Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-03-14


| ness. made famous Monday night by
the amending and passage of the
Stevens no night work for women
bill, again broke into the limelight
yesterday afternoon when similar
action was taken on the Whitney
utility bill. This measure, which
was introduced by the Morris sena-
tor to carry out a plank in the Re-
publican platform, had for it's pur-
pose the submitting of utility COM
pany books to the state board of
public utility commissioners for in
spection and study.
AS was the case Monday night, the
responsibility of taking on the
amendments was assigned to As
semblyman Rowland, of Camden,
chairman of the House miscellane-
Gus committee.
Simple in form, but important in
nature. according to Democratic
Leader George, the amendments
substituted in place of the word
examine" the phrase, ito compel
production. Explaining the purport
of the change, Mr.. Rowland declar-
ed that it was the purpose of the
Republican majority to give the pub
lie of New Jersey a public utility
Dill that contained teeth.
Minority Leader George, however,
couldn'ts agree with this contention,
and argued that it was for the pur-
pose of taking the teeth" out of
Senator Whitney's measure which
was drawn and passed by the upper
house in proper form.
''If it. isn't this" continued Mr..
George, sit is an attempt to have
ha or n hn 70 10
second time with the possibility that
it will be lost in the last minute con-
gestion of business and then the
people of New Jersey would have no
bill whatsoever"
The amendments were adopted by
a party vote. On the bill itself, the
vote was the same, the Democrats
stating they were willing for the
people to have the best obtainable
despite the actions of the majority,
which he characterized as 'politi-
cal trickery' The final vote was
apis.
Dry Legislation
1t became known after yesterdays
session that the Roegner resolution
calling upon congress to modify the
Volstead Act so as to permit light
vote some time today. It was fur
ther learned that Majority Leader
Corio has taken the matter up more
than once in caucus. but was una
BILE to, secure enough votes.
The most that could be mustered
In the majority was seventeen votes.
It is understood. However. with
the fifteen Democratic votes in the
House. there would be sufficient
number to put the resolution
through by a margin of two votes.
The Passaic delegation has been
wanting for a long while to get this
measure before the House. Appar-
emily at the instance of United
States Senator Edge and with the
assistance of Republican House
Leader Corio the resolution was re-
ported out of committee. 1t is ready
for final passage.
City Manager Bill
The so-called city manager bill
which has been before the legisla-
ture for three consecutive sessions.
passed the House yesterday after
noon with no difficulty. The meas
ure which gives to municipalities
the authority to employ a city man
ager If at a referendum the prop
osition is carried. was introduced by
Assemblyman Pascoe of Union. The
bill was put in 1t is understood for
the benefit of the city of Elizabeth.
Democratic Leader George sue
ceeded in getting through the
House his bill which provides for
the licensing of the measures of
coal by the department of weights
and measures. This bill was urged
by Governor Edwards Fuel Com
mission in its report to the legisla-
ture at the outset of the present
session. 1t has for it's purpose the
taking of a step toward a settlement
of the coal situation which gripped
the eastern section of the country
as we'll as this state during the past
year and which for time threat
ened to assume serious proportions.
Other measures passed by the
House included:
House No. 173-Pcwell, Burling-
ton, tenure of office for education
board secretary in cities between
100000 and 10000.
House No. 297-Adams, Essex,
grants credit in teachers retirement
fund for one absent during war SER
vice.
House No. 362-Mr. Howe. Essex.
permits municipalities to change the
name OF the department Known as
streets and public improvements"
to department of public works"
House No. 329--Muir, Union, wo-
men on institutional board and
member on blind commission.
House No. 13-George, Hudson,
defines trusts and imposes penalties
for trade restraint.
House No. 341-Hoffman Middle
sex, requires injunction on bank to
recognize adverse CLAIM to deposits