New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-09-05
SMITHS STRANGE COURSE.
THE SENIOR SENATOR FRcM NEWER
sEY POLITICALLY HOMELESS.
HE REMAINS IN EUROPE AS If UNDECIDED WHICH
WING OF THE DEMOCRACY HE WILL JOIN
HIS CHANCES FOR REFLECTION
DEPEND on HIS PRES
ENT ACTION


ENT ACTION.
Trenton. Sept. 4 (SpeciaD-It seems that Senator
James Smith is not coming back in time for 'he
Popocratic State Convention next week ms IL
extremely disappointing to the small-fry Demo-
cratic noli,icians who have been tumbllng over
themselves for Bryan on the plea that the Bryan
ticket Is regular They supposed that the senator
would approve their course and they were gwen 10
understand that such was the case by Colonel Price,
chairman OF the Essex County Democratic COM
mittee and other close friends of Smith The truth
appears be that the Senator has given no denlte
hint of his intentions Plenty of letters and cable
messages have been sent to Carlsbad. but most OF
them were never answered. and the few replies re-
Ceved were indefinite.
As matter Of fact. Senator Smith is going TO
act in "A cautious manner. He is at heart strong
sound-money man. and nc took the craftsmanship
of the State Committee last May as gold man.
His best friends are for sound-money standard
and his business interests allied with the con-
tinuance OF the present financial system. His
truest admirers propose presenting the SITUATION 10
him in its real light Immediately upon his return
Yet he wants to be reelected to the United States
Senate two years from next January. The eight
State Senators be chosen in November VIII
have a vote for his successor. Consequently he
has vital interest in the coming legislative fight
II he comes for Bryan. he will lose the sound
money Democratic vote for State Senator In the
eight counties where Senators are TO be elected
A prominent gold Democrat expressed this view
when he said the other day:
III Senator Smith returns and joins US in fight
ing free silver will in and help elect State
Senators who will favor Smiths second term But
If Smith joins the rcpudiationists we will vote for
Republican candidates TO the State Senate or not
vote at all for members Of the Legislature.
This is undoubtedly the problem that is Keeping
the Senator guessing. IL is likewise keeping MN
from hurryng home, The Presidency is not really
so important TO him another term In the united
States Senate. If New-Jersey Is going to whip
the Bryan contingent badly. it will pay the Sen
ator to stand by sound money and take chances
on securing members of the Legislature next year
who are favorable 10 him. He has everything 10
lose rom the present outi )ok by supporting silver.
and nothing TO gain -
The counties that elect Senator's this fall are
Monmouth. Union. Gloucester. Somerset. Essex
Camden. Salem and Warren. They are all repre-
sented at present by Republicans. except warren
There is no question about seven of the countess
They will return Republican Senators 10y increased
,naiorites Warren may he considered doubtful
though it is becoming less every day. The Demo
c-ats who are coming strongly for SOUND
money will not vote for free-silver candidate ior
the Legislature In Warren County. the silver men
led by ex- Congressman Johnson cornish, contro
the Democratic organization. They intend 10 nom
mate n Bryan advocate for Senator. IL tncy 90
they are liable to be defeated and there VIII only
be two Democrats in the Senate next winter