The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1891-03-09
GOOD WITH A MOTIVE.
The Shrewd Religious Departure of
a South Jersey Office Seeker.

COLUMBUS. March o, ls91.-The shrewd-
est political trick ever played on a COM
munity is now stirring this town. which
is located about six miles from Borden
town. The large, prosperous Methodist
Church is about to split because of dis
sensions that have come out of the trouble,
and tomorrow the contest will be settled
at the polls, when the township officers
are to be selected.
ID. w. Clair, for many years n well
known Prohibition leader, is a candidate
for Township Collector on the Democratic
ticket, and the fight is over him. Mr..
Clair was supposed to be a safe Prohibit
zionist as well as a dsvout Christian.
Three weeks ago be attended
the mid-week service and he
arose in the meeting and announced
that he was called to be a servant Of the
Lord. and in the future would devote his
life to church and mi ssionary work. He
gave lengthy talk on the circumstances
that led him 10 take this step, aud In
doing so he preached an impressive SER
mon. At the conclusion he stated he
would at once prepare for the gospel
ministry. After the service everybody
DTeSSeQ ABOUT MIN MIN
on the stand he had taken, and his an
nouncement was one of the stirring things
of the village. Three days later the
Democratic caucus was held. and, to the
surprise Of the town, would-be Minister
Clair was standing IN front of the princi-
pal hotel of the place soliciting
votes and announcing TO the fire.
quenters of the place that he was a
candidate for the Township Collector.
THE PROHIBs KICK.
Then the trouble began. His Prohibi-
tion friends were outraged when they
learned, he had deserted their ship and
joined the Democratic party, which IS
here designated the rum party. The
officers of the Methodist Church hastened
TO the parsonage Of the Rev. G. L. Surtee
the pastor and Informed him that his
theological student was in front OF
tavern electioneering- This shocked the
pastor and he demonstrated with his
young friend. The Prohibitionist claimed
that his announcement or change OF
heart and his resolution to go into the
ministry, was a blind and n trick 10 get
the Republican and Prohibition. Votes.
The Democrats In the congregation came
to the support of Mr. Clair and then the
exchange of uncomplimentary remarks
began, and it became u regular game OF
the kettle calling the pot black. Then
a meeting was held and with the view OF
settling the matter, Pastor Surtee ap-
pointed Mrs. A. NJ. Dobbins, Miss Abbey
LipDincot., Miss L. II. Lippincott and
Mrs. d. Erhardt, 10 consult with candi-
date Clair and 10 persuade him for the
good OF his soul to get out of the contest
and they spent two hours trying to
show him how degrading politics were
in these times.
SCAMP Or MARTYRi
Mr.. Clair said he was sincere in
his candidacy and that he had
worked hard to get the caucus nomin a
tion, ard he was going to stay until the
end The Prohibitionists wanted the
young man disciplined, but they could
not get anything tangible to work on.
This did not suit the cold water folks and
the Republicans, and now they are
threatening to secede and start rival
church. They have held several confer
enees in the back parlors. Edward Welt
ing is at the head of the new church
movement. He is assisted by George
Harker. G. B. Sherman aud A. e. Keller.
The best citizens are leading the move
ment, and it looks now as If they will
succeed. Pastor Surtee Is working hard
TO heal the breach, and it is hoped that
the matter will be settled tomorrow at
the polls. The Democrats believe Clair to
be a prosecuted man and they are rally
ing about MIN with much force. and it
looks now as if iG would be nip and tuck.
Mr.. Clair promised to make statement
at a meeting to be held in a few days.