The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1898-05-09
GEN. SEWElLS QUANDARY
The Effect Of His Army APP
pointment on New Jer-
sey Politics.
DEMOCRATS SURE OF SUCCESS
Both Smith and the Camden
Man Greatly Interested in
Next Falls Contest.
DEMOCRATS SURE OF SUCCESS


Especial to THE Jersey City News."l
TRENTON, May ., 1s9S.-The appoint
ment OF Senator Sewell as Major Cen
eral in the army of the United States is
received with much favor throughout the
State. Even his political enemies feel
pleased with it, while, of course. his
friends feel o~verjoyed. Genera Sewell
is a natural-born soldier and leader of
men. In The Civil War he distinguished
himself in many batt1efields. and ever
since it's close he has made his mark as
a political leader. which has been equal
ed by few Jerseymen. Like many other
noted men he has had vicissitudes in life.
He came to this country a poor Irish boy.
at an early age. and had to rough 1t for
a living. He climbed before the mast in
his day, and filled other positions of hard
ship and difficulty. After going through
the Civil War he returned TO New Jer-
terest in him and found him a place with
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
Step by step he raised himself in the es-
ed a high and commanding position. In
the meantime he became interested in
politics, and his elevation in that line was
just as rapid as 1t had been in railroad
affairs. When comparatively a young
man he was elected to the State Senate
from Camden County and served nine
years. Then he was chosen q United
State Senator. He was president OF
the Senate for three years.
For, nearly a quarter of q century
General Seweli has been the leader of
defeat, as well as in victory, his eolors
have always been at fte masthead. In
politics he has been as fearless and
courages as he has been on the battlefield
Of Cr, ,xnl1nycuil1 IIa hac luyo VIC Ctnn6
by his friends. and he has never broken
a promise. His fealty to his loyal sup
porters made him enemies IN his own
party; but, although they were bent upon
his destruction as a leader, yet they
have never succeeded in their revenge.
Some years ago when General Sewell
collector, and William Budd Deacon,
United States Marshal, the Republicans
of Newark arose In arms against him and
threatened him with annihilation. The
idea of a country lawyer getting a fat
position in Il big city where there were
so many eligible Republicans was dis
tasteful to the Newark people. Hence
their indignation. But the General pur-
sued the even tenor of his way and was
not at all disturbed. He had kept his
promise and stood by his friends. An
was when the late Joel Parker was NOM
mated for Attorney General, % years
ago. There was a feeling in the Senate,
which was then Republican that the
~
parker was a Democrat. Senator Sewell
soon squelched that feeling, and he had
the nomination unanimously confirmed.
General Sewell never forgets a friend.
His courage. great executive capacity and
loyalty to supporters have made him the
leader that ne is, and but for this tact,
skill and shreNdneSs his party today
would not be so we'll organized.
General SeWelrs ideals are military
affairs and political life. In both spheres
he is perfectly happy. Of course, he likes
~ ii,.,1 I1refnn<G fnD II iC 1aflhffI1l If
he will give UP his seat In the Senate to
take command of a wing of the army
1t is a question IL he is required e do
so by the. organic law OF the land. How
ever. that will soon be settled by men
high in authority. and General Sewell
will be controlled by the decision.
when the news of Senator SeweIlss ap-
pointment as major general was an
nourced. IT was another incident in
keeping with the appointment of Cover
nor Griggs as Attorney General of the
United States. Truly. New Jersey, is
scooping' in the honors of war as well as
of civil life. Two years ago one would
scarcely have believed that the snug
little State would be accorded three OF
the highest positions in the United States
Vice President, Attorney General n
ting a wide swath in the affairs of the
nation. and all her citizens, irrespective
Of politics, are proud Of the fact. !,
On the supposition that General Sewell
would resign his seat in the Senate,
much speculation was INDUCED in as to
who would be appointed his successor:
The first name mentioned was that OF
John Kean. He seems to be heir to the
throne. No doubt II a vacancy did oc-
cur, and the Legislature was called on
to fill it. John Kean would be the man.
| such duty would devolve on Governor
voorhees,. He and John Kean have not
been closely allied in politics for some
years. end it is doubtful If the Cover
o vyof11A offdr the tg1pa fn MT k69n.
He might go to Newark and select his
man, John f. Dryden. for instance. 1t
would be considered good politics for the
Governor TO do SO, as then an entrance
could be made which would strengthen
his own boom as a candidate for a full
term of office, But. of course, it is idle
| to speculate as to the filling of asvacancy
which will not occur. General Sewell
says he will not resign his seat. and that
settles the matter.
Should the war be prolonged the Demo-
Gratis will profit by 1t. If of short dura-
ton, then the Republicans are likely
to gain an advantage. A prominent
would elect the next Governor by a ma
jority of at least 10000. provided the
war did not change public sentiment; IN
| gen. he expressed an opinion that Demo-
| cratic prospects looked bright, and should
the State Convention avoid z smart us
! candidate for Governor would stand a
good chance for election. s..
How would you do for a candidate?'
he was asked.
Well, I don't know. / nave not done
| enough for the party to entitle me
to such recognition"
.sBut your name is being freely dis
cussed in that connection
II understand replied Mr.. Bergen,
that the nomination is claimed by Es-
sex County. and, furthermore, | am
informed that the Democrats will surely
carry that county. In that event there
the success of the Democratic ticket is
| assured.
what do you think of District Attor-
ney Crane as a candidateg1'
4 am not acquainted with Mr.. Crane,
but / understand he Is a strong man,
Whom will the Republicans nomip-
nate?'
He IS not as strong a man as he was
| when he was elected to Congress. The
| filling Of. the post offices has weakened
him.
| man. He was twice Speaker of the
| House Of Assembly and made a good
! record. But as he was an anti-Bryan
mar In the Presidential election it is
| doubtful if the Silver Democrats would
| orco,fra pe him as a candidate