The Penn's Grove record., 1913-10-03
TEACHERS IN scRlMMAGE.
Retirement Fund Controversy Puts
Convention on Edue.

Excitement marked the annual con-
vention of the State Teachers Retire
ment Fund at the State House, when
Miss Elizabeth Mccoy, of New Bruins
wick, charged that the convention
had been packed against her. In an
instant male and female teachers
were on their feet, disclaiming the
truth of such an assertion. After
some minutes quiet was restored and
the teachers resumed their delibera-
lions in a calm, judicial manner.
Miss McCoy's particular grievance
was against Miss Elizabeth A. Allen,
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
and n of the founders of the retire
ment fund. She said that the fund
was dominated by Miss Allen and
the younger teachers, as they were
being brought into the fund, did not
understand the conditions. Miss Nc
Coy found particular fault with the
headquarters in Hoboken. She asked
why it was necessary to have Offices
there and one of the members bluntly
said that it was because Miss Allen
lived there.
Accounts for Fund.
Miss Mccoy then asked what had
become of the report on the defense
fund, the money raised to test the
validity of the act under which the
fund was created. Scott Dawson,
who was one of the counsel for the
teachers, explained this to the salts
faction of Miss Mccoy. He said the
details of the work had not yet been
completed and it had not been pos
sible to make a complete report.
Miss Ella Mcpherson, of Trenton,
and many other teachers spoke Of the
work of iss Allen and acknowledged
that she was the backbone of the
fund. DR.. Richards, of Elizabeth,
frankly said that he had often de-
bated the question in his mand as to
what would become of the fund in
the event of Miss Aliens death.
Primary Results.
The results of the primaries were
about as anticipated. Apathy is the
opportunity of organized or machine
politicians, and there was general in
difference. This is usual the year
succeeding a Presidential election, and
at this time there is so much doubt
as to the influence of legislation at
Washington, D. c., that voters are dis
inclined to form new alliances. The
primary laws still cause much annoy
ance, and many men refuse to endure
the ordeal, while the constant discus
sion of obstacles makes others hest
tate. Men will insist upon voting at
elections, but they have yet to be
trained to vote willingly at primaries,
They also feel that they have no more
chance of making their personal in
fuence felt than under the old boss
system. The old convention gave at
least an opportunity for public pro
test.
Jersey Loses Big Fees,
President Wilson's "seven sisters
as the anti-corporation laws he put
through before leaving the State are
known, are held to be responsible foI
the big decrease in fees received
from corporations organizing in this
State during the month of August
The State collected only $500 from
this source during the month just
passed, while in August a year age
the fees amounted to $21,600. There
were los corporations organized here
in August of this year. In the same
month last year there were $50.
To Add New Buildings.
Plans were approved by the Board
of Managers for the erection of -four
new buildings at the State Hospital
and within the next few days bids
will be sought.
There is an appropriation Of 5000,
900 for the Improvements, which will
consist of a criminal insane building.
administration building, central power
plant and addition to the laboratory,