The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-08-18
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TRENTON, Aug. l7.--Goy. Griggs, who has
been regarded by many Republicans as n formi.
dablo candidate for tho United States Senator.
ship. to succeed James Smith, Jr., OF Newark,
to-day announced that no Is not q candidate
and cannot accept the office. He said he had
never done or sniG anything TO justify
the current belief that no is n candidate
and h~csitatcd about making announcement OF
his determination on that account. Although
the place OF United States Senator IL attractive,
the Governor said he cannot afford to occupy 1t,
To some Of his intimate personal and political
friends he had made known his position several
months ago, and had remained silent since at
their request. but at no time had he changed his
mind. . I'D
Secretary Of State George wurts Of Paterson,
who Is one of tho Governors closest friends.
snid tho Governor told him four or five months
ago Of his decision and OF his reasons. The
Governor was unwilling to sacrifice his prsc-
tice as a lawyer, and felt that 1t was
impossible for him TO 1.-Two Mt Washington
on 81, 900 n year. Besides there were large
legitimate expenses, politically, that a Senator
would be called upon to meet, and the Governor
cannot, without injustice to himself and his
family, entail upon himself tho necessary ex-
penditures connected with such an office. He
feels grateful to his friends for their proffers Of
support. but he wants to be understood as en-
tirely settled in his purpose not to be considered
in connection with the Senatorship; aud when
his term expires the Governor expects to re-
sumo the practice of his profession FREQ from the
disturbance OF political aspirations.
Secretary Wurts made the announcement OF
the Governors decision this morning, and said
rnn, IT T pnb TiGsma 0 to- Ii" e oaes9't that %. 'f the se GoR.
ernor was seeking the. office, and that he had
asked Gen. Sowell's influence in, that direction.
MIR. Wurts said that the published statements
were untrue, and that he was In q position to
deny them. No such interview with Gen.
Later in tho day Gov. Griggs was told OF the
statement made by Secretary Wurts. He said
it presented his position and he had nothing to
view story was without foundation. and many
persons had long known OF his intention: Among
Hobart, and Judge J. franklin Fort of Essex
County. He did not like to plead poverty. but 1t
United States Senator, notwithstanding the at
fractions the high office possesses.
The Governor,s decision is peculiarly regarded
John Kean of Elizabeth, whose name has been
long mentioned in connection, with the place.
Senators chosen last fall are among his sup
portors. They will vote for Senator Smiths sue
cessor, who will be elected in January. 1890, u
few days after the close of tho Governors term.
EN-Congressman kean was Gov. GrigR's prin-
cipal competitor for tho Gubernatorial nomina.
tion two years ago, and was defeated in the State
defeat so good.naturedly and entered with such
earnestness Into the fight that fall as to make
him many friends.
The statement given out to-day is also ex-
pected to have an important bearing upon the
Gubernatorial nomination next year. State
Comptroller William ). Hancock Of Trenton,
Congressman Mahlon Pitney of Norris
slayer OF Woodbury. have been the men
most talked of by the Republican leaders
recently. and Comptroller Hancock's friends
think the fact that Mr.. Kean will have r clear
field to the Senatorship will give a better chance
to the Trenton man. as north Jersey will then
have one OF the Senators and south Jersey the
other. leaving the Governorship to the central
or western section.
nounced that he will not be q candidate for
reelection. the only name mentioned among the
Democrats is that OF ex-Congressman Johnston
Cornish of Washington, Warren county: but
there will be others alter the silver mon get an
other setback this year, and the New Jersey
Democracy is reunited under new leadership
and with an honest platform.