New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-12-12
ACROSS THE NORTH RIVER.
GOV. ABBETT'S RIVAL FOR THE SLNAlE-
THE POSITION AND TIE PROSPECTS OF JAMES
SMITH, JR.-sTATE EXPENDlTCREs-IhL
BALLoT-BOX sTUFFERs-GRADE-
GRO SING ACCIDENTS.

CROSSING ACCIDENTS.
Trenton. ~ j. Dec. IL (spcciaD.-That Governor
Albeit will have dangerous rival Tor sellato''"'
honors in the L,ei,llturc next month seems reason
ably certain. and James Smith. IT, of ESSEX county
will be the man. unless all signs fail. Mr. Smth
has said he Is not a candidate, and Mr.. smith Is the
man who went ahead and nominated George l.
Werts for Governor when that distinguished Demo
crat made a similar declaration. Eight Democratic
Assemblymen in Essex County have started To co
for Mr. smith that which Mr.. Smith did Tor Gov
ernor-elect Werts, AMI it is the opinion of consd-
cradle number Of astute politicians that they VIII
succeed or come close thereto. Mr.. smith VIII not
decline as vigorously nor pcrsistently rs dld HIS
exemplar and he may indeed, be expected to turn
In and do a little missionary work on his own De
half before long lie has so far refused to make
any statement that will finally commit himself, ana
is evidently inclined TO keep people talking OF MIN
and his hopes and chances; but Democrats say that
II he wanted he could now hardly keep out OF
the race since Senator MCPHERSON and Governor
Albeit have formed combination and substantially
challenged him to fight to finish.
The relations OF the incoming National Admins
tration to the contest will be important. Senator
Mcpherson has steadfastly maintained that for real
intimacy with Mr.. Cleveland and his close friends,
nobody in New-Jersey could approach him. while
few anywhere else could vie with him. such has
been the view OF Jerseymen also, III spite of some
experience with the generous nature OF Mr.. Ne
Pherson's references 10 himself; but since the Chi
cago Convention it has been whispered that Mr.
smith IS really much nearer the throne. II Is, how
ever suggested that all troubles may be settled by
Nc PheIson going into the Cabinet, leaving two
senatorial vacancies instead of one, and clearing
tho path for both Albeit and Smith This happy
solution Democratic difficulties Is less probable
now than ID seemed time ago. and the reason
appears to be that there Is a standing difference Of
opinion between Mr.. Cleveland and Mr.. Mcpherson
rs to the size OF the Cabinet place which the latter
deserves
James Smith. jr., IS leather manufacturer In
Newark a man OF notable presence and extraordln
ary adept In political manoeuvring lie has en-
tire control OF the political machinery OF Essex
County, and has considerable wealth.
The annual report of the state Treasurer shows an
other large increase lD expenditure The state has
no bonded debt that amounts anything. and is free
from other obligations while 1t has large school
fund and assets that high into the millions. lis
income exceeds its legitimate annual expenditure 50
largely that schemes for eXtravagant purposes 20
through without check. The Income Is from special
state taxes upon corporations particularly RAILROADS
Thus, direct tax on the people Is necessary. AS
Is customary In cases Of government extravaganza
money which Is being irttered away could be used to
good advantage There is need Of larger and more
modern prison accommodations, there should be more
than one State Normal school, and there are State
charities which require more money and permanent
buildings.
The Court OF Pardons has been apprsed with suii
cient emphasis OF the state Of public sentiment Oh
the ballot-boX suffers Should these rascally
tools of greater criminals be released, there VIII BE-
an indignant outcry which Governor Albeit and his
court will be made to feel in spite of the fact that
election IS over.
The Secretary Of state, Henry c. Kelsey, and Mrs
Kelsey entertained their friends from all over the
sNtc last Wednesday. They make their home ut the
Trenton House and for their entertainment leased ana
metamorphosed Il public hall. From a dingy place
1t was turned into elegant and richly furnishI re
ception hall. a special train brought guests from
the northern part OF the State, aDd they lnclnucu
many of those best known in society, business ana
politics. Mr.. Kelsey has been Secretary oi Statc
nearly twenty years, and Is an amazingly shrcwu
potcjan never failing TO all influence IN au
minstratlon sufficient for ais own purposes ana te
advancement of his interests. Incidentally. he has
made a large fortune In private business ana Is one
OF the heaviest investors In gas companies III inc
State. - l., o,o -, ,ho vo,r
Jersey mysteries The company Is great In stationery
and newspaper mention but whether or not Is
ANYTHING else people never quite able To deciue'
The Hudson River tunnel Is more comprehensive,
because that has been defined as hole In the water
where Englishmen put their money.
Deaths AT grade crossings continue with rainier NOR
froolency than usual The feeling that the railroads
neglect 10 provide ordinary safeguards. Where
the victim Is a child, no damages can BE- collected
under the existing laws. ana these laws cannot De
changed without fighting railroad lobby. The
remedy that should be- applied j., OF course, law
regulating the whole subject 81 grade crossings