New-York tribune., 1877-01-11
NEW-JERSEY POLITICS.
THE CONTEST FOR THE sPEAKERsHIp.

THE CONTEST FOR The sPEAkERSHIP
BALLoTING BEGUN YESTERDAY - ANXIETY AND
DOUBT ON BOTH SIDES.
tvRox THE SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF rHg rRBUSg.I
TRENTON, Jan. 10.-There is determination
in the method the Democrats have taken the
organization in the House They have been acting as II
they thought they had discovered a weak spot In tho
Republican ranks. Through the short morning and
afternoon sessions. when no solution OF the dead cck
seemed Immediately possible, they maintained Ma
poleonic composure. Tt apparen, that they
fear tresehery the rart OF any OF their own
number, and the overconfdence which they show ndi-
Gates that they in secret consultation with one, and
possibly two Republicans. The House stands 80 TO 80
The Democrats have the impudence 10 set mn claim to
the speakership on the ground that the State gave
Democratic majority at the Presidential election they
want besides, the assistant secretaryshp and Journal
clerkship. The Republicans they say. may have tho
rest They promise TO make the Committee Elections
number, which they think would lead 10 a de-
eision OF the Powers contested its merits The
Republicans, with two exceptions, are united
Ia demanding the speakership The Republicans arc
very indignant az the refusal OF two members 10 follow
the majority, and the meetings to-day have been
stormy. It strongly suspected that Of the Re
pubicans who cannot be bound 10 a bold tight COM
mtted TO Rabe support sectional grounds before rs
came TO Trenton and that his connection with certain
corporation whose interests 20 be al least defended
Is the proper explanation OF the course he Ia pursuing
These two Republicans OF such character that
they might have voted for Democratic Speaker and
their colleagues would have inferred that they did
it on moral principles TO conserve State inter
ests, they understood them. II they are really
actuated by such motives the Republicans
do not comprehend why they should need to be in such
close communication with the Democ ats. This excited
strong feeling, and the subject has been openly dis
drssed ia the meeting that these members will be
bold and determined indeed If they do not forsakc pr-
vae for public interests. They are friends Of John Y.
Foster aud Fosters expectation OF getting the clershp
based on such compromise. He says that lie
has not counselcd them to any backslidng.
When the House called 10 order at 10 o'clock.
every member WAS found IN his place. 30 confronting 30
The Democrats desired that the minutes Of the previous
day should not be read but Mr. Foster who clerk OF
the last House, presiding officer, compelled them 70
take official coniRnce of their absence OF the previous
day which prevented quorum Certificates OF election
received and representatives The Dem
ocrats offered resolution TO make majority OF all the
members Of the House necessary choce OF officers,
and cited the organization Of the Legislature Of 1885
a precedent There tie in the House at that
time, and Mr. Bergen said he offered the resolution
quiet all apprehension Of surprise Mr.. Grggs,
VINO offered take the lead for the Republicans, moved
lay the resolution the table -Four Republicans
fused TO follow him, the resolution passed without
opposition. The Republicans nominated Alden G. Scovel
Pabo Of Eobokan Two ballots were taLtn Stthont re-
suit, the Republicans desiring 10 adjourn before the
second nall0t Alter the second failure the Democrats
acunieSccd in an adjournment until D.
The republicans held caucus meeting IN the Assem-
bly, Chamber at p. III. An EFFORT made TO bind
members resolution stand out firmly against the
Democratic Overtures for q compromise One, and pos
sibly Republicans refused be bound II is said
that this incident promoted much heated discussion.
When tue House assembled at y. il Immediately ad-
jOurned until p. Tue two Republicans were not
prepared 10 act with the Democrats. The Republicans
al once held another caucus meeting, wnch not
harmonious Tie pIcmber who suspected ot
conference with the Democrats Threatened to with
draw IL the resolution TO bind the Republicans Ia
the principle OF Speakersbip OF compromise" was
renewed. The Republicans urged him to indicate the
he miended to pursue, rs 10 allow them time
make the best possible arrangement vita the Demo
Gratis The deBuncaton and prOtestatOn evidently had
the effect OF strcDgthening these two Republicans In
adhesion party tactics for after this second
caucus meeting the Democrats in i'll hunoT,
slightly abusive OF Republicans In general, and openly