Perth Amboy evening news., 1907-01-09
REFORM IN The
LEGISLATURE.
Both Senate and Assembly To
Abolish the Committee Rule
Whereby Bills Are Held Up.
MIDDLEsEx REPRESENTATIVES
Many Democrats From Middlesex
County We're on Hand to See the
Opening of the Legislature-FIow-
ers for Senator Silzcr and Assem-
blyman Crowther COmmitters
Named - AIiddlesex Men Scarce.

TRENTON, Jan. 9.-The keynote
of the opening session yesterday of
the New Jersey legislature for 1907
was the doom of partisanship in the
administration of public affairs, with
promise of legislative action which
will end the smothering of bills in
house and senate committees. In
both bodies the auguries for the new
era were bright indeed.
In the selection of a president, SEN
ator Hillery, the republican leader,
who made the nominating speech, re-
ferred to the legislatures division
politically, and said in part:
Parties we will always have with
us, but offensive partisanship is dis
appearing. There is now no excuse
for a legislator not doing his duty
The public looks to the individual,
not to the party, and the legislators
cannot hide behind party Senatorial
courtesy has throttled legislation in
the past. All bills in the future
should be disposed of in the senate -
Senator Minch, in accepting the
office of president. voiced these senti-
ments:
"The spirit of independence is dom |
mating the public mind. 1t prevails
everywhere, and nowhere more than
in our own state.
'Partisanship in public affairs is
frowned upon, and the only partisan
ship that will prevail TO the people is
that adherence to the right demanded
by men in every walk of life
Same Fight in Assembly.
All of this was fitting prelude to
he discussion which came later in the
senate over the adoption of the rules
II fight which was led by democratic
Leader Minturn, of Hudson county,
and which was forced in the house
by Assemblyman Alexander, also of
Hudson.
The matter was laid over in both
houses, but it seems bound to be an
rule this session.
Much secrecy was maintained about
he assembly committees until they
we're announced in the house yester-
lay. Middlesex, having a republican
delegation, received no chairman
hips. Assemblyman Haines is on the
committee on public health. Assem-
olyman Crowther is on the commit
ees of banks and insurance and COM
nerce and navigation. Assemblyman
Drake is on the committee on ripar-
an rights.
On the joint committees Assembly
nfal II icyO !
md Assemblyman Haines on print
ng.
Flowers For Silzer and Crowther.
When the senate organized yester-
lay Senator SilZer found on his desk
/ handsome floral piece sent by the
Young Mems Democratic Club, of
New Brunswick, and another from
Perth Amboy. There were several
pieces, including a hand
iome- vase of American Beauty roses
lrranged by Tice, of New Brunswick,
Is the gift of a New Brunswick law
'er.
Middlesex republicans were also
veil represented at the legislative
'pening and sent over good sized
delegation. The local contingent,
however, was not so evident as in
OrIlef years, because new BrunS-
wick has no republican representa-
i've. New Brunswick friends of DR..
however, had Tice make
lp a handsome bouquet to be placed
IN his desk.
County Chairman Joseph Stricken
ed a delegation of the Perth Amboy
'unterrified" to the capital. The out
pouring of Middlesex democrats was
| notable tribute to Mr.. Silzer's per-
onal popularity that must have been
ouching to him. 1t could not have
,een a scramble for personal prefer
nent, because Mr.. jSilzer. being in the
has nothing to give out.
IN the republican caucus preceding Il
he session the Middlesex assembly
delegation made a fight to have Will
lam S. Dey, of Middlesex, who was
assistant sergeant-at-arms last year, 1
made sergeant-at-arms, but of course,
he majority showed the Middlesex
nen down.