Perth Amboy evening news., 1919-11-06
LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE

1udI te LncIICd pcoplc dI6 dlWdyo eau du Willie
to deal fairly with men who serve the public has been manifest
ed in many different ways and on many separate occasions
The recent election was no exception.
Here in Perth Amboy where the question of a raise in pay
for the policemen was put up to the voters the verdict was
overwhelmingly in favor of giving the cops more money.
In New Brunswick where the question of adopting a two
platoon system for the fire department was referred to the
voters, the people voted in favor of the change.
In Newark where the question of a raise in pay for both
nremen and policemen was referred to the voters, the in
crease was approved by a large majority.
In Jersey City the two platoon system for the fire depart
ment was approved by a big vote. And so it goes.
That the people can be trusted to deal fairly and use dis
elimination in such matters is manifested by the manner in
which New Brunswick, while granting the two platoon system
to the fremen, voted against increasing the pay of the city
commissioners. These commissioners do not devote their en-
tire time to the city as the fremen do. They continue their
private business thereby maintaining 3 separate income. The
people felt that the salary already received is sufficient under
the circumstances and refused to sanction any increase.
The point to be brought out is that all of these matters
were settled in the true American way.
The question was carried to the ballot box.
What a striking contrast there is between this method
and the course chosen by the policemen of Boston a month or
two ago. There the men formed a union and affiliated them
selves with an outside organization and attempted to force
their demands regardless of the peoples will. They went out
On strike and left the city helpless, exposed to all lawlessness
and at the mercy of the mob.
Thanks to the sturdy Americanism of a fearless governor,
the challenge that was thus hurled at the established govern
ment was accepted and it was fought out to. a finish.
Today those striking, faithless policemen are looking for
new jobs. Boston has cleaned house. Massachusetts has up
held true, loyal Americanism. The issue was carried into the
election that has just besR s&tedd where 2gon the people admin
ls'ereo a oa'nlngsIebuke to those who would caSer TO "e
s FsIunent who defended lawlessness and disorder.
So important was the election in Massachusetts held to be
by the nation that President Wilson broke another precedent
yesterday and sent a message of congratulaton to Governor
Coolidge, although of a different political party, congratulating
him upon his wonderful success.
81 congratulate you upon your election" the
President said, las a victory for law and order. When
that is the issue all Americans stand together"
Partisanship is forgotten when the life of the nation itself
is threatened and that was the threat in the Boston police strike
for had the strike succeeded other cities would have been orr
ganized along similar lines and soon we would have set up an
irresponsible power of q certain class debating to the gov
eminent itself.
Had the Boston police submitted their grievance to the
people whom they were sworn to serve and protect, there is
no question that they would have obtained justice. The Amer
lean people as a whole can be trusted to do the right thing.
They are slow to be aroused sometimes, but they make them
selves felt when the necessity arises.
This was shown in the war with Germany. America was
a long time getting into the struggle. They stood for a great
deal at the hands of Germany, but once aroused they swept
everything before them.
And here, too, the trait of justice and fair-deahng is man
ifested on the part of the American people. No nation in the
world treats her soldiers as well as does the United States.
Nothing is too good for the boys that risk their lives for their
country. Insurance of the most liberal character was granted
and now bonuses are being advocated and there is reason to
believe that once the people speak the bonuses will be granted,
too.
The people can be trusted to deal fairly with the men who
serve the government. There never yet has been a question
referred to the voters that was not settled to the best interests
of all.
This is the true American way of solving problems where
the public is involved. The only requirement is for those in
terested to abide by the decision. If the people go against any
proposition it can be taken for granted that there is a good