The Penn's Grove record., 1908-03-27

ana ~, creating d PUBIC utilities eons
mission, came up on second reading as
a special order of the day. Mr.. Young
urged the adoption of his substitute
measure for the substitute bill prepar-
ed and reported by the house judiciary
committee. Mr.. Martin opposed this
motion and pleaded for the passage Of
the judiciary committees bill, which,
he said, was a counterpart Of the IA
nous Hughes bill, "a wise and con-
sentative measure"
Mr.. Jess put in two amendments to
the Young substitute, limiting the ex-
penditures of the proposed commission
to 100000 and cutting out the rate fix
ing clause. In supporting the amend
ment he declared that the public had
not demanded the enactment Of a
drastic public utilities bill. The Young
substitute, he claims, would meet the
demand of the people and enable the
legislators to keep the pledges made
in the party platforms last fall.
The first Jess amendment, cutting
down the appropriation to 100000, was
defeated, as was also the second, cut
ting out the ratemaking clause. The
motion to substitute the Young bill for
that of the judiciary committee was
defeated by a vote of 81 to 3S. The
dwell amendment providing for an
elective commission and the amend
ment by Mr.. Daab providing for the
elimination of dangerous grade cross
ings at the expense of the railroads
were both defeated.
The Pierce amendment permitting
the appeal to the court was adopted,
and the bill was finally passed by a
vote of 90 to 0, Mr.. Stille being the
only absentee.
Although some anticipated that Will
liam Jennings Bryan would address a
joint session of the legislature today,
he sent a telegram to Mr.. Jess yester-
day afternoon stating that it would be
impossible for him to be present and
thanking the members for the invita-
ton. A change in Mr.. Bryan's plans
made it impossible for him to come to
Trenton today.
When the house convened yesterday
morning a message was received from
the senate to the effect that the body
had adopted a concurrent resolution
providing for sine die adjournment on
Friday, April 3. 1t was referred to the
judiciary committee.
The committee on election reported
without recommendation house bill
324, the governors primary election
law. The bill was reported by the
signed request of fifteen members Of
the house in accordance with the new
| Morgan rule.
Local Option Again.
Assemblyman B. Frank Buck Of
Cumberland county introduced in the
house yesterday a local option bill en-
bracing the excise question in another
form. 1t is entitled can act concern
ing the granting of licenses for the
sale of intoxicating liquor In the sew
eral municipalities and townships in
the state" The measure provides that
if in any town, township, borough or
city, not, however, including any coun-
ty, a majority of the legal voters shall
file with the court or board having
control of liquor license a petition
against the granting of licenses no
license shall be renewed for at least
two years nor thereafter until a Pc
tition in favor of license shall be fled
with the licensing body. Provisions
are made for the sale of liquor by
druggists on written prescription. The
sale in quantities of more than one
quart for manufacturing purposes is
also permitted. The bill is urged by
the Anti-saloon league of New Jersey.
Pen Sketch of Mr.. Lewis.
Vivian NJ. Lewis, clerk in chancery,
is n of the strongest Republican pos
sibilities for the gubernatorial nomina-
ton should Governor Fort resign to
accept the nomination as vice president
of the United States. Even should this
honor not come to New Jersey and
should Governor Fort serve out his
term Mr.. Lewis is regarded as M who
has a good chance to succeed the pres
ent governor.
Mr.. Lewis was born June 8, 1869, at
Paterson. He was educated in the pub
lie schools and studied law with his
brother, Judge William L. Lewis of
Paterson. He was admitted to the bar
as an attorney Feb. is, 1892, and as a
counselor in June, 1897. Prior to his
admission to the bar he was engaged
in newspaper work.
He was elected to the assembly in
1898, 1899 and 1900, and during his
three years service he was prominent
in legislation and served on leading
committees He was elected city coun-
sci of Paterson in 1904 for a full term
of office. He was appointed clerk in
chancery to fill the vacancy caused by
the resignation of Edward G. Stokes,
who was elected governor.
JOHN L. M. KELLY.