New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-11-03
NEW-JERSEY POLITICS.
THE FIGHT FOR THE LEGISLATURE.


PROSPECT OF MAINTAINING REPUBLICAN CoN
troll MOST EXCELLENT.
iron AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRInUNEI
TRENTON, n. j., Nov. 2.-The election in New
Jersey on November is for a State Senator to
serve for three years in each of the counties Of
Essex, Union. Somerset, Salem Gloucester, Warren,
Mnnmouth and Camden for a House of Assembly
OF sixty mem oers for sherfs in every county ex-
cent Somerset and for various local Offices. With
the exception of that OF the county Of Union, the
Senatorial nominations are complete while prob
ally three-fourths Of the next Assemhlymen are
actively engaged in the campaign.
The contest finds its greatest interest in the fact
that the Senators chosen this fall will have vote
for n Senator Of tho United States to succeed Mr.
Mcpherson in 1888 The State issues are such
however ms to create considerable interest, while
in Monmouth County, at least the personal char
acteristics OF the Democratic candidate are the
cause of the liveliest campaign known in that Dem
ocratic stronghold for many years. The Democratic
nominee there is George w. Patterson a statesman
who was once elected to a position in the county
jail by the vote OF an impartial dozen of his fellow
citizens for certain financial cccenricities while fax
collector Of his township. Mr.. Patterson was the
candidate Of his narty for Senatorial honors three
years ago, but an Independent Democrat ex-
Judge Bcekman, was nominated against him
and Endorsed by the Republicans. Patterson
was soundly beaten Again, after capturing
the nomination This year, the Republicans
named against HIM n candidate of their in the
person of John :. Apologize, of Red Bank. The
fight has narrowed down TO a personal contest be-
tween these two men, and the chances to favor
Mr. Appegate His character and standing repre-
sent all that Is antagonistIc to Patterson. and he
does not lack able support. The most notable of
his advocates are the edit Of the leading Demo-
cratic newspaper Of the county, and cx-ChanccIy
Clerk Henry :. Little who wiclds powerful inilu
ence in Democratic state politics. IT, addition to
these prominent Democrats large numbers Of the
more reputable element of their party oppose Pat
tclson on grounds Of personal nftncss and bad
record and the possibility of ccctiug Mr.. APPRECIATE
IN the face Of a Democratic majority of 1000 in the
county grows daily more into probability.
In Essex County an interesting canvass has just
begun. William Stainsuy, the Republican cand
date for Senator, has for years been n prominent
figure in local politics. Tie has served the city Of
Newark in important Official positions. and has
achieved a reputation for hard common sense adj
ministrativc force. aud mauliurgs of character He
is a strong party mar. being rs straightforward
and energetic in politics as IN business, and will
make Of the most valuable Senators in the COM
ing Legislature. Mr.. Stllus1y Is very popular, eX-
ccpt with limited number of exclusive citizens
who aspire to be graded socially rs extra super
fine" Ex-Jndgc 1ecsc, his opponent is a g.ntem
of means. ability. and character, who was borne
into Congress OF the Democratic tidal
wave seven years ago. He has been
in training ever since, and waiting for an
occasion TO come to the front as tho savior of the
party. The few persons who predict ms success
base u urou the strength of the corporate Influences
which are sup pscd to be behind him. The avail
able force If these influences is plainly ovcrcst-
mated, however, for the gentlemen who control
them are not insane. and this Is not the time they
would select to drive the Republican party into a
solid hostility TO them throughout the state. Mr.
Stainsbys strength oGght 10 grow with the progress
Of the canvass. The chances that his popularity
with he mechanics Of Newark. who are friends Of
his 10 a man, aud the wide recognition Of the fact
that bis abilities II make him singularly useful rs
Senator to his party and 10 the state, viii unite 10
give him majority beyond that OF hls party IN tho
county.
The struggle in Camden County is made interest
gng by ne uncomnonly spirited contest for can
dda'e Nv the Republicans. Abort Merritt the
nominee for senator. has not heretofore been prom
incnt IN politics. but his fitness for The office has
never been disputed He is an energetic business
man. of high character and moro than ordinary at
tainmen s. and hr can only hr defeated by "a mira
Gle. The Democrats Of the State a-fiug that
General Srwell. who represented Cam len in m,
Senate for nine years Do fore hc was chosen United
States Senator. and who was supposed 10 favor
another candidate, has no heart IN the cAuva but
no man IN ms own party haihOrs any suspicion of
~" gHuucnc,, oI ms NrpublcarisI, or cutcIiaiu-
the thought that either he or bis friends will allow
the pariys succrsg 10 ie lmrcrlleu by lukcwarm-
ness I'm a contest where so much j. at stake John
n. Dialogue, Mir. Merritt opponent, was n Iancork
elcctor. but he represents nothing which will IrIug
him any strength beyond the ordinary vote of his
party, which is IN q decided minority in Camden.
In the ncighhOrlng County o. Gloucester TEMPER
ance candidate conP.icaies The situation, and he
may draw some votes from Catch G.. Pancoa-t the
Erpnblcan nominee Tor Senator The Democratic
candidate. Thomas ". Fcrrrl. who like hi, com
peitor has served two years in the Assembly relics
for success upon the Temperance diversion and Ia.
hopes Of capturing The vote e certain labor orggn
iZatoua by yoHblc prot-s'IioUs and arraut d.fna-
gogisn. Mr.. PancOast, however is a strong
monty successful career in politics an%
although the fight * close one the hest
Informed Republicans of the state assert that thcv
have no fears OF the result Ia Salem, cx-ShruT
&c rye Tires, an exceptionally strong man. is pttcd
AGAINST " lllfim Caspar, slfcwd and irelcs, Dem
Ocratic worker There are no divisions IN the Re-
publican ranks, and success seems 81 be assured
Senator Schcnck has been rcnomiuatcd by the Re- !
pubrans Of Somerset, and AGAINST Eugene Doupbty |
whom he defeated three years AFRO by ~ votes |
MIR. SchcnciI honorable record ought to make his
canvass stronger this year than ever. Senator Vail
viii probably Je named III Union by the Rcpuhli- |
cans, and although tine county liz a doubtful one |
Mr.. Walls excellent reputation and more |
than ordinarily successful career in Trenton should
pull him safely through I'm Warren the Democrats |
nave iohllHd'Vu W. on Ich'J which was defeated /
three years ago. But this lpcned close upon the
discovery of the Democratic Ring frauds in that |
county. Such sp&sm OF civic virtue can hardly |
be looked for twice in this banner Democratic |
county, and although the Republican candidates |
are superior to thor opponents in every mental aud
moral qualification. the gallant fight they are max. !
ing has an almost hopeless look
There were only i've Democrats in the Senate last |
year and one Independent, against fifteen Rcpubi-
cans. The Democrats all hold over and il IL only |
necessary for the Republicans to elect three Seua-
tors to retain majority OfcOurse there are chances
to be taken. but the wise feel 81 @ in claiming
twelve out OF twenty-onc certain, aud have hopes
thirty-Gyc Republicans 20 twenty-five Democrats
and although IN nany parts of the State the cam
paign Is singuarly complicated on local issJes a
fair working majority Is confidently predicted A |
state Treasurer and some less impor ant officers are
10 be chosen by the next Legislature in Joint session.
The proposed amendments TO the Constitution re-