Bridgeton pioneer., 1908-02-13
REFORM In
THE LEGISLATURE.

Trenton. N. j.. Feb l'.-Assem bly,
man Morgan, Of Essex, and other Col-
byites in the House achieved notable
victory for their plan of legislation
hsre this afternoon. previous to the
aijourument OF the Legislature until
next Monday evening. II was the
adoption of resolution requi,ing
committees to report all bills on the
written request of fifteen members-
one-fourth Of this House roll. Morgan
has been fighting 10 bring this about
from the very first day of the session,
just as he and Leader Martin and
other Oolbyites fought to bring 1t
abont two years ago.
The leaders of the "ReguIar" Re-
publicans have been opposed to this
scheme for years. asserting that 1t
places dangerous power in the hands
OF the minority and makes possible
the forcing to vote of strike bills
and partisan measures which should
never be allowed to get beyond the
committee stage. The OoIpyites to.
day secured the assistance of the
Dem ocIats and carried their point.
Under the new ruling all bills must
be reported by committees. even
though an adverse report be made.
Then the whole House membership
may fight the question out on the
floor. The result will be to reiafd and
prolong legislative work. and In many
Instances incre asa the expense of the
session, but 1t will prevent the smoth.
ering Of bills.
Martin then gave notice that he will
move next Monday night for the keep
ing of com mmittee minutes record, In
which shall be recorded the vote Of
every memb on every bill fer the In
spection of the whole House and for
spreading on the House minutes when
so desired.
The morning was the most import.
ant part of the legislative day, 1t be-
ing productive of busy batch OF ex-
ecutive appointments to the Senate
and the holding Of the joint session at
noon for the election OF a State Comp
troller and State Director of Rail-
roads.
The morning was also marked BY
the announcement by Governor Fort
of the appointment OF Charles A. Ran
som. legislative correspondent of the
Newark News. to the position OF ex.
ecutive clerk, which has been held by
Colonel Edward D. Fox for nearly
forty-four years. He was formerly a
Democrat. but Joined the New Idea, "
forces OF Senator Everett Colby Two
years ago. 1t was at the instance OF
Senator OolbS that he was appointed
Another Colby appointment made
by the Governor is that OF Assem- bly, &.
man Austen Colgate. OF Newark, as an
aide no his personal staff, the office
carrying the rank OF colonel. Mem
bers of the House had lot of fun
with Colonel Colgate to-day by giving
to him an antiquated uniform. sword
and saddle. secured from the junk
heap at the State Arsenal.
The joint session was presided over
by President HilIery. of the Senate
Former Sheriff Henry j. West, of
Camden. was elected as State Comp.
troller. succeeding j. Willard Morgan,
also of Camden. Joshua E. Borton.
of Burlington, was reelected as State
Director Of Railroads. The Democrats
gave their plimentary nominations
to County Collector Stephen M.
Egan. OF Hudson, for Comptroller and
Joseph E. Strycker. sof Perth Amboy,
chairman OF the Middiesex Comfy
Democratic Committee. for railroad
director.
Following his election, Comptroller
West entertained members of the Leg
islature and State officials at luncheon
at the Trenton House.