Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1917-02-09
Especial Correspondence

Especial CO~rreSponuence.I
Trenton, N. j., Feb. ITO be pre-
pared for any eventuality in the inter-
national crisis, both the senate and
house yesterday passed resolutions
which will permit a re%convening of the
bodies on short notice. This action
was taken on information impaired by
Adjutant General Charles w. Barber
that the news from Washington was
not r%eassuring. Instead of adjourning
until Monday night the resolution
adopted reads that the recess shall take
place from day to day. If circum-
stances arise which will demand fur
Their action by the legislature the law
makers will be hurriedly summoned
by telegraph and telephone.
In their precautionary measures both
houses rushed to final passage, under
suspension of rules, a bill appropriate
ing 100000 for the national guard and
naval reserve forces. This money will
cover the expense of safeguarding the
states property.
After General Barber had a confer
ence with Governor Edge it was decid-
ed to Immediately draw up the meas
ure for the appropriation. Senator
Thomas +. McCran, leader of the ma
jority, called a conference of the Re-
publicans. Senator William e. Flor
ance, leader of the Democratic minor
ity, was also consulted, and it was
unanimously decided to put through the
program. The house in its afternoon
session took similar action to get the
bill before Governor Edge for his sig
nature.
Mr.. McCran explained that there was
no cause for alarm, but that the mill
tary authorities, as well as the legis-
lators, felt that steps should be taken
to protect the millions of dollars of
state property. The resolution for adj
journment from day to day was passed,
Mr.. McCran stated, to make unneces-
sary a proclamation by the governor in
the event of an emergency.
Patriotic Demonstration.
Stirred to a patriotic demonstration
by the contents Of a ~rasRlution pre-
scented in the house by Assemblynnan
A. Dayton Oliphant, leader of the ma
jority, the members of that branch of
the legislature Joined in singing with
the spectators MY Country, IT'S of
Thee"
The demonstration vas led by AS
semblyman William N. Runyon of
Union county, who possesses a deep
baritone voice. On the closing of the
anthem applause swept through the
chamber. The Rev. Robert A. Elwood
of Absecon made fervent references to
the national situation in the opening
prayer, and then Mr.. Oliphant's resolu-
ton was presented, pledging the sup
port of the state to the president.
The resolution expressed confidence
in the wisdom patriotism and abil-
ity of the president in preserving the
honor. traditions and ideals of the
American people," A large American
flag had been, hung on the wall over
the speakers desk, and the whole at
with enthusiasm.
Troops have already been placed on
guard at the Trenton and other armo-
ries, and all social events scheduled
for the Camden armOry have been
postponed. The additional 100000
will permit of the purchase of supplies
and the summoning of more troops to
guard public property.
Local Option Bill Changes.
Senator Hates has reported favor
ably a committee substitute for the
two local option measures Changes
have been made as the result of con-
ferences by Senate President Gaunt
and Senator Mackay, who introduced
the bills; the state superintendent and
the attorney of the anti-saloon league
of the state. G.. Rowland Monroe, at
torney for the league, said that the al
~terations in the Gaunt and Mackay
bills were very satisfactory.
1.-THE first point, that the petition for
the election should be referred to the
governing body of the municipality in
stead of the county judge" he said,
twas adjusted by reserving the right
of an appeal from the governing body
to the court in case Of apparent need
therefor.
the second point, providing Tor the
submission of the question of license
or no license to the voters at a general
rather than a special election, was GOV.
cred by providing for a vote at the gen.
eral election in case the petition is
signed by from 20 to 80, per cent of the
voters.
If over 80 per cent sign the petition
the governing body of the municipality
shall by resolution at its mex meeting
determine whether the matter shall be
submitted at a special or a general cleo
ton.
This will make it possible" Mr..
Monroe stated, "for the special election
to be held where the local sentiment
is strong enough to demand it despite
the extra expense involved.