The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1914-02-10
Political Notes.


The term of Nelson Burr GaskiIl as
assistant encouragement, expired Fri
day, when new official was appointed
by Judge Wescott, recently made
head of the department.
Robert c. Hutchinson, who has been
clerk to the trustees of the state school
fund Tor many years, was notified on
Friday that it had been decided to abol-
lsh the office and that his services would
not be needed any longer. Mr.. Hutchin-
son was protected by civil service as
long as the Office was in existence, but
the decision to abolish it removes that
protection. The trustees say the work
can be done by one of the clerks in the
treasurer's Office without extra compen-
sation.
John Warren Davis, who was reported
to be DESTROYS of succeeding former Judge
Cross in the United States Court, was
doomed to disappointment, the appoint
ment going to Thomas q. Haight, of
Jersey City. Davis is United States
district attorney, and it appeared to be
best to keep him in the berth he has
hardly had time to warm. 1t was ru-
mored that his rundown for the United
States judgeship would be beneficial to
his brother, James Mercer Davis, in the
contest for judge of Burlington county,
but both brothers seem to have been put
on the bench-not the judicial-and new
men have sprung up for recognition.
David Henry Wright, of Riverton,
who, by his letter heads, announces him
self to be lawyer" is the latest entry
as candidate for the position of county
judge. An examination of the lists of
the members of the bar of the state of
New Jersey fails to disclose this gentle
mans name. 1t has been generally I'M
derstood to be necessary for judges to be
attorneys and counsellors of the Supreme
court of New Jersey. Perhaps this late
applicant was not aware of this, or he
expects there will be waiver or dispen-
sation in his case. Mr.. Wright is MAX
ing extravagant promises as to what he
would do with the county records if he
was appointed judge. No one has, as
yet, been found who can tell definitely
just what business the Judge has with
the county records. 1t is generally UNI
derstood that this is a matter in the
hands of the county clerk. In the event
of failing to secure the judicial appoint
ment, which seems quite likely, Mr..
Wright might be induced to become a
candidate for county clerk. Or, as he is
much interested in the proposed build
ing of bridge across the Delaware river
he might get on the Board of Free
holders.
The Herald says some action may be
taken at the next meeting of the Board
of Freeholders to GUST Edward A. Coup
les, member from Tabernacle, because
he did not comply with the law on the
subject of filing his election expense ac-
count. There seems to be an idea this
is political move and wonder what the
Republicans expect to gain by the move.
This is very narrow view to take of
the subject. Mr.. Couples is not entitled
to his seat because the law settles the
question. 1t is for the good of the
county that Mr.. Couples should retire as
there is every possibility of contest over
action taken by him on matters that he
will have to pass upon. A schoolboy
can read the law which governs the sub
ject and understand it thoroughly. If
Couples is not entitled to his seat what
right has he to. vote on the expenditure
of money, the question of issuing bonds
or other important matters? Possibly
his vote might be the deciding ballot.
There is no similarity between the cases
of Couples and the members from Bur-
lington and Bordentown cities. In the
latter instance there is doubt whether
the Freeholders are entitled to their
seats, a doubt that can be dispelled only
by a decision of the courts. But in
Couples case the law settles it. There is
not much of it. Here it is: ANY can
didate who shall refuse or neglect to file,
or makes false statement of moneys
received or expended, as prescribed by
section three of this act, shall in addition
to the punishment for such offense pre-
scribed by the laws of this state, forfeit
any office to which he may have been
elected at the election with reference to
which the statement is required to be
made Couples did not file his state
ment, and he was indicted by the grand
jury for his failure. He was fined BY
the court, and the law says that in adj
dition to that punishment he shall for
felt the office which the law says he has
no right to occupy; and to vote favorably
on bills he contracts, including his pay
for personal services willput every men,
Der of the board in an unpleasant
position.