The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1892-11-02

"
George T. Werts, the Democratic can
didate for Governor, is one of the most
popular men in the State, and that popu-
1arity WAS acquired by long and faith
full public service. which was actuated by
a desire to accomplish the most good for
the greatest number of the citizens
of New Jersey. Judge Werts is a
thorough Jerseyman and was born in
Hackettstowu, Warren county, March "a,
1646. He received his early education in
that neighbourhood and in 1868 began th g
study of law at Morristown in the Office of
Mr.. Van Mater, leading member OF the
New Jersey bar. He successfully flushed
the term prescribed for the study of the
law in this State, and at the November,
1864. term of the Supreme Court he was
admitted to the bar.
He then settled in Morristown aud en-
tered upon the practice of his profession.
1t was not long before his fellow towns
men, recognizing his worth and alb lity,
began to select him to represent them in
official life.
FIRST POLITICAL OFFICE.
The first political Office he held was
that of Recorder of Morristown, to which
he was elected in 1SS3 He served one
term in that office and retired in 1885,
So well did MIR. Werts discharge the
duties of Recorder that in the following
suaded him to accept a nomination for
Mayor. Morristown is a Republican
city, yet so great was the popu-
larity of Mr. Werts that he was
elected Mayor by good maj His
administration was successful and so
when his term expired in 1888. he was
again elected for another term of two
years. Still the people of Morristown
were not content with the services he had
rendered them, and in 1890 they elected
him Mayor for the third time. During
his incumbency of the Office of chief
magistrate of the city, Mr.. Werts made
Improvements ir the city and placed its
financial affairs upon solid and salts
factory basis.
NOMINATED FOR SENATOR.
In 1886 the Democrats of Morris County
desired a candidate for State Senator who
had the confidence and esteem of the citi-
zens to such an extent that he would be
elected in that Republican stronghold.
They soon saw that the man they were
looking for was George r. Werts, and
they nominated him. A sharply con-
tested election followed and Mr.. Werts
was elected by plurality of 1924. receiv-
ing AGO to 4, l26 for Mr. Jenkins, his Re-
publican opponent. Mr.. Werts went to
the Senate aud entered upon that legisla-
tive career which has made him as popu-
lar and esteemed in all parts of the State
as he was in Morristown, his home.
He had not been in the senate many
weeks before he was recognized as one of
the ablest men in the Legislature and he
soon became one Of the leaders in the
Senate. He was placed upon the more
important committees from the members
of which are required learning and
knowledge of public affairs.
During his first term the much vexed
liquor question came up in the Legisla-
ture. The Republicans had tried to
settle the controversy and passed law
which would give satisfaction to all parts
of the State, but frightened by the
clamor of the people from their strong
hold. the southern portion of the
State they passed law which disgusted
their followers in the Northern section
and brought disaster upon them. II was
an exceedingly difficult matter to handle
and it required tact and wisdom to dis
pose of it. To Mr.. Werts was entrusted
the task of forming liquor bill, and SO
well did he succeed in his task that the
law which was passed and which is
known today as the Werts Liquor Law,
has given general satisfaction alike to
conservative liquor dealers and temper
ance people.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE.
In the session of 1889 Mr.. Werts was
chosen President of the Senate and pre-
sided with fairness and impartiality
which won for him the esteem of all the
Senators irrespective of party.
In January, 1890, Governor Albeit was
and in his inaugural address
he set forth so clearly the necessity of
ballot reform law that, as soon as the
Legislature was fairly under way,
joint committee was appointed to
draft such measure. The
Senate that year was Republican aud
the committee was composed of an equal
number from each Of the great political
parties. When the committee had COM
pleted' It's conferences and was already
to present bill, the Democrats and Re-
publicans alike joined in request to Mr..