The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-03-05
NEW JERSEYS DISGRACE.
Tom Scott Takes Posses
sion Of the Senate.
The Most Extraordinary Scene Ever Witnessed
in the Legislature-Defeat Of the Peoples
Railroad Bill-"Lynch Them" "Fetch
Them Out" "Tar and Feather
Them"-The Black List Again.

The die is cast, and the people OF New Jersey have
lost the stake. In all the history OF that little
monwealth not an event nor any series OF events
can be found to parallel the humating spectacle
witnessed in the halls or her Legislature yeste rday
1t was virtually the annexation OF Jersey to Penn
sylvania--a wedlock between Harrisburg and
Trenton. Pitt and Castlereagh never entered
more ardently into the work of de.
bauching the Irish Legislature than did
Tom Scott and his henchman. Senator McPher-
son, in their successful Efforts TO destroy the au-
tonomy of the State OF New Jersey. Tho Legisla-
ture which baiied the railroad king will mot
thwart him any more. How the peoples railroad
bill was advanced a stage in the Senate on Monday
night the readers OF the HEsALD already know.
How the victory which was almost within the peo-
pies grasp was wrested from them the public have
yet TO learn.
When the Senate adjourned on Monday night
everything looked favorable for the friends OF the
bill. Edsal, OF Sussex, had been converted to the
cause OF the people, but those who relied on his
remaining in that position trusted to a broken
reed. Tom Scott sent forth swarm from the mo-
nopoly hive during the night,.an Edsall-a frail
compound OF humanity-was no longer himself.
One vote only was needed by the friends of No. 8
bill, and this vote they had secured they
thought How that vote deserted them will pres
emily appear.
1t was exactly five minutes before twelve yes
terday forenoon when the President OF the Senate
announced the long-looked for No. g. Trick
wanted Immediately to have another bill con-
sdered, but Stone had the motion laid on the
table MCPHERSON would insist on having the
charter OF the town OF Harrison taken up. On
motion OF Hewitt, Assembly bill No. 8 was laid over
Till the afternoon session.
Then indeed came the tug of war. Mcpherson
had his railroad bill, which was drawn up IN the in
terest OF Tom Scott, brought up. Hewitt attacked
II and 1t was laid over The President, In announc-
be no demonstrations Of appreciation or dsappro-
this time crowded Banghart moved that the he
bill be laid over for day, but the motion was lost
When the bill was put on its third reading Hewitt
arose and delivered what may be regarded as the
most logical and eloquent address during the ses-
sion. lie pointed out the necessity for rail-
road competition, and asked If the Penn
syvana ro company , were SO weak that they
ponents of the new charterS Certainly not
the people nor the press of the State. Not one
vania Central on that moor. The President raped
vigorously to suppress the applause which followed
scented petitions in favor OF the BILL and Cutler de-
livered pointed argument in favor OF 1t.
Then came MCPHERSON, who was proceeding to
when the President called HIM to order. He COM
planned bitterly OF subsidized press, which cast
odium upon men 1t could not control. He sung the
praises OF the monopoly and said that those who
opposed 1t were chiefly ring OF corrupt men,
though he admitted there We're some respectable
men named as ncOrpOratOrs.
Mr. Stone rotor ted that there were men IN oppo-
ton to his bill and in favor OF the monopoly who,
If they had their just deserts would be in the Peni
Tertiary. loud applause In the galleres.) Will
liams closed the debate, and he heaped fearful
load Of denunciation on the heads OF MCPHERSON
and Lydecker.
motion to adjourn having been voted down,
the question was put as to the final passage of the
bill, and it was defeated by the following vote:-
YEAsMessrs Banghart, Cornish, Cutler, Ravens, Hem
drckson Hewitt Stone, Taylor residsnp Williams and
Wood-l0.
NAYs-Messrs. Beasley, Edsa Hopkins Trick, Jarrard
Lydecker MCPHERSON, Moore, Newkrk Sewell and shep
pard-ll.
Then ensued a scene Of confusion in the gallery
such as was never before witnessed in the halls Of
the Legislature. Cries oil "Fetch them Out,n
Lynch Them" ''Tar and feather them," go Tor
Jarrard," were uttered in angry tones
The President ordered the galleries to be
cleared, and this was done by the police,
but not without great difficulty. The
Senate soon alter adjourned. The excitement
throughout Trenton was so intense during the
evening that fears entertained for the safety
OF the Senator'S who sold themselves to Tom Scott.
1t may appear incredible, but yet 1t is stated on
the best authority that the sum Of $50, 900 was
given fer one vote on this occasion.