Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1897-01-07
STATE HOUSE NEWS.

Talk of Change in The House Slate.
Hudson-Essex Conference Held,
But no Conclusion Reached
-othor Events at The
Capitol.
There was considerable life in Tues
days gathering of politicians at the state
house. The gathering did not contain
many of the big leaders, there being pre-
sent only one or two senators. Members
of the lower house, however, were as
thick as bees in the corridors, and con-
ferences were very numerous. The usual
horde of Office seekers, who have become
such familiar figures during the past f. W
months in the lobby, were on hand, and
many OF them had anxiety plainly
stamped on their faces. Everyone SEEM
ed to have desire to do business. and
very little time was wasted. The mem
bers were buttonholed in every corner,
and efforts made to secure pledges. In
dications continued to show that the slate
OF house officers, as announced in these
| columns some weeks ago, would 90
| through.
That this slate might possibly be
| broken, caused much talk among the
| solons. Essex and Hudson counties
| agreed to hold joint conference. Assem-
blyman Harry w. Gledhill, of Passaic
| county, announced that he was still a
candidate for leader, notwithstanding the
i aggressive candidacy of former Speaker
Derousse, of Camden. Mr.. Gledhill said
that Passaic did not want everything-it
would like to be honored with the leader
ship. The county, he insinuated, did not
want the clerkship, and it was quite ap-
parent he was willing to throw former
Clerk James Parker down and to vote for
Duncan. of Essex. 1t is understood that
Assemhlyman Bridge, of Passaic, is also
willing to come to Duncan's aid, if Essex
will support Gledhll. 1t was this possi-
bic change in the slate that caused the
Hudson Essex conference.
Shortly after noon the conference was
called, there being ten members from
Hudson present and eight from Essex.
The conference did not result in any de-
cisive action, but it is understood that
Duncan's cause was given strength, no
matter what effect it might have on Gled-
hilPs candidacy. An effort was made to
have Bridenback dropped, and John
Kerr, of Hudson. made Sergeant at
Arms. In return Hudson was willing to
drop G. Frank Sutherlsnd as bill clerk.
Many of the Essex members declared
very forcibly that Bridenback would not
be dropped, and the conference ad-
journed.
Doctor Herold and Major Lenz, the
rival leaders of Essex, were very much in
evidence, and both seemed confident O.
landing their respective choices. When
it came time for the workers to depart,
the feeling was prevalent that the original
slate would stand.
The Senators will meet in this city on
Friday evening, and settle just what the
makeup of the Senate will be. About
the only office over which there seems to
be any serious rivalry is sergeant-at-
arms. Mercer county still has it's three
cornered contest on this plum-Messrs.
Carter, Sharp and Atchley. A strong eff
fort is being made for Sharp, but as the
Senators so far have been non-committal
rs to how the offices will be filled, moth
ing definite is known.
Chancellor McGi Tuesday appointed
Vice Chancellor Al.rsi Reed to be vice
ordinary of the prerogative court. This
position has been vacant since the retire.
ment of Vice Chancellor Bird from the
bench
While the position carries no extra
salary it is very honorable one. 1t has
been the custom to make the senior vice
chancellor as such vice ordinary, but this
precedent was departed from by the ap-
poiutment of Judge Reed.
The annual report of the State Institu-
ton for Feeble Minded Women, at Vine
/ land, has been compiled and presented to
% II 7