The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1892-12-13
WHAT DOES SMITH mean
1t Looks as If He Might
Race Abbett-DaVis
Odd Conferences.
Special to The Jersey citv Ne,us. /.


NEWARK. Dec. Is, 1892-James Smith,
Jr., has come home aud made deliver
ance on his position with respect to the
United States Senatorship, two things
anxiously awaited by the Democratic
politicians Of both county and State. In
few words his position is THISTLE is
not candidate for Senator in the sense
of seeking the Office, but if the caucus
proffers the nomination without solicita-
ton, he would accept.
Late Saturday afternoon he arrived in
town with the clear eye, springy step
and blooming presence OF full health.
Since his arrival he has kept in the back
ground, in order that he might uDdis-
turbedly survey the political field before
making known his position. Yesterday
morning he spoke freely on the situation
to reporter.
When the pledge given by the Essex
County Assemblyman elect was mention
ed, Mr.. Smith said:-'T was som ewhat
surprised at that. Truly did not expect
it. Indeed don't know exactly its full
meaning, because l haven't seen any of
those men since came home. By what
or whom it WAS inspired don't know,
but am certainly thankful for the COM
pltment those gentlemen have given. me-"
BETTER THAN OFFICE.
When told that his recent utterances,
interpreted as meaning that he would ac-
cept the Senatorship if it were offered
him. occasioned rejoicing among the
Essex Democrats, Mr.. Smith said he was
glad to hear it. II am better pleased by
tnat evidence of good will,n ne added,
''Than l would be with the Office; it
means more to me-"
"Well, now, about your candidacy for
the Senatorship."
81 am not candidate." he answered.
81 have never been candidate for Office
Such Offices as | nave held have come to
me without seeking. My belief on that
point is that public office should not be
sought"
How about the future2 Would you
accept the office it it were rendered your"
81 have never desired public position
began Mr.. Smith, .'but l frankly say
that If the people wanted me TO take the
Office, il the caucus proffered the nomin-
alton without solicitation on my part. iJ
would only be just to the people and to
myself to accept it. Any man ought to
feel pleased to be elected TO such an office,
and under the circumstances, woald not
feel justified In refusing it,
JERSEY IN THE CABINET
Upon the question whether a place In
the Cabinet would be given to New Jer-'
sey, Hr. Smith spoke without reserve.
''It is doubtful" he began" New Jersey
is a safely Democratic State, and a Cabi-
net office would not be necessary to
strengthen the Democracy. Then there
are the Republican States which prom
ise to come over to our side, such as Ill
inois, Wisconsin and Ohio; it is not i'm
probable that those States will be
honored. Again. Pennsylvania will
probably be represented as The
home of Chairman Harrity, aud
New York win also have a place.
Now it is not likely that little New
Jersey, loyal and steadfast as it has been,
and situated between Pennsylvania and
New York. although it is Mr..
Cievelands native State, will be
given such an honor. The fact that
it has been loyal and true ought
not to operate against ii, but so IL goes.
However" said Mr.. Smith in conclu-
sion, 'tnis is d matter personal to Mr..
Cleveland, and men i'll politics don't like
TO discuss such things"
A little fat man, dressed in q manner
that betokened prosperity. a huge
watch chain and charm decorating
his vest 'front.' walEed with
| brisk and vigorous step down Broad
street Saturday. He turned at the City
Hall and his nimble feet pattered up the
steps. He brushed past the crowd then
in the corridor and stepped into the City
Comptroller's office.
A LITTLE FAT MAN.
While this lutte fat man was there
Comptroller Connolly was not in to call
ers. For some time those two were
closeted, and it is generally supposed the
| talk turned upon the United States
Senatorship. for the little fat man who
| looked like prosperitylwas the celebrated
| Bob" Davis, the Hudson county boss
| aud County Jail Warden. Bob" has
several Legislative votes in his safe keep
| ing, and whatever he had to say to Mr..
| Connelly must have been interesting.
Yesterday Mr.. Connolly went over to
| New YORK or Jersey City. Whether ne
was returning Mr.. Devis's call can only
| be conjectured.