Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-06-04
ENOUGH REFORM
LAWS FOR A WHILE.
SAYS GOV. FIELDER
Thinks We Should Rest a Bit
After Recent Legisla-
tive Session.
URGES TAXATION REFORM
AND MUNICIPAL FREEDOM
Statement Regarded as PERTH
nent, in View of Cuberna-
toriaI Candidacy.
IFrom a stan Correspondent

IFrom a stan Correspondent.1
TRENTON. N. j.. June 4.-Gover-
nor James f. Fielder in a statement
today outlines his views on some
questions he thinks are interesting
, the people Of the State at this time.
The statement is particularly perth
nent in view of the fact that Gov
ernor Fielder is an aspirant for the
Democratic gubneratorial nomination
this fall.
The interview is in response to sew
eral requests the Governor has re-
ceived asking him to define his posi-
ton on the questions of the day.
The statement follows:
IT suppose more reform legisla
ton has been passed at the last
three legislative sessions than at any
ten preceding sessions, and New Jer-.
sey is now in the forefront of
progressive States. I do not think
we are in immediate need of further
similar legislation, but that we should
rest bit, holding fast to that which
we have, and while seeing that no
backward step is taken, devote our
efforts to securing the satisfactory
operation of our new laws. 1t Is my
idea that we do not need more laws,
but that we can get along better with
fewer. The Legislature this year has
added nearly $50 chapters to our vast
volume of statutes, and l would be
content to pause for a while In
making radical changes in our laws
and put in my time, thought and
energy to the maintenance and i'm
provement of some of the things that
have been neglected or overlooked.
"Of course the supreme thing to
keep ever in mind is the efficiency
and integrity of the State and its
subdivisions. We must maintain our
election laws and corrupt practices
act involate, strengthening them
where we can, SO, that the machin-
cry whereby our officials are chosen
may be effective for registering the
will of the people. Improper and cor
rupt influences must not be permitted
TO enter into the control of our of;
fees. Their day has passed and
must never return.
should Simplify Institutions.
Our State departments. institutions
and boards must have thorough
oyerhauling and Encouragement In
many instances. They can be simpli-.
fed, consolidated and placed upon a
better administrative business basis,
making for economy and higher de-
gree of efficiency.
- 'sOur municipalities should have.
more freedom from legislative con-
troll. They should have @ greater
measure of self-government and
should be free to operate their func-
tions in local matters, through their
own legislative boards and not from
Trenton.
"Our. system of taxation needs re-
vision and adjustment. We need a
simple and practical method of as
sesslng property under uniform,
Statewide rules, by assessors, under
some responsible control so that all
property shall bear its just portion
of the governmental expenses, and
the heavier burden removed from the
small property owner.
Since I have been Governor, all the
time l could spare from the Legisla-
ture has been given toward securing
a better knowledge and understand.
penal. charitable and correctional in
situations. find that the latter have
been much neglected and are in need
of careful and intelligent attention
from our State authorities. They are
overcrowded and, therefore, limited
In operation; many are caring for
those who should be transferred else
where; the cost of maintenance is
high and much money could be saved
by a. central purchasing board. All
need State help, Reorganization, en-
largement and fair opportunity to
show the maximum amount of use
fulness I would visit these institu-
lions regularly, confer with their
managers and superintendent and
cooperate in building up. improving
and extending their functions.
1.-THE agricultural interests of the
State have grown by leaps and
bounds and must now be recognized
as one of our important industries,
entitled to legislative concern. The
establishment and development of the
State Agricultural College, at New
Brunswick, and the experiment sta
ton connected Herewith have given
farming and it's allied industries and
the resulting products are now
source of great State wealth. The
field Is capable of still further de-
velopment and should receive espe-
cial attention and appropriation from
the State.
"The1 conservation of our forests,
waters and other natural resources.
demand more careful and wise con-
sideration. Our forests must be pre-
served and renewed. and 1t Is mat
ter of but a short time when the
State will be compelled to take over
all potable waters for the benefit of
our citizens.
1.-THE last. but perhaps the most
serious subject I would mention, is
the frequent recurrence of labor diff
ficulties. Our best thought must be