The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1893-10-10

Since last Saturday evening CON-
miitse Of gentlemen. representing demo-
Gratis who class themselves as Mayor
Wanser's followers and supporters. aud
republicans who have taken the stand
that an independent reform Democratic
candidate for Sheriff. endorsed by the
Republicans. would prove stronger
candidate against an out and out Demo.
cratic candidate than a straight Repub-
lican, have called upon Finance Commits
sioper Alva A. Bedell at his home, No.
257 York street. nightly. with view to
gaining his consent to nominate him ou
citizens ticket, If they can secure his
endorsement by the Republican
County Committee and reform clubs.
Last night Mr. Bedell intimated that he
would accept under such circumstances,
informing his visitors at once that II
such nomination is teudered him he
Will go before the people unpledgsd.
II am a democrat" he ia quoted a..
saying, "bnt one not identified with
eliques or rings. | would nos pledge
mys selt to any party or indivi lual, and.
should / be nominated aud elected, my
official acts would be identical with those
that / have pursued in the Board of
Finance, which have been for the benefit
of the taxpayers and tbs public at large"
This satisfied the gentlemen who
waited upon Mr.. Bedell and his name
will probably be brought before the Rs-
publican convention as u C t zens' cdndi-
date. Mr.. Betell's friends Stated his
Sarieyalty boom AS soon rs polite Al mat
tel s began 10 be discussed aud -ince that
time they have worked studionsiy In his
interests until now bis boom mas as
sumed quite noticeable dimensions. A
orc srtu nAnpla w hn huud ly raQd n
Mr.. Bedell as being the man VINO voted
to place the city's affairs under charge
of anle ieutenanss for reform. appointed
by Mayor Wanser, will be pleased to
know more of him.
SKETCH OF HIS CAREER.
Alva A. Bedell was born in Pleasant
Valley. Duschess County, New York,
married New York State lady aud re-
sided in Dutchess County for many years
aud owned magnificent farm.
When Mr.. Bedell's father died. he had
attained she age of eleven years. Two
years later be moved with his mother t.
New York aud took up residence ut
Nineteenth street and Seventh avenue.
He attended the public schools aud coll
leges until he reached the age OF maturity.
Prior TO the breaking out OF the war he
hegan the wood business in Washington,
DC, with half brother. subsequently
he enlarged his business aud established
a factory at Clsirmont on the James
River. Virainia. from which poiat hs
shipuei large Quantities of lumb ber and
kindling wood. When the war brok e
out he abandoned his Virginia factory
and lands an d large business interests
aud after The war never realized any
thing on them.
He went back to New York and began
the wood business in that city. He
became identified W ith politicians of the
Nineteenth ward aud was always al
active worker. He always has been and
is now democrat in National issues,
but in local matters the best man has
received the votes he controls.
HIS COMING TO JERSEY CITY. 4
He enlarged his New York business
and finally established himself, in Jersey
City iu 1876
MIR. Beoell made his political debut i
this city In 1891 when he was appointed
a member to the Sinking Fund Commits
sion. He served In the capacity of Stnk-
ing Fund Commissioner for one year.
His financial qualities and strict busi :
ness PRINCIPLES were recognized and his
promotion to the Board OF Finance fol-
lowed. While in the Board of Finance,
when it han a Democratic majority. he al
ways positively refused to take part l., any
secret caucnsss ana has always espoussd
the argument in favor of open sessions
of this most important body.
Mr.. Bedell's term ex Dires next Aoril.
He poinis TO his record In the Board of
Finance with pride and makes it his
platform that he is for good and honest
government, which will give the tax
payer dollars worth for every dollar
expended.
WHY HE vOTED WITH wANSER.
He voted ne says with Mayor Wauss r
because he believed property owners
wanted Mavor Wanser at the helm of
the city's affairs. He supported Mayor
Wauser. he continues. because he is for
honest government aud protection Of tax
payers money, and SO he helped Mayor
Wanser carry out his plans of reform
which he could not have done without his
vote. Mr.. Bedell believes by supporting
Mayor Wanser he did The will OF the
people ha represented. and he certainly
did what he considered for the best
interests OF the city.
Should he be nominated for Sheriff, he
declares he will go in to win, with the
understanding that he will carry out the
cuties OF the Office faithfully and impar>
tislly, aud in such msuner as to satisfy
everyone that his principles are for res
form.
WANTED A COMPANION TO SUICIDE.