New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-12-27
NEWARK POLITICAL COMPLICATIONS

AT the charter election in Newark last DC
tober tue Democrats gained Aldermen In several wards
The new Common Council for 1883 was evenly divided
namely fifteen Republicans and fifteen Democrats
Early IN December, however. DR.. Alexander
NJ DOugherty, Democratic Al ierman-elcct
from the Second Ward, died leaving the
Democrats in minority OF fourteen There
is nothing IN the of the city providing for such
contingency and the new Council not being orgahZeu
and not therefore legal there was no way OF
ascertanIng vacancy. No election has been oruereu
by the present Council dispute then arose as TO the
power of the fifteen Republicans to elect
tho president. 1t was held by partisan
Democrats nat no organization could be effected except
by a majority OF the whole COuncli-sixteen IL was
threatened that Democrats would leave the Council
10 a body. Opinions gwen by Leading Republican anu
Democratic lawyers, however were to the effect tat
majority of a quorom WAS only necessary LOT
organization. As Democratic Aldermen
had eignihed their intention, in case
their party colleagues quit Council to remain am
take part IN the proceedings the way appeared ccar
In view of tnis fact Democratic Aldermen proposed
conference of commuters for The purpose Of etfocIng
some arrangement by whicl the city Offices that are
filled each year by appointments by The Council
should be fairly divided and the standing COMMITTEES
made up in tie way, TAc RePuDllcans
hrst held conference and agreed upon the eecu0n OF
President Dodd. motion to go iuto Caucus was no,
carried ana the for President stu remained
Optional with the Republican Aldermen. meeudg Oh
the two committees then held and the Democrats
division OF city officers and nonparlisan
standing committees. The Republicans showed q con
cato spirit and when the conference adjourned the
members consult with their assOci-
atts il was understood that JOINT meeting OF all me
members OF the incoming council should be held
THIS week the night following tue meeu.g
OF the present Council. II 10 now announced by
Alderman ThebereCh. a Republican that he VIII
circumstances vote Tor the reelection OF Prcs
ident DOdd de says that the committee delegated 10
to meet the Democrats all mem0es OF the present
Council who have been identlned with The causes which
led Republican defeat at III" polls anu that ne has no
confidence them Alder oaniOri, another kepuO-
lean has stated he would take part N or DO
governed by any party caucus.
Unless indie dependent members lon their ala, no
organization arcted II tie parties do not unite
There is disposition shown TO favor Lie
elecuOu as President OF Alderman Pa'my
Democrat Of independent sentiments, and many
Republicans argue tna it would by wiser TO give Tue
Democrats the organization next year Tor the reason
tnat q number OF important questions of public economy
are 10 be met. Democratic bin derinS tney thinK,
would insure good Republican maj IrLly In the succeed
ing Council. A. 1t requires majority or the whJir
Council appoint city officials the itopuOI
cans could prevent wnoesaIe changes wIlle siIs
tying wishes of taxpayers By procuring such reforms
III tue city officers as may b. found necessary.