Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-09-26
Convention to Nominate a Governor
Meets.
CHANCELLOR M'GILL THE LIKELY One
Chairman McDermott Denies
Charges.
LAWS FOR RACE TRACKS


delegates to the democratic state conven-
titn have been arriving on every train to-
dsy. and the town is taking on a conven-
tion aspect. The Essex and Hudson dele
gates arrived by special train and
marched to the Trenton House. There is
no change in the situation from last night,
except that Judge Carrow of Camden will
be chosen permanent chairman of the con-
vention 1t Is conceded on all sides that
Chancellor McGill will be nominated on the
first ballot.
The work of seating the 932 delegates in
the Opera House consumed so much time
that 1t was 12:2O when the convention was
called to order by State Chairman Allan
McDermott. The rain which fell about IL
o'clock had the effect of making the at
mosphere close and heavy, and the dele
gates. as n general thing, sat in their shirt
sleeves and vigorously welded fans in an
effort to keep cool. Most Of the party lead
ers from all over the state were in the
hall, including Senator Smith, who was
seated with the Essex delegation.
Mr.. McDermott, in calling the assem-
blage. to order, departed from the usual
practice and made a brief speech, in which
he said: For ten years l nave been as
sailed in partisan press of New Jersey
because l have acted in my professional
capacity counsel for proprietors Of
race track 1 want to thank the republic
cans for rehabilitatng me, for they nomi-
mated my fellow counsel, Mr.. Griggs, for
governor. He is today the worst worried
know whether he has prohibition or deli
rum tremens." daughter and cheers)
McDermotts Solemn Denial.
McDcrmott continued by saying that he
was about to perform his last official act
as chairman of the democratic state COM
mttee, a position he had held for ten years.
With great earnestness he said: "All ac-
cusation to tho contrary notwithstanding,
I want to say. on my word of honor a
man, that during my connection with the
committee that matter Of legislation
was ever considered by the democratic
state committee. No man was asked to
vote for against legislation in the name
of the democratic state committee, nor has
the committee ever advocated legislation
of any sort: ever had a caucus on legisla-
tion, or ever had anything to do with legis-
lation." (Applause)
In closing Mr.. McDermott said he did
not believe in the Biblical idea of turning
the left cheek to the .nemy when smitten
on the right. He had found it the best
policy when an opponent smtes him on
the right cheek to slug MIN in the jugu-
lar" Mr.. McDermott promised that al
though he would not be chairman of the
state committee he would speak in va
rious counties for the ticket
Mr.. McDermott then introduced Temper
ary Chairman Samuel Kalisch of Newark,
who devoted his remarks to the denuncia-
ton CT the republicans, charging that all
race track legislation was originated by
them.
Mr.. Kalisch said that in 1889. when
Sewell and Hobart and Gardner were the
controlling minds in the republican party,
a republican legislator passed the first
race track law, which the democratic
courts declared nncons nstitutional.
The man who defended the constitution
ality of that law before the supreme court
and carried the case to the court of errors
and appeals was John w. Griggs, the head
of the republican ticket.
After the selection of representatives
from each county on the committees on
resolutions, permanent organization, rules,
etc, the convention at 1 o'clock took a
Secess until 2 pm.
The convention reaSSembled at 220. The
committee permanent organization re-
ported in favor of Judge Howard Car
row of Camden for permanent chairman.
Judge Carrow in taking the chair said
there was no doubt but that the man
named today will be the next governor Of
New Jersey, an essentially democratic
state.
There was only one contest, that of the
fourth ward of Patterson. and the commit
tee on credentials reported in favor of the
sitting delegates.
State Chairman McDermott and expressing
the thanks of the democratic party for
his services was adopted by rising vote
with three hearty cheers. The platform
was then read and adopted.
The Platform.
The platform reaffirms the national
Democratic platform Of 1892, and indorses
the administration of President Cleveland.
Republican legislation is blamed for the
financial depression. The republican
charges of democratic dishonesty and ex-
travagance in New Jersey are denied.
constitutional amendment forbidding the
legalization of gambling is favored. Dis
crimina tion by railways in freight rates Is
denounced.