New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-01-09
ALBANY.
vs.. KERNAN.


THE FORCES BEHIND BorH-MURPHY's SUCCESS AN
APPARENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF KER-
MANS srRENGTH-TACTICS OF MURPHYs FRIENDS.
trRoM rHE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF rus TJaBUSSl
Albany Jan S.-rhe Senatorial contest
hardly be said 20 be in state Of suspended anima-
ton II has split off into hundred different direc-
tons whittier it is impossible to follow and part
has been transferred to New York; city where 1t
is possible TO hide even so great man as member
of the New-York Assembly. The next few days
will be filed with hard work and busy intrigue.
and when the Legislature reassonbles on Tuesday
it may be found that the situation has materially
changed. This much is certain-that all will not DO
quiet along the Hudson.
The personal committee Of Henry Z. murphy
headed by Senator John c. Jacobs, stu remains
here, dispensing the hospitality whlch mas maui
their rooms in the Delayan favorte resort Tor
members and lobbyists alike. They do not talk
hopefully but confidently; they say they are going
20 win and that they mean to fight to the bitter
end" When they descend to the level of figures,
they claim to have as many votes as Mr.. Kernan.
ard if by this meant votes actually pledged,
the statement NAV not be far out of the way With
q candidate of different character and different
record and associations, these men could put an
opponent on his metal. They shrewd and
diplomatic hospitable and courteous, masters of the
art of canvaSsihg, and have been working with
system and thoroughness that might 90 wonders for
any other candidate. They claim TO have been
greatly encouraged by their progress and scout inc
idea of any surrender but that OF their opponents
The adherents of Mr. Herman on the other hand. are
without leaders and without organization, though
they are evidently impressed with the need of BOTH
With such thorough work in behalf of their candi-
date "a is done by the Brooklyn people for theirs,
Henry c. Murphy could not remain in the field
single day.
Mr. Kernan's friends ridcule the talk of the Muir
ply supporters as mere Chinese beating of gongs.
They call for estimates and figures to support these
loud assertions of coming victory They cOncede to
Murphy perhaps Is votes, but themselves appar-
emily as unable as their opponents unwilling to
give an estimate of their strength. One Senator
told me that he had busted himself for days IN run
ming Murphy rumors TO the ground. He would hear
it said on very good authority that's certain member
was going for Murphy, and would take the trouble
to go and see him. He found him strong supporter
of Francis Herman. And this experience again and
again repeated itself. Every man suspected Of
Murphy could be convicted of nothing but Herman
West of Rensselaer, County be could not Gnd single
vote for Murphy.
Mr.. Murphy has IN his favor certain popularity
which ne has gained in a long service in the Senate
by kindness and courtesies to members OF both
Houses; he has the solid vote of county delega
tion and probably some scattering votes along the
Hudson River; and most influential OF all, the aid
Of trained band of workers
Francis Herman has in his favor the sentiment Of
the constituencies. why" said a member the
othor day, " the country Democrat who should vote
against Francis Herman couldn't go home to his
county and live" Mr.. Herman. though he has not
been until recently politics, has argued a case in
~ he iG known
He is especially popular with the Irish Mr. Muir
ply on the other hand, has been in the Senate
twelve years, and yet has never gathered sufficient
strength TO capture nomination for Governor. Mr.
Herman numbers among his supporters al the lead
ers of the party
Gov Tilden ex-GOv Seymour, Chief-Justice
Church. John Kelly and a number of leaders of
inferior magnitude all support him. And here is to
be found another element of Mr.. Kernsn's strength
which is yet undeYeOped. Gov. Tilden is known to
favor his election and his administration cannot af
ford the loss of personal prestige that the defeat of
his candidate would entail. So that if there was
danger of such issue to the contest it seems very
probable that the Governor would exercise pri-
vately his powerful personal aud official Influence to
prevent it. His supporters are without organiza-
ton. but not without enthusiasm, and they are not
hampcred by a candidate whose record must be ex-
planned or extenuated. Given the constituencies,
and the leaders anxious for has election; the men,
bers predisposed in his favor-and the result seems
hardly to admit Of doubt.
There Is more reason than ever 30 believe that
Mr. MurDhy's friends are working more for the fu-
ture than the present and are in pursuit OF some
political prize or influence of which they know
moro than outsiders. As further circumstance,
tending to make his election still nearer fixed i'm
probability it should be remembered that Kernans
defeat would not necessarily mean Murphy's cleo
ton. Under ordinary methods of conducting can
yass, Mr. Murphys success is an apparent impossi-
biity. If Francis Herman is defeated it will be by
series of mishaps; if Henry c. MurphyTs elected
1t will be by series of miracles.