The Penn's Grove record., 1921-02-04

he outset that the issue of prohibition
vas not now under discussion, but that
he only question before the legiSla-
ure is law enforcement, without which
IA state of anarchy would certainly fol-
ow.
One of the features most severely
condemned was that practically abro-
eating the right of trial by jury, with
lirect jurisdiction accorded to magiS-
rates, and the provision for search OF
vehicles and boats without search war;
rants came in for strong condemnation.
A change was promised by Senator
Mackay in the clause prohibiting the
supreme court from setting aside con-
Victions for lack of evidence, where
any evidence at all was produced to
support the conviction.
May Not Be Recognized
Even the advocates of the most dras-
tic methods of administering the EN-
sorcement laws were of the opinion,
after the hearing, that there would
have to be some changes in the bill
to make it less repulsive to the pub
lie at large, and it will scarcely be
recognized when 1t energies from COM
mittee.
The motives back of the bill were
discussed by Mrs. Van Ness emphati-
cally, who disclaimed any intention OF
advocating legislation destructive OF
the fundamental liberties of the In
iividual, but she pointed out that the
Republican party stands committed to
law enforcement, and it has always
had as one of its principal features a
liking for strong, central government.
She declared that without a state law
on the subject conditions here would
resemble those of Russia.
There will be no further hearings on
the bill, but it may be 2 week or two
before it is in such shape that he COM
mittee can report it to the house.
House for Mackay Resolution
Although intended specifically for
Hudson county, where so many Demo-
Gratis vote, Senator Mackay's resolu-
ton providing for an Investigation of
puDllC dldllS maj SNCCP LAC UbOiN
state, If the committee, authorized to
make it finds it eXpedient to extend it
so far. The resolution was adopted
by the senate and it went through
the house under suspended rules, back
ed by the o. K. of the Republican
leaders.
The resolution provides for the APP
pointment of a committee of three SEN
ators and three a~ssemblymen, with
power to make an investigation or sur
yey of public affairs, violations of the
by any board, bureau or commits.
sion of the state or municipality, with
appropriation of $4,000 for ex-
penses.
Assemblyman Runyon, the Democra-
tic member, said he was in favor OF
legislation calculated to benefit the
taxpayers Of the state, but his only
doubt was that the funds allowed
would be sufficient to cover the whole !
state. 1t was a starter, however, and
he hoped the good work would go on.
Probe to Start Soon
1t Is probable that the inquisition
will start Immediately after the adj
of the session and go along
practically all summer. 1t will dig
into affairs in Hudson county first, but
the Democrats are expected to insist
that other counties, where so many
Republicans vote, shall be included.
The house was not quite so ready !
to rush through Senator Mackay's
coal %profiteering investigation resolu-
ton, and when it came over it was re.
to the judiciary committee.
Assemblyman Taylor, of Essex, Of
fered a resolution providing for an i'm
mediate investigation of conditions
prevailing in the building trades. The
northern part of the state is said to
have been in the grip of the same sort
Of Lold-up artists as gathered thou
sands of dollars from contractors and
builders in New York.
Necessity for Inquiry
Exposure of the methods in Newark
especially has revealed the necessity
for the inquiry. The better element
among the labor organizations have
given unqualified Endorsement to the
proposal and Secretary Henry P. Hill
fers, of the state federation was tusy
the adoption of the Taylor res
Minority Leader Runyon interposed
vigorous objection to the passage OF
Majority Leader Rowland's bill repeal
ing the section Of the commission gov
eminent law providing for special reg
.istration in the spring for commission
elections in cities and %borOughs which
fall in May. Mr.. Rowland said OPPOSE
ton to the repeal came from the very
machine elemen+ in Jersey City, which
was designed to overthrow, and that
one of its chief opponents Y s busy on
the floor in a last stand to prevent pas
sage of the bin : this was another
G. O P. o. K. the bill was passed with
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