The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-10-17

critumale pursuit OF ONCE we see me slouSnlnS On
and the beginning of the new. Verify, the day
has arrived when many are called, but few are
chosen.
In Congressional matters the field is checkered,
but it is not difficult TO- see how the lines will ult-
mately be drawn, and which Of the numerous
candidates win finally secure the bulk Of the anti
republican vote in the several districts. The con-
test OF the
THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
has already narrowed down to three candidates,
viz: Benjamin Wood, John c. Mather and A. J.
Williamson. These three are pretty well
known to the people of New York. Ben
Wood, as he is familiarity called is now
before the people in that district as the nominee of
Mozart and Tsmmany Hall, as well as the Bell and
Everett party, and has majority of the csnscrva-
tive vote in his district to back him. As political
operator he has much of the energy and sagacity
Of his brother Fernando, and as the politicians say
is more reliable man after the work is done. He
has evidently entered the Congressional ring with
the determination to win; and, as a successful man
looking forward TO a political future, he cannot
very wen afford to lose. He has ehown great
deal OF the nesse and adroitncss OF tc successful
politician in securing the nomination OF Tammany
against the wishes Of the managers of that beloved
institution The way in which he received the sup
port OF Tom Byrnes and Billy Miner, the incorupti-
bles of Tammany, would excite the admiration Of
the fnanciers as well as the statesmen.
Having been brought up in the district and being
thoroughly acquainted with the entire field, he may
be said TO hold the winning cards, and needs only
to play them with common skill to win without an
effort Mr. Wood has never held any political office,
but has devoted his time hitherto in laying out
short roads TO fortune, and having been successful,
he is now engaged in the same time saving and en-
terprisng effort in the political world. He Is about
forty years of age, OF medium height, somewhat
thick set, and moves about with great energy OF
action. His complexion is full, with somewhat OF
a livid cast face smoothly shaven, and indicates in
his expression much nervous power. His eyes are
light, witt heavy marks about them, indicating
life of trial and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS marked
and unusual face that reveals the intensity and
restlessness within. He is a member Of the Doug
las State Central Committee, and throughout the
recent fusion negotiations was an earnest advocate
OF a union.
John c. Mather has received the nomination Of
the Breckenridge faction Of that district, and lays
claim TO the nomination from portion OF Tamma-
nv. The only nomination that he has received
from the followers OF that organization ia from
band OF rowdies under his own employ, VINO
rushed into the Tammany Convention, broke II up,
and then nominated John c. Mather: but IL has
SO happened that on both occasions Tammany
has made her nominations separate and DIS
tiDct from this element. Mr.. Mather is
q man Of quite a different mould from that OF Ben.
Wood He is quiet. calm and selfpossessed. He
gdes along, rather than works his way into the
position that he attains l. tall and slim; dresses
with scrupuous care about forty-three years of
age, is got up naturally and artiiicially, so as to
present the best exterior to the world. Dark COM
plexon, and Of rather bilious hue, he looks
more like the class Of men found south OF Mason
and Dixon's line; without any claim TO be con
sidered an orator, or even public speaker, in the
ordinary acceptance OF that term, he has an I'M
yielding aspiration for political station. HIS
history is somewhat conspicuous in this State. lie
was elected Canal Commissioner in 1850, IN the
place Of Jacob Hind and held that Office for three
years-at that time residing AT Troy. He was
Tried before the Senate for some misdemeanor in
Office, and, we believe, the only man connected
with the canal department that has been arraigned
before the bar of the State Senate. A majority OF
the Senate decided him guilty, but they failed to
get the constitutional number TO convict him, and
he was allowed 10 90 free and remain in Office.
He was elected 70 thestate Senate from the Fourth
Senatorial district-now represented by ). Mcleod
Murphy-in the fall 1857. He has been prominent
politician in the State and member OF several OF
the State Conventions. lie was member Of the
committee in the Senate TO whom was referred the
subject Of the repeal OF the Metropolitan Police
law, and made q minority report against the law
During the schisms Of the party in lS4s, Mr. Mathel
was closely allied with the fortunes OF the Cas-
party, and against the Van Buren, free soil move
ment.
Mr.. Mather has had finger in the wiuet's Poin,
site and other speculatons, most OF which, we un
derstand, have proved bad Investments. He IL
however, said TO be an illustration that we are 9
commercial people; He Is now a partner @
Mcintyre in the public store contract, and through
the patronage Of that has managed to get up a
formidable organization in his district. His con.
tract Is put down as being worth fabulous sum.
He is, in fact. one of the few who have been spe-
cialy favored by the administration at Washington.
The republicans Of this district have re no nina
ted A. j. Williamson, editor ofthe Sunday Dispatch.
the same who was the opponent OF Daniel T..
sickles in the last Congressional election, and Is
still contesting the seat now occupied by Mr..
Sickles-A question that In in fair way OF being
decided on the Fourth Of March next, at the expi-
ration Of the present Congress. He Is about forty
threes of an unimpoeing exterior. and walks along
with an easy, slouchng gait as il the world, with
all it, cares rested easily upon his shoulders; IL
little above the ordinary height, gray blue eyes
full face with slight whiskers at the side and has In
his manner and look a great deal OF the downeas'
ecboolmaster characteristic. He may always be
seen in or about the locality where important poll
teal events affecting the welfare of the republican
party are being agitated, and may be generally
found in the front row Of seats Of the private eau
cuses Of that party As writer IN his paper, The
Dispatch, he has q plain unambitious style, with
language Of the same unpretending description
nevertheless be has very large share OF the poll
teal aspiring quality, which has thus far been turn
| ed toa good account. He was formerly an active
Know Nothing politician, but now full con
vert 10 the republican faith; was at one time ar
Alderman, and through his man1uvring In the
Common Council. obtained the position Of tar
commissioner, and is now the chief Of that board
lucrative office, and a position that he has held
for a number Of years.
In the
FOURTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT,
consisting Of the Fourth, Sixth, Tenth and Four.
teenth wards Of the city. now represented by
Thomas J. Barr, we have an entirely different
character 10 deal with. Mr.. Barr seems 70 have
been made conscious Of the truth Of the maxim
tina, republics are ungrateful. He has been left
out in the cold by Tammany, y whose support
he lent all his aid. He has, however, received
The irregular" Tammany nomination. the disci-
pline Of Mr.. Page. He is about forty eight years
ofape a stout and well built man, with an open
counienance, dark hair and eyes, and light
Whiskers. He has no marks Of superior ability.