288 FIRST COUNTY PARK SYSTEM 
mally before them. The question at that time was whether 
they should ask for one, one and a half, or two millions 
of dollars. On March 18, 1902, Senator J. H. Bacheller 
introduced in the Senate a bill of similar text to the pre- 
vious appropriation act, but fixing the amount of bonds to 
’ be issued at $1,000,000. The bill was rushed through two 
readings in the Senate the same day. The Park Commis- 
sion, the New England Society, and, I believe, one or two 
other civic organizations, favored the bill. The general 
public sentiment, as it appeared reflected in the press, was 
mainly unfavorable. 
The objections to an appointive commission were again 
forcibly brought out. There were few, if any, arguments 
put forward in the bill’s favor. It contained, as had the 
previous bills, a referendum clause. Before the November 
election there was much outspoken comment and severe 
criticism. The Newark News of October 16, 1902, said, 
editorially : “As to increasing the bonded debt of the county 
another million of dollars for the improvement of the 
parks, the News believes the decision of the voters will be, 
and should be, in the negative.” The Call said: “Give the 
people a rest.” The Daily Advertiser, while the bill was 
before the Legislature, March 21, paid its respects to the 
proposed law in these words: “The most audacious de- 
mand made recently upon the people of this community 
is that of the Park Commission for $1,000,000, with which 
to complete its park system.” Reference is then made in 
the article to the first commission’s “promise to complete 
for $2,500,000, when the commission was instituted sev- 
eral years ago.” Later the commission came before the 
people and said, in effect: “We have spent all of your 
money in such a manner that it will be necessary to spend 
$1,500,000 more for you to get any good out of a large 
part of the park system.” 
The bill passed the Legislature, and was also approved 
March 28, 1902. The comparatively small majority and 
the large adverse vote on November 2 reflected the lack of 
sympathy and support of the people of the county in the 
