The Monmouth inquirer. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1865-1933, 1923-01-18


future with respect 10 potable waters,
the encouragement &C agriculture, and
the development OF the Port OF New
York These and other important
matters will have special treatment
at later date.
Taxation
While the subject of taxation is COM
pick, we all are agreed that the present
system is antiquated and must be re-
placed by one scientifically devised. It
must have for its foundation the neces-
sary machinery to make just assess
mems and TO equalize them. The inter
change of funds between state, county
and municipality must be on simpler
basis. Those who pay the taxes should
have the broadcast powers to spend
them without having imposed upon
them mandatory requirements by leg
islative action in which they had no
voice.
Exemption from taxation should be
based upon a correct principle, and
property which is not used strictly for
either educational, charitable or re-
heious purposes, should be required
to bear its legitimate share Of the
burden Of taxation.
All agencies expanding public mon
les should be investigated in order to
ascertain If the expenditures are justi-
fed or if retrenchment or changes In
method are necessary.
Mill r0for-
ence to taxation in city, county and
state has aroused the people and al
ready in many municipalities we learn
of reductions in budgets and of re-
fusals to increase appropriations.
We must take definite steps, and at
once, to limit the spending power of
public officers. This can be done by
placing limit upon the amount that
can be appropriated in each year, and
by strictly enforcing the law which
provides a penalty for exceeding ap-
preparations, and by limiting the
amount of bonded and other indebted
ness. l shall have further and definite
recommendations to make in special
message on this subject which will be
submitted at later time, and which
will give the benefits of my study of
this important question.
Economy
In the present condition of our af-
fairs, when every home owner is COM
planning about the burdens of tax
alton, it is our duty to practice the
most rigid economy, consistent with
necessary progress.
This economy should come in State,
county and municipality. Useless
Offices should be abolished, and de-
partments consolidated where pos
sible; useless enterprises should not
be undertaken; strict watch should be
kept over our expenditures. We must
see that we have an adequate return
for all moneys expended, our depart
ments and institutions should be
closely scrutinized to ascertain il we
are INDUCING too much in luxuries
and non essentials. Many salaries are
higher than the services rendered
warrant, and some which were In
creased to meet unusual conditions
may with propriety be reduced. I'M
provements, designed more to aid the
favored few than to serve the public
welfare, may we'll be abandoned.
Roads
Notwithstanding that the State
spent and obligated itself for roads
and bridges to the extent of $13,000,-
900 during the last year, the voters
at the last election voted bond is
sue of $40,000,000 with all its accom-
panying items of interest and sinking
funds.
Since over 100000 voters expressed
themselves fayorably upon the propo-
sition, l feel that it is in the nature
Of a mandate to the State officials to
make the Improvement. So long as
no attack is made upon this action,
or protest entered against it | shall
deem 1t my duty to carry out the pro-
visions of the Road Bond Act.
1t is my purpose to recommend to
the Legislature changes in the pres
ent laws relating to highways which
will provide for reorganization of
the present State Highway Commits
sion and change in its personnel.
will also recommend In connection
with this matter laws safeguarding
the use of these vast sums of money,
so that the people may be assured
that they will be judiciously and hon
estly expended.
Our bonded debt Is increasing very
rapidly. Our State five years ago free
from debt will shortly owe oyer $780,
100000. This debt, sooner or later,
must be paid. Further recommends
tons which l have to make will short
ly be conveyed to the Legislature in
a more extended message.
Development of Northern New Jersey
The northern part Of New Jersey,
from the beautiful Palisades on, offers
one of the most attractive residence
sections in this part Of the country.
1t Is especially attractive to those who
find the congestion of New York City
unbearable, and who seek to live in a
section at once high, healthy and ac-