Palisadian., 1915-04-24
Senate President Edge
Lauds Legislature

In the opinion OF the head OF the
State Senate of New Jersey, Senate
President Walter E. Edge, the 1915
Legislature just ended has made good
its promise to pay" in constructive
legislation, its pledges made at the
beginning of the year.
On closing day, last Tuesday, Pres
ident Edge gave out a comprehensive
statement in which he reviewed sweep
ingly the sessions legislation Of the
states governing body. Roads; canals;
irrigation systems for farms; grade
crossing elimations; public markets;
in the domain of regulating the ques-
ton of home rule; Woman's suffrage;
making the constitution easier of
amendment; legislation recommended
by the civil service commission; i'm
proving labor conditions on a basis
satisfactory to both employers and
employed, vetoed, however, by Gov
ernor Fielder; in the department Of
Finance, the passing of eight bills
recommended by the Economy and
Efficiency Commission; the cutting of
appropriations by the amount of
81 100000; these are a few of the
matters of state business attended to
during the session.
The statement proceeds: "The Re-
publican administration faced, as is
well known, a most serious financial
crisis, and have given it much
thoughtful care, study and attention.
AS a result the appropriations have
been cut down $1,200,000, and yet it
is confidently asserted by the com
mittee that the maintainence of every
existing institution has been properly
cared for, and all projects under con-
struction have been continued. Ger
tainly, no new improvements have
been started, and neither can they be
till the deficit is entirely wiped out.
That's one of the accepted penalties
of being poor, whether in private or
public life.
THE Republicans feel that in an
other year, with the same care, the
deficit will be disposed of and new
projects can be conservatively under
taken. Of course, State tax or bond
issue would permit of greater expan
sion and would be entirely business
like and practical and much thought
has been given to this possibility, but
perhaps it is just as well to allow
New Jersey to practice the strictest
economy, while others are doing like
wise, and her responsibilities will not
be neglected in the meantime.
again, much time and considera-
ton has been given to the important
question of the Morris Canal Abon-
denment, and it is admitted that this
= ~,
been in the quarter of century 1t
has been footballed around the legis
lative halls, and further than that on
a basis much more remunerative to
the State than ever before contem-
plated. Another year will put that
across.
Further, several commissions have
been named to investigate important
subjects, which is the proper method
where a Legislature is not sufficiently
informed to definitely dispose of a
problem. Commissions have been ap-
pointed to investigate the feasibility
of making municipalities pay for con-
siderable of the overlapping inspection
work now borne by the State. Com
mittees have been named to look into
Jn2 pfdcIlcdl operation VI CIlc hequlol-
ton Act, which it is alleged in some
instances compels institutions to pay
more for supplies, because of their
inability to bid in the open market.
Commissions have been appointed to
codify laws on various subjects, and.
as stated, to work out finally good
road system.
eyes, | feel that the Legislature has
accomplished much constructive work.
Recall under the previous administra
ton that three sessions were neces-
sary to pass the main pledge, that of
Grand Jury reform. | feel that the
people of the State are pretty we'll
satisfied with the work of the 1915
session. Some things remain to be
done, and, of course, there always will
be that condition. Public work is
never completed The Republican
party, however, is bound to be in
power again next year to continue the
work so well begun"