Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1911-01-24
BILLS INTRODUCED
FO1f ABOLITION Of
GRAQE-CROSSING5
AssembIyman Bracken Presents
Measures Calling for Reforms
in Railroad Methods.
THE PROPOSED LAW AMENDS
EXISTING RAILROAD ACT
Provides for Construction of
Lines by Counties and Leass
ing of Them.

TRENTON, Jan. 2A.-Assembiyrnsn
John j. Bracken. of Essex, introduced
in the House last night a series of bills
which nave for their object the aboli-
ton of grade-crossings In cities. One
of them gives power TO the Public
Utility Commission. by petition from a
city or other municipality, to investi-
gate grade-crossings IA to prescribe
the IN which they shall be
abolished.
If the highway was in existence when
the railroad was constructed the cost
to be paid by the municipality shall not
exceed one-quarter Of the expense. In
all other cases the railroad shall pay
the total expense.
Another bill by Mr.. Bracken amends
the Railroad Act relative to grade
crossings so that public travel at such
crossings must be kept in a condition
fit for safe and convenient use and
free from danger to the public.
A third measure by Mr.. Bracken au-
thorizes any city by suit In equity to
compel in certain cases by railroad
companies the erection OF gates or EN-
persons using them,
To FIX AUTO speed Atm1ts
Mr.. Bracken also introduced a bill
fixing the speed limit of automobiles
at twenty miles an hour, but provides
that nobody shall drive an automobile
al a speed greater than is reasonable.
Assemblyman Simpson, of Hudson,
introduced q bill authorizing counties
of first class to provide for rapid tran
sit railways. A county rapid transit
commission consisting of three mem
bers, to be appointed by the Supreme
Court justice sitting In the circuit in
SUCH first class counties, and the direo-
tor of the Board of Freeholders shall
constitute the commission.
Their compensation Is to be fixed by
the Board of Freeholders, but is not to
exceed $40 a day for time actually at
work. The commission shall determine
routes for rapid transit railways and
upon the approval of the Board Of
Freeholders shall proceed to construct
and operate the transit lines. After
construction the roads may be leased
as the commissioners or boards of free
holders may determine.
If a bill introduced by Mr.. Hinners,
of Bergen, becomes a law, the office
of register of deeds will be abolished in
Mercer MOIiIiIOulIt DOi SCAis A. Az
all other counties that have now less
than 100000 population.
Mr.. Taylor, of Monmouth, introduced
the perennial bill for the incorporation
of the borough of Ocean Grove. An
other bill by Mr.. Taylor provides h a
the fact that the appropriations are
insufficient to complete the armory Of
Battery A. of East Orange. and the
armory for the Second Battalion, at
i Elizabeth, shall not vitiate the appro-
priations made
To License Ffremen.
Assembryman Ford introduced a bill
providing for the licensing of hremen
by an examiner appointed by the
Board of F~reeholders so that life may
be protected against operation OF steam
boilers by incompetent persons.
Assemblyman B~oettner introduced a
bill providing that the Inside walls OF
elevator shafts shall be of fireproof
material. Another bill by Mr.. Boett-
ner gives the right Of appeal to the
J Court of Common Pleas from he de-
clsion of any license board in n city
Assemblyman B~alentine. by request,
offered a measure providing that steam
railroad cars shall be equipped with a
set of tools, consisting of axe. sledse-
hammer, crowbar and handsaw for use
in ease OF accident. A penalty of $500
is provided for violation,
House No. II, by Mr.. Hand-Author-
ICES the banking and improving OF
meadows and swamps. (Agriculture.)
House No. 70, by Mr.. Hendrickson-
Authorizes cities to provide additional
streets, and purchase and condemn
lands therefor; to vacate streets or
parts thereof In connection thereof, and
provide for the payment thereof. (Mu-
nicapal comparatively
House No. n. by Mr.. Burke-Amends
the act relative to the taking OF oatha
and aflrmationa. judiciary
House No. rs, by Mr.. Burke-Con-
firms all oaths or ~aff1rmations taken
by deputy county clerks and deputy
~surrogates. Judiciary
House No. 70, by MI. Entertainments
section 40 of the savings BAN act SO
that deposits made not later than the