Perth Amboy evening news., 1920-02-12
UP TO THE

Whether Governor Edwards likes
the Anti-Saloon League or not he GER
tainly cannot afford to ignore the
charges of open law violation in Hud-
son county to which his attention has
been called by Samuel Wilson, as
sistant superintendent OF the Anti
a1oon League. The governor cannot
! say that this matter was put up to
him by the league in an effort to fur
ther embarrass him for the league
took similar action in regard to open
and fragrant gambling and vice in
Newark when Woodrow Wilson was
governor and Mr.. Wilson did not hest
tate to exercise the authority vested
in him as chief executive Of the state
sworn to execute the laws.
There is still another precedent in
the action of Governor Fort in regard
to gambling at Long Branch and
Atlantic City.
Law-respecting citizens of the state
have a right to look to the governor
to see that lawlessness is suppressed
regardless Of any quarrel the governor
may have with the person or organiza-
ton bringing the charges.
Governor Edwards. personally. 10
known as q very fine high-principled
man, but through his stand on the
liquor question he has lost much Of
the moral support of the state. 1t is
natural that he should be linked up
with the booze interests. He can
hardly afford, through ignoring the
charges Of vice and gambling in Hud-
son county, to have himself classed
with that element also. While there
may be an honest difference of
opinion in regard to prohibition, the
sentiment is unanimous regarding
| gambling and vice.
And Mr.. Wilson does not leave any
! doubt as to his charges, either. He
gives the names and addresses Of the
places in Jersey City and Hoboken
inst he has personally visited and has
seen the crowds Of men openly and
without fear placing bets on the races
playing faro and crap. As the time
for the races to open approaches, MIR.
Wilson declares, the crowds coming
ovur from New York. where they are
driven out by superior police sur
veillance, are met at the ferries by
taxis and driven to the gambling
rooms. Jersey City is likened to a
veritable Monte Carlo. This cannot
so on. Mr.. Wilson maintains, without
the full knowledge of the police, and
the public will agree with him.
Having called the attention of the
Jersey City and Hoboken authorities
repeatedly to this condition of affairs
without any attention being given to
it, the matter is now carried to the
executive of the state. The significant
thing is hat Mayor Hague, of Jersey
City, is Governor Edwards's chief
political hacker. If anyone should
have influence with Mayor Hague.
Governor Edwards should. The fact
that conditions have become more
wide open than ever since the last
election leads to the belief that the
gamblers feel that they are amply
protected.
We cannot believe that the lawless
element in New Jersey is so power
full that it can carry any election it
sets out 10 control. And ever IL this
element did have such power. We can
not believe hat a ma Of Governor
EdNards's reputation would so far
forget his sworn duty or stoop so low
to cater to these law-breakers
merely for the votes he might gain
And the Democratic party, too. has
a great Zeal at stake. Already recog-
nized as the party of the "wets," 1t
hardly afford to be looked upon