law; explicit def
milton, ALLEGATION and limitation of the
Legislative, executive and judicial pow
ers regarding corporations. especially
those of the quasi-public nature; q
workable plan for amendments; and
such other constitutional guarantees as
enlightened craftsmanship and the eX-
perience of other communities may
suggest.
eve. therefore, earnestly request the
civic organizations of the State of New
Jersey to consider this question, take
such action as they may deem eXpedi-
ent and make public fhe results Of their
deliberations
''The New Jersey State Civic Fedora
ton, Adolph Roeder, president; edward
K. Sumerwell. secretary"