New-York tribune., 1899-11-21
THOMPSONS WANING POWER.
THE ANNEXATION OF GLOUCESTER 10
CAMDEN WILL DELIBERATE A FORMER
POWER IN Jersey AFFAIRS


Camden Nov % (SpeciaD. THE Duke OF Glonces-
ter" has come the turning point In his remarkao's
career. and shorn Of the power he once welded IN
New-Jersey. has Joined Miles Ross "Nelse" Pic-
cock and others who once dominated the Demo-
cratic party OF New-Jersey. Thompson can cate
the beginning OF his end when he sat up nights
over popping corks planning his great coup IN the
racetrack deal which meant a fortune Gay 10
him. Gradually but surely In the days that nave
come since the people arose and swept him and his
Tx from power he has been forced further and
further into the background OF public affairs In ths
end OF the State.
He realized the wane OF his strength when last
winter he sought legislation 70 assist him IN run
ming the public park in which he had ventured his
all. He was bufetted about day after day. kept on
tenterhooks for weeks and at last compelled
10 accept a compromise measure, which gave him
less than half the privileges he so anxiousy sought
Now he finds that he must bring TO bear all the
power OF argument entreaty and persuasion. al
the ingenuity. craft and cunning. all the shrewo-
ness and energy he ever 6isplayed-and In these ne
has been remarkable man-to prevent the con-
summation OF plans tor the annexation OF 'ilouces-
City to Camden, because such A step means
complete oblivion for the Duke OF Gloucester,
who once owned practically everything and every
body in sight within a long radius OF the Gloucester
The consolidation IS almost certain 10 come TO
mass but the consummation OF the plans will bring
and some Of his followers making vehement pro-
test. They will never agree 10 the absorption o,
their town into the greater Camden, 40 matter
what the argument, for II means me ueasn ,.. ~.
scores OF resorts along the Delaware River 'front.'
the flight OF hundreds OF dissoute characters from
"the beach" end 10 the reign OF the thugs VINO VINO
terrorize that vicinity and prevent decent p peOp.e
enjoying the benefits OF residence near the stream
an end 10 the lawlessness whicn mas mas a Even No o
Gloucester dlsrepute and mace the rev peaceaoie.
law abiding citizens ashamed TO own their place OK
The decent people. though have decided that
there must be a change. They had formed a la"
and order society for the express purpose Oh sSop
ping Sunday liquor selling which nad gone on open
ly fagrantly. for years. they had appealed 70 the
Mayor and police 10 stop the desecraton, but had
appealed In vain. The crowds OF Phladelphlas riH,,
ran came down on the boats and trolley cars ana
Sunday selling and then. when informed that ~
h hsd gonSd Gn aaa sad we What are a ns
10 do about It? can't get any evidence. take
your complaints and We'll what can be dohs'
And so the decent people have decided that tho
ony cure Gr a lne Pony he sccompsbed through
change OF government and annexation Is the sou"
The city has never progressed despite It's
derful advantages OF location and the establishment
OF many large Industries here. II was founded
county embraced the territory now included In
Camden. but its neighbors have outstripped Il and
left it FAR in the rear. Its population docs NOT
Nouor traffic. are stagnant and a majority OF It's
people are Indifferent to what the rest or the
For years and years William ]. Thompson has
ruled over Gloucester with an IRON haha re .as
had himself elected over and over again 70 ths
City Council. where he Is absolute master, for All
the other members have been elected az MS dlcla-
ton and by his choice. He has likewise had MN I'M
self elected member from Gloucester City 70 tne
County Board of Freeholders. and for years ne mas
welded mystic power there, despite tne tSSspuo Spn
lcan majority OF that body. All his pet schemes
have gone through with scarcely sign OF Irlc- I
tion and he has been able 10 exert tremendous
influence IN the selection OF candidates on ne
publican tickets close We're his business re!a-
lions with the Republican leaders I'm the county
OF course the power the man once Tleldea IN tne
affairs OF the State IS another story he was snorh
OF that long =. -
The opponents in Gloucester OF the plan or an
rexation have gone about town vociterousy, ue-
CRYING the scheme and a mass meeting has been
called for next Wednesday night 70 protest against
e. II is noticeable. however, that those VINO hto
most active In the opposition, and who are lounese
In denunciation OF the proposition, are those VINO
are closest to the Duke" and who are active az
the elections in support OF the Democrats who hold
Office.