New-York tribune., 1897-08-30
NEW-JERSEl Politics..

The term of James Smith as United States
Senator from New-Jersey expires in March.
1880 and IL seems about as certain as anything
in the future can br that he will be succeeded
by Republican. The state Senators elected
last wear as we'll as those chosen this fall. will
have a vote in selecting the United States Sen
ator and. a. there is IL generally observed nm
written law giving Assemblymen Two terms.
most of those elected next November are likely
10 be members Of the Legislature OF 1899
Already the campaign for the SenatorshIp is
opening Until few weeks ago Governor John
w. GrIggs was generally regarded as the most
available man on the Republican side. but his
positive refusal to be candidate has settled
that The Governors decllnation has greatly
encouraged the friends Of John Kean. and they
are now actively engaged in furthering his in
trrests all over the State. Mr.. Kean served in
Congress and he made plucky fight for the
Governorship against George r. Werts Demo
cratic leaders who found Governor Werts the
worst kind Of white elephant on their hands
are now saying many things that give color 10
the belief that Mr.. Kean was defeated by fraud.
Two years ago Mr.. Kean came near capturing
the Republican nomination again, but Mr..
Grlggs won and was elected. These incidents
Kean, but, nevertheless he IS noi going to have
a clear road by any means. 1t will be Kean
against the field: lar there has been nothing
done 10 concentrate the power of the opposition
on any individual, but 1t is likely that the next
few weeks will some Interesting develop
ments in this direction. Among those who are
being urged 10 give battle to Mr.. Kean at the
primaries are Franklin Murphy. John +. Dry
den and Colonel William Barbour though
neither has yet done anything 10 warrant Il pre-
dctOn one way or another as to the matter.
Mr. Murphy would he Mr.. Keans most formi-
dable rival if he cared to become an aspirant
for the SenatOrship. As chairman of the Re
publican State Committee he has done mag
nifccnt work for the party. especially in the
campaign Of 1ScJ. which resulted In the tri-
umphant election Of Governor GrGgs. and in
that of last year. when Ncw-JcrScy made such
Il handsome showing for Mckinley and Hobart.
There are two factors that may operate to keep
Mr.. Murphy out of the contest: He does not
care for Senatorial honors, and he is warm
personal friend of Mr.. Kcan.
No matter who enters the field 10 try con
illusions with Mr.. Kcan the battle. though sure
TO be interesting, is not calculated TO develop
any acrimonious or unpleasant features: il will
be friendly trial Of strength. with prize wor-
thy of the winner no matter who he may Dc.
On the Democratic side there is only a per-
functOry interest in the matter Senator Smith
has given ont a semi-ofical statement 10 the
effect that he does not desire another term.
though in doing he has left a door open
through which he might be persuaded 10 enter
The arena if Democratic prospects should look
brighter next year. In private conversation the
Democratic leaders frankly cOncedc the prac-
teal impossibility Of electlng Democrat 10
succeed Senator Smith, and II is doubtful IL
anybody will care to spend much for the empty
honor Of n caucls nomination The likely can
ddaes are Senator Smith, Allan l.. McDcr-
mott and Judge Gottfried Kruger If there
was a fighting chance for Democratic success
1t is probable that Mr. McDermott would lead
an antl-Smith movement. and he might have
the support OF Judge Kruger. In any event, il
is reasonably certain that after the spring OF
1899 General William j. Sewell will have a
Republican colleague in the United States Sen
ate to help him look after the interests Of New
Jersey