New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-30
EEW-JERSEY DEMOCRATS At LUNCH

CULTIVATING SOCIAL RELATIONS AT THE MElRo
PoLITAN HOTEL.
An invitation was sent out some days ago 10
the Democratic GovernoreleCt Of NewJeTsey TIE Oh'u
Senator'S Members OF Congress- Members OF the LegS-
ture both Senate and House, the State officials ana inc
members OF the State Executive Committee DIVING
them to meet at the Metropolitan Hotel in this city at
yesterday, for the purpose of become acquainted
with each other. Only this and nothing moreexcept
10 enjoy the afterpiece OF a lunch" Inc
invitation purported to be signed by state
Senator George o. Vanderbilt OF Mercer
and Assemblyman william F. Ross OF Sussex the latter
of whom sad knew nothing about the affair until he
received his invitation TRIBUNE reporter was at the
Metropolitan Hotel about nOon and found that many Of
the shining lights OF the Democracy of NewJersey were
present Senator Vanderbilt took up position in the
lobby OF the hotel and acted master Of ceremonies
conducting the faithful they arrived to paror on the
second 1oO where secret session was held until lunch
announced There many plates laid
there were guests. Secretary OF state Henry C. Kelsey
at the head OF the table, with ex-senator Blodget on
his and W. c. Fiske, GovernOrelect Abbetts private
secretary, his right, the Governor being conspicuous
by his absence Besides Secretary Kelsey the remaining
twohrds OF the House Regency in the persons OF
Benjamin f. Lee, Clerk OF the Supreme Court and Henry
s. Little president OF the New-Jersey Central Railroad
were present. TwentyOne out OF thirtyhve Assembly
men attended, among them the hyc ca tdates for
speakcr-E o. Chapman OF Hudson; r. Fly Of Passaic
]. H. Neighbor, Of Norris A. b. stoney, OF Monmouth
and Dr. L. Chattle, the ProhibtOnist, also Of Mon
mouth Four Senators out Of nine sat at the table.
Senator Vanderbilt who aTablty itself TO the re
porcrs said that the gathering had sgnncance and
when asked who initiated and paid for IT, he smiled
equiyocally and had business with another man.
Secretary Kelsey admitted that he had almost as much
20 do with bringing the affair about any body but
sured The TRIBUNE reporter that the only ect was 70
bring the members and state officers together lie said
that there great lack Of official etiquette 1t Trenon
that the members generally Thought Of calling upon
leaving their cards with thor addresses upon
them with the officials, and thls meeting
was designed 10 bring them together
upon terms OF social well as political in
tercOuse None he said, knew better than he the disad
yautlyrs OF coming ~ Trenton unknown 10 the
officers. II stated that this the subject OF
his remarks in the secret session.
President Little didn't know much about the purpose OF
the meeting wiiny TO talk Central Railroad and
IT. consolidation with the Philadelphia and Reading
when vas asked the meeting not IN the interest
~ his road against the Pennsylvania, lac rcpod Ger
in politics in behalf OF his road We have no LEGISLATION
which desire press and al laws must now be gen
cral NAY We not want 10 prevent lcsslotOnt Well
and the subject was changed
/ ~. RryHOld,, Commissioner OF Railroad IaNttinn,
said that there would probably b" 7ome important legs
latou thi5 winter the subject OF taxation, as both
pIrr, had placed strong plank IN tCr platform In IA
y1r 81 equal taxation. He mentioned tho Oh cnmpIue.
l- companies. and similar corporations, as nose WGh
ought to be made % pay equally with railroads
4 number uf the senators and AsscmhIEWcn stayed
away hccI-c OF suspicion that the meeting wac IA the
INT .rcst Of the railroad lobby.
speculation rife DO paid the bill, the invited
guests being a. curious - On, W-paIoI mon. 7'li%
Asked why Mcpherson 9" they answered, " on, you
know The anlttu.r people have got to move and they
want back 10 tOmmuupaW, but can't do II without
the social "sinews might be traced through Secretary
kcsey' remark.