The Monitor-register., 1897-11-05
NEWS AT THE COUNTY-sEAT.
SArrn Nov A 1907

With a few more election results as
surprising and diametrically opposite as
those Of 1896 and 1897, Salem county
will begin to lose its long standing repu-
tation for conservative action in politics.
Last fall Senator Miller, Republican, was
elected by a plurality of 993, the largest,
perhaps, ever given a candidate of any
| party in the county. This year Mr.. Loren
P. Plummer, Democrat, is elected Sur1o-
gate by the surprising plurality of 574,
though Jos. B. Crispen. Republican, is
re. elected to the Assembly by a plurality
of 191, as against III last year. This is
more like the normal majority, while
that of last year, owing to the popularity
| of the contest, was an abnormal one.
The change this year is to be accounted
for for several reasons. In the first
place, a large number of Democrats
voted with the Republicans last year on
the sound money issue. This year, on
local issues, they returned to the fold of
their own party. Then, we have heard
it whispered, and We pass it along for
what it is worth, that some dissatisfac-
tion was manifested among the Republic
cans over the filling of the ~Surrogate's
office, which practically handicapped the
county convention and rendered its work
of nominating a candidate a mere per-
funotory one. Not that there was any
thing against Mr.. Coombs, but according
to the vote, the Republicans evidently
objected to even the leaders usurping the
rights that belonged to the party at large.
Besides, it certainly would have been a
stroke of policy, in return for the large
Democratic vote given to the Republican
ticket last fall, to have allowed the Sur
rogate's office to remain in possession OF
the Democrats the few months that were
left of the late Surrogate Morrison's
term, in the person of.his son and deputy,
and left the field open to the county con.
vention to name the candidate. To this
must be added the universal popularity of
Mr.. Plummer, and perhaps, after all, this
was the most potent influence at work to
bring about the result. A young man of
unasual urbanity of manner, courteous
in his treatment of every one, and with
always q helping hand for those who
needed it, these qualities found ample
scope for exercise during his twenty
years as express agent and conductor on
the West Jersey Railroad, giving him a
a wide acquaintance and making a host
of friends who proved friends indeed.
While the result throughout the county
was a surprising one to all parties, no
section presented a greater surprise than
this city, which gave Mr.. Plummer the
largest majority ever given a candidate
Of any party-448, and must be regarded
as a home endorsement peculiarly graft
flying to the recipient. The Democrats
conferred ev% everything on his election, and
with all the forces focused on one man
makes an onslaught that few men could
have met and withstood.
Mr.. Plummer will be sworn into offce
next Tuesday, and his election presents
the coincidence of occurring forty years
after his father, Judge William Plum.
mer, was elected to the same office, 1857,
who was one year younger at the time
of his election. Mr.. Plummer has all
the qualifications to successfully conduct
the business of the office, and If this
shall be the case, from the standpoint Of
his present popularity. it may be as diff
cult to dislodge him as it was the late
| Surrogate Morrison.
The Salem High School foot ball team
had a bout with the West Jersey
Academy team, in Bridgeton, on Satur-
day. losing the game by a score of 4 to 0.
A return game is to be played in this city,
probably Thanksgiving.
The directors of the Y. M. q. A. have
called a meeting for next Wednesday
| night to consider the financial needs of the
Association, and whether it shall be closed
or money sufficient for its needs raised
to continue the excellent work it is doing.
There ought to be no hesitancy in giving
it the support needed.
The pupils of the High School cleared
500 rs by their pie and cake sale.
The night school will open next Mon
day night, with Miss Coombs in charge,
assisted by Miss Klein.
Miss Bessie K. Hires has gone to West
Chester, Pa, on a visit.
The Democrats were jubilant on Tues
day night over the election of Mr.. L. P.
Plummer, and they had the band out
to celebrate the event.
Congressman and Mrs. Henry. G
Loudenslager announce the marriage of
their daughter. Miss Elizabeth Salisbury
| Loudenslsger to Mr.. Andrew Sheldon
Clark, on November twenty-f first, at New
DoobalIa Nou Vor&