Perth Amboy evening news., 1907-01-08

extraordinary emergencies. needs no
defense. Under these conditions no
appropriations for new institutions nor
any additions to old institutions. ex-
cept where absolutely necessary. should
be considered. Heretofore l have been
content in raising a voice Of warning
and in the exercise of persuasion be-
fore appropriations were made. This
year 1 shall feel it my duty to exercise
the veto power in the maintenance Of
this policy.
Charities and Corrections.
The care of II dependent and way
ward wards continues to be the great
est draft upon the states purse. Over
30 per cent of our expenditures are used
for this purpose. How far the state is
supporting dependents who should be
supported in whole or in part by rela-
tives is asubject of continued investiga-
ton and inquiry. Under the department
of charities and corrections this matter,
not easy OF detection, Is being syste.
matically studied and it is expected
that in the near future a statement of
actual conditions can be authoritative
~ made. The humane work carried
on by the state must be freed from the
suspicion Of being the refuge of those
who shirk their responsibilities as par
ents and kin by accepting the support
and charity of the commonwealth.
Child Labor Laws.
The enforcement of proper regula-
tons for the preservation o. the health
and the further protection of employ
ees in manufacturing establishments
is a state policy. This state has thrown
restrictions around the employment of
women and young children in our fac
tories and workshops. 1t insists that
the younger years of a child's life shall
be devoted to educational training and
physical development. Three years ago
the legislature of this state placed up
on the statute books IL law regulating
the employment of children in manu-
featuring establishments. No consid-
GRAFTON has apparently been given to
the employment of children in mercan-
tile and other pursuits, a subject
worthy of thought. .
Our CoIored Citizens.
The colored people of our state are
subjects for consideration and care. ed
ucationally and industrially. These
people, through no fault of their own.
have lacked opportunity enjoyed by
the whites. They gave this country
$50 years Of unrequited toll. But with
less than half a century of freedom
they have as a race made marvellous
progress in savings, in the accumula-
tion of property. in mental development
and in %adaptability to conditions not
taltogether enviable.
This race is rapidly increasing in our
state. From 1890 to 1900 the white
population of New Jersey increased
29.S per cent. while the colored popu-
lation increased 1876 per cent. Pru-
1ence and patriotism demand a recog-
milton of this fact. For the present
and perhaps for some time to come OPP
portunities to earn a livelihood by the
colored people will be limited to such
vOcations as the farm. the trades and
the household. 1t Is important there
fore that they should have proper in
lustrial training. The School For Col
pred Youth at Bordentown was estab-
lished for this purpose. 1t is doing ex-
rellent work. 1t could do better work
with improved accommodations and fa-
rilities. | recommend such increased
facilities at that institution as the de
hands upon it seem to warrant.
Strangers Within Our Gates.
New Jersey is the first state to treat
immigration problems In a rational and
systematic way. The commission APP
pointed under authority of the last leg
stature has made careful investiga-
lions into the condition of the immi
grants who settle in u state and has
made a recommendation that they be
taught something Of our customs, laws
md institutions, 80 that they may at
once become familiar with their rights
and privileges.
At the last census there We're 431 900
foreign born residents in our state
one-fifth of the population. In the city
Of Passaic, so per cent of the popula-
lion is foreign born; in Paterson, 81
per cent; in Hoboken, SO; in Jersey
City, %, and in Trenton. % 6-10 per
rent. These people come to us In many
rases ignorant of our ways and insti-
mtions. Credulous and unsuspecting,
they are likely to be the prey Of rogues
and be defrauded of their savings. In
this way they receive a false impress
sion of American character and prin-
ciples. 1t is important that they should
be promptly brought in touch with or
highest ideals and standards.
This can be done through schools In
which they may be taught in their OWL
language as Don as possible the obii-
cations and duties Of citizenship.
Whether this important work should
be carried on by the state board of ed
ucation, whether it should be under
the direction of a specially authorized
commission without salary, whether the
state should pay the whole expense or
whether the various municipalities
should share therein are matters of