Perth Amboy evening news., 1918-10-30
MAKING A r OF 1T

Judging from the manner in which the health board cases were
handled yesterday afternoon when the accused restaurant proprle-
tors were arraigned, Recorder Pickersgll does not take seriously the
effort now being made to clean up the city and make Perth Amboy a
better and healthier place to live in. The recorder, apparently, is not
disposed to assist in the movement which is so vital to the lives OF
everyone here. There is only one other way Of looking at the farce
that was conducted in police court yesterday afternoon and that is
that the recorder was not in a fit condition to hear the cases and
therefore could hardly be held accountable for the travesty with the
recorder as the central figure.
If we correctly interpret the sentiment Of the thinking people OF
this city, there is no disposition to trife at this stage of the game The
city has been thoroughly aroused and it is felt that now is the time,
if ever to actually do something for the welfare of Perth Amboy.
But in order to do this there must be a spirit of cooperation on
the part of the city officials. There is reason to believe that this
spirit exists among the aldermen and members of the health board
and that a real constructive program is to be carried out which, II
adhered to will mean much for the future of the city.
1t has remained for the recorder, before whom those charged with
violating the health laws must be arraigned, to show contempt for the
whole proceedings.
To railroad through the hearings yesterday afternoon when both
DR.. William H. Wolfram, who conducted the investigations, and
Health Officer wilsey were out of the city was unjustfable in the
first place.
To have a trial conducted in the manner in which that one was
was a disgrace to the city.
To lay the whole thing over until Thursday of next week and
then. after the representatives of the health department had gone, to
reopen the most fragrant violations and impose a fine of $40 is such
an outrageous, frivolous handling of a most serious matter that it
cannot be passed unnoticed.
Recorder Pickersgll, who thus shows his utter Indifference to
the kind of food served to the people in local eating places and who
treats so lightly a serious matter of the health of the community, is a
candidate for reelection next Tuesday. Mr.. Pickersgil has been
treated handsomely by the people of this city in the past. There has
been a feeling toward him that has caused many things to be over
looked while honor and distinction has been thrust upon him.
But the recorder does not read the signs of the times correctly.
He fails to comprehend the firm determination that has gripped the
people during the past few weeks
just as it took a great bank failure of twenty years ago to arouse
the sleeping village and cause the people to shake off their lethargy,
81 the great explosion and subsequent epidemic has stirred the city
ia its. very foundation and there is every reason to believe that a
great good will result in the way of vast improvements, especially in
The matters of health. This means a cleaner city with more attention
paid to the safety and enjoyment of the people living here.
But the first requisite after the people have been aroused, as was
shown by the farce in the police court yesterday afternoon, is to have
city officials who will perform their duty in making the city what it
should be. Recorder Pickersgil has shown his attitude by his action
Yesterday. The people will, on next Tuesday, have an opportunity to
express their approval or disapproval of his conduct, and to say
whether they believe him the right man to preside over the police
court henceforth. m