Perth Amboy evening news., 1922-01-07
Claim Former Service Man
Can Not be Fired by DEM
OCratS
BUSY MEETING HELD
Appointment of New Police
men Also Taken Up--WiII
Investigate

More evidence that the Perth AM
boy Post As, American Legion is
fighting for the interest of the de-
serving eX-service men was mani
tested last night at a regular meet
ing in the Y. NJ. C. A. when a long
and stormy session held forth re-
sul1ing in the appointment of COM
mittee to Investigate certain condi-
tions. One of the matters upper
most in the minds OF the men was
the removal of John Hunt from his
position at City Hall as clerk in the
Board of Tax Assessors, and the
action although taken at a meeting
of the Board of Aldermen will not
go unchallenged. A committee
which will go into the matter thor
ougnly VII, report and definite ac-
ton will b. taken by the post.
The facts of the case showed that
Hunt held the position before his
service in, the army, was re-instated
upon his honorable discharge and at
the last meeting Of the aldermanic
board was dismissed without chares
of any nature being made against
him.
1t was claimed that a serious in
justice has been done Hunt and af-
lSE Tie up VI oilc tcCiluiNdi-
ity embodied in the law, definite ac-
ton can be taken. 1t was also stated
upon legal advice that if the term
of office of the clerk is not fixed for
a definite period, the discharge is
illegal. AS far as can now be learn
ed, the period of incumbency is not
limited and according to the resolu-
ton passed February 5, 1917, where
in Hunt was given the position, no
length of time was specified.
According to Chapter 124 of the
Laws of 1919, regarding soldiers,
sailors and marines honoraHy dis
charged from the United States serv-
ice, no one in this class can be put
out of an appointive position for
political reasons unless the term of
office is previously fixed by law. or
charges brought against him.
A resolution was introduced last
night protesting the action and af-
ter investigation by committee the
matter will be followed up.
Some discussion was held in re-
gard to the recent police appoint
nents and an investigation will also
be made in this matter.
The relief work of the post was
also talked of last night and the
ldNOTdDle dCllO1l WIllCii llei5 DCSh iC-
Cicved in one particular case was
deemed worthy of mention. A pa
tent in the Fox Hills hospital, who
was stationed in tubercular ward
which harbored advanced cases ask
ed the assistance of the local post,
both in obtaining compensation and
4 transfer to a western hospital. The
patient had been in touch with his
congressman, had communicated
with Washington personally and
through the Red Cross as well as
other agencies, allied the assistance
of his family and worked through
other mediums but, after being at
Fox Hills more than six months
had received not one favorable COM
munication in regard to his case.
The local post through Commander
Thompson, taking up the matter
about a month ago has procured for
the patient not only his transfer
to Fort Baird, New Mexico, but
travelling expenses and compensa-
ticn for some months back is as
sured.
According to a resolution passed
last night, the term of Office of the
present incumbents will end March
1. The following officers will be
elected at that time to remain in
charge until January l, 1928 follow
ing which time the elections will
take place annually at the end of
the year, the term of office being
twelve months.
The resolution ousting Hunt was
opposed by the two Republican
members Of the board when the
measure was brought up for a vote
last Tuesday night and it is expected
Mayor Wilson will veto it. 1t will
then be necessary for the aldermen
to pass the resolution over the may
or's veto. AS the aldermen do not
meet until January 16, Hunt will
continue in office until then.