NEW JERSEY: Edison's Magna Carta

The good citizens of New Jersey are getting ready to deal Mayor Frank ("I Am the Law") Hague of Jersey City the worst blow of his undisputed 27-year career as boss of the state. The weapon: a new state constitution, up for ratification this year. If it is ratified, one of the three most notorious U.S. political machines* may be broken once & for all.

The 100-year-old present constitution is tailor-made for men of bad will who would make themselves the law. Under it, a governor has so little power that he cannot...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!