The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-11-01
STIRRING FIGHT ON.
Democrats Hopeful of Great
Gains at TomorroW's
Election,
MAY CAPTURE THE ASSEMBLE
Greed for Spells Has Caused
Much Trouble in the Re-
publican Ranks.
MAY CAPTURE THE AssEABL J

which will have a far-reaching effect
upon the fortunes Of the TWO great POI
litical parties in New Jersey. Should the
Democrats make large gains in the Leg
islature they will be encouraged TO make
an earnest and vigorous tight next year
for the election of their candidates for
! Governor and United States Senator. In
the event of Republican success. espe-
cially in most of the counties where State
Senators are to be chosen, then the in
ference would be that the people do not
desire a return to power of the old DEM
ocraey,
For an off year the campaign has been
interesting. The Democrats have made
a very lively campaign, indeed. and our
! ing it's, progress they have displayed a
| confidence as TO winning which had not
been expected so soon after the disas-
trous result of last year. 1t has been
| demonstrated in this campaign that the
| Democratic factions are willing to forget
| past differences and to get together once
more so that a united party may present
a bold front in the face of the enemy.
Republican dissensions in various coun-
| ties have lent inspiration to the Demo-
cratic effort. Republican difficulty is the
III ~ diAl oihA
is the battle cry of the aggressive DEM
ocratic warriors. Prominent Democrats
who last year refused to vote for Bryan
have taken an active part in the cam
paign which is about closed. They have
come out flat-footed in favor of the cam
didates of their party. ana they have
shown an ~earnestness in the fray which
is a reminder of the days when the DEM
ocratic hosts were led TO victory by joel
Parker, George B. Mcclellan and Leon
Albeit.
1t is very evident then that the Demo-
cratic party has placed itself once more
on a war basis, and that its chieftains
mean to contest to the last ditch the
claim of the Republicans to supremacy
in the State government. Much depends
on the result of this preliminary cam
paign, as to which party will be trium-
plant in the great struggle next year.
Will the Democrats elect their candi-
dates for the State Senate in the six
counties where there are contests this
year? Will they succeed in electing a
majority of the House of Assembly? Some
of their leaders believe that such a con-
quest will be made, while the idea seems
preposterous to the Republican politicians.
In the last Legislature there We're only
three Democrats in the Senate, and four
in the House of Assembly. was the
smallest minority representation known
in the history of the State. And the free
silver coinage agitation brought 1t about.
A review of the State campaign indicates
that they will make gains, but whether of
magnitude to which they lay claim, of
course, is problernatical.
There is a heap of trouble in the RepuD-
lican ranks in Passaic county, and 1t is
generally conceded that the Democratic
ticket stands the best chance for success.
There are two Republican candidates FOR
clared the regular nominee, and the
other. Hcpson, is a "belter.' Each is
pursuing a vigorous ca1npaign, and. OF
course, the hotter it grows the better pros
pect there is for the election of Hopper,
the Democratic candidate. Senator Will
Jams, who seeks a re-eiection,is much em-
baFrassed owing to the schism in his par
ty. and he is in great danger of defeat.
His Democratic opponent, former Mayor
Braun, is popular. and is making a con-
are Republican leaders in Passaic who
have not given up all hope of saving Mr..
Williams from going down with the
wreck. The Democrats have good reason
indeed, to congratulate themselves upon
their bright prospects for victory at the
home of vice-President Hobart and Gov
error Griggs4
Former Judge Martin. who is running
for Senator on the Democratic ticket in
SUSSEX county, is forced TO combat
t Rsa1,b5issn in a mig own IJaEss as s wen as ths
aAformer Assemblyman, who was de-
feated by Mr.. Martin for the nomination
for Senator, is doing everything in his
power to vanquiShs his successful rival.
He has published a. contract which Mr..
Martin signed some years ago, by which
the latter promised to favor several
friends of the former A~sseTnblyInaT for
offices. provided Jake would support
him for another term as County Judge.
The contract makes ammunition for the
Republicans, who are. using it with a.
determination to slnirch the reputation of
MIR. Martin. Captain Daniel Bailey, a
war veteran. IS the Republican candidate.
He is not considered a strong man. but
his friends fopeefor his election, neverthe-
less. owing to the Vuinerabi!ity Of the
Democratic nominee. Judge Martin hitll-
Sussex county The contest there is very
close and exciting; but as the county is
nominally Democratic, Martins prospects
seem the brightest.
ter conflict between the opposing eandi-
dates for Senator. Despite the Republican
majority Of 4.0f4 wfrieh it gave last fall,
the Democrats hope for 4 victory this
time. Their candidate for Senator, How
ard e. Packer. has made a hustling cam
and the only thing charged against
him is that he voted for the race track
bills in 1888. OF course, the Republicans
are trying to make much capital out of
that fact. Mr.. Bortoa. the Republican cam
didate. is a man Of good standing. and his
legislative record is not the subject of
much criticism. 1t is stated that many
Republicans are opposing his election be-
cause, as they allege, his nomination was
effected by improper methods. Some far.
mers object to him because he is a So
called ring candidate, and others OPP
pose him because he is a lawyer. The far
mers wanted either Mr.. Wilds or DIR. Par
nv for Senator. and hence the
ness OF some of them toward Mr.. Borton.