Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-07-22
SENATOR PIERCE IN
GOvERNORSH|P RACE
Will Announce Candidacy Un-
der Republican Banner-PIat-
form Has Five Issues.
Ispecia1 to the Newark star.l


CRAWFORD, July 22.-Upon a
platform containing five of the big
gest problems which New Jersey
now faces, State Senator Carlton B.
Pierce will tomorrow launch his
campaign for the Republican NOM
ination for Governor. Senator
Pierce's statement will say:
Convinced that certain legislation
have been advocating can be ac-
complished only after State wide
discussion, l am proposing to run
for Governor in the Republican pri-
mary, pledged to the following prop
ositions:
Il. The abolition in fact of dan
gerous grade crossings.
80. The equalization of tax ass
sessments
-. The restoration of a reasona-
BILE tax upon banks and trust COM
panies, now practically escaping
taxation.
"a. The substitution of the indie
terminate franchise or tenure during
good behaviour for the present fifty
year franchise law.
IS. True jury reform through the
elimination of the subject from pol
tics
THE first four issues have been
pushed as far as individual effort
can carry them. All are opposed by
powerful special interests. If they
are to get further it must be
through statement of facts and rea-
sons, with force of public opinion
following.
To Discuss Issues.
81 am proposing in successive let
tiers between nov and the, primary
to discuss each issue briefly, deal
ing in this with grade crossings.
THE outcome of the Fielder grade
crossing law passed last winter will
cause disappointment Though it
haY been in operation four months,
only one application for elimination
is pending, that of the city of Perth
Amboy. and in that the railroad de-
PENDANTS, the Pennsylvania, Jersey
Central and Lehigh Valley, have
filed answers, alleging the act is void
under State and federal eonstitu
tons, and further is void because
defective in title. Hearings are be-
ing held and the litigation is on;
doubtless the prospect accounts for
the failure of other municipalities to
file petitions.
ut is within the right of the roads
to appeal the case to the United
States Supreme Court, and under ia
vorable conditions it will take not
less than three, and more probably
five years to determine the validity
of the law. In the meantime there
will be no elimination.
Unsatisfactory Condition.
What makes the situation even
more unsatisfactory, there is at
least an equal chance the roads will
win. This, in my judgment as an
attorney, for reasons presented to
the Senate. which ] am proposing to
give later. The objections to the
validity of the law were pointed out
In the Senate, the situation we are
now confronted with was there fore
casted and plea then made for
safety within the lines of the Con-
necticut act, which had been sus-
tanned by the United States Supreme
Court, The Clea was overruled by
the majority party and we are
where we are.
THE situation is unsatisfactory in
the extreme, but it seems to me the
simplest remedy is best. to pass at
the next session what should have
been passed at the last, a law within
the lines of the Connecticut act, the
validity of which cannot be ques-
toned"