The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-11-03
non SON,H ASPIRATION Ms.
The Secretary PLAYING his Cards for n Seat
in tho untted states Senate.


Secretary Robson, recognizing that tho
portfolio OF the navy Ia about TO depart from
him, is casting about for a new ned for preda-
tory enterprise. lie has fixed his eye longingly
upon the United States Ssnatorship from New
Jersey and to that end is fixing the legislative
delegations from the sandy portions OF the
State. Senator Frelinghuysen Is recognized IA
the choice Of the northern part of the State, and
so far Robson has nude Roadway against his
ascendency In only two districts-the Sixth OF
Hudson county, and the Eighth OF Essex county.
The control OF the former district seems to
have been deliberately prepared for. The nrst
step was the colonz alton OF william J. Gregory.
Even those most favorable to the election OF
Mr.. Gregory can say nothing more favorable to
him on the ground OF residence, than that he
took house on Bsrg m Hin overloo king Bay
onnc less than two years ago. He took
especial pains to commend himself to the bet
ter portion OF the Republicans Of the district,
but among beelers anu barroom politicians his
glib tongue and free hand constituted him from
the outset the prince Of good fellows. lie drove
a handsome turnout, played good game OF
poker and went around with the boys. In New
York he also sought the society OF sports,
and he now seems very anxious lest his
record as sporting man should he too
critically scanned. His ostenslble business was
road contractor; but when Keyser Hall, dis-
reputable gin mill on Bergen avenue, was about
to be torecloscd upon, IL Il said that he paid tho
mortgage ana kept the place going, thus adding
rum selling to his other qualifications as rep
resentatiye OF New Jersey voters. IL IN
Keyscr Hall that the plan was arranged by which
lie WAS sprung upon the Republican party az
candidate for the Assembly. Up to the day
upon which the eony ,ntion met he was hafdis
was announced there were many mods, ana
winks, sud rubbines Of the thumb and foreiin-
ger, after the manner OF those who count money.
Still, he was nominated. and the energy with
which he set about his canvass indie tied that
the candidate was both an earnest and unscru-
puiOus worker. The first step was the organiza.
ton OF campaign clubs and when the rolls were
full tue members found themselves uniformed
In navv blue shirts and caps, which bore the
label "Roheson." The name, made to order
Ike the uniforms. was The Robson Battery"
Tue boys had shirt piece that cost them moth
ing. were promised free drinks on occ siOns OF
public parade. aud thev made no objection to
the name, II is said they cost the Jolly Secre-
1t Is worth while here to trace a coincidence.
confidential clerk aud bookkeepeI OF Paymas-
ter-General Bradford while that fficial had his
headquarters IN this city, As such Gregory YVES
ting here. hat he did so, his sudden transition
from comparative Indulgence to all the outward
seeming OF unlimited wealth would leave to be
fairly inferred. AT all events his nomination
was the first break that the astute Secretary
made In the serrled ranks Of the adherents OF
Frclinghuysen.
Gregory is n frequent visitor at Taylor's Hotel.
IL Is said on good authority that Gregory talk
Ing to one John ADuoss mas overheard TO say,
You get the hooms TO keep them and I'll
furnish the men," Anness some years ago ma
npulated the district and had himself elected
by coloniz atom, and In view OF thls fact the re-
marx was fuIl OF suggestion. Moreover, the
registration ofice Is right alongside Of Gregory =
headquarters, and bis dealers are abroad day
and uieht looking for promising material from
winch to construct Republican voters His op-
ponents have kept close watch. and so far
have been an Bile to detect overt acts Of fraud.
The Eighth Assembly District Of Essex county
comprises tho Eleventh. and Twelfth Wards OF
Newark. Its 400 Republic IN paraders were fur
nincent Robson. That district also IL a close
one, with singular impartidity giving Repub-
lican mai Ority one year, aud Democratic ma
jurity the next. This year II Is due for the
Democrats. but money Is being sent there plen-
ii ully, aud that usually Is what turns the cleo
lions there. II Richards Is returned, Robson
may count upon two representatives who natu-
rally belong TO Senator Frelinghuysen.