The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1899-01-06
IlURPHY FOR LEADER.
Democratic Assemblymen
Dine and Caucus at Ho-
tel Washington.
TIMOTHY ]. CARROLL FOR SPEAKER
Robert Davis Makes a Practi-
cal Address to Those Pres
ent Equal Taxation.
TIMOTHY j. CARROLL FOR SPEAKER

The Democratic ASsemblymen OF tne
State, twenty-three in number, were in
vited to a caucus in the Hotel Washing
ton last night. All the gentlemen were
present except Assemblymen Smith of
Sussex and White of Warren Leader
Robert Davis was the only outsider pres
ent He was there because he had sug-
gested the caucus and at the same time
had invited the Assemblymen to dine
with him.
After a hearty dinner the Assembly
men settled down to business. AS has
been predicted in 1.-The News" James ].
Murphy was unanimously chosen leader
of the minority forces. After his selec-
tion Mr.. Murphy thanked his associates
and said
II feel that I will not be equal to the
responsibilities of the position you have
given me. I have felt so all the time
and feel it keenly now. However, I will
do my utmost to perform my duties sat
isfactorily. I want it understood that l
4 i'll be glad to receive suggestions at all
Z ines and so far as is in my power l
will act on them. | do not propose, but
ting my head against stone wall. 1t
is my firm belief that we will be able
to catch more flies with molasses than
with vinegar. win rely upon all the
Democratic members to assist me in
whatever is undertaken. OF course, we
will not be able to accomplish much, but
by working in harmony we may be able
to defeat partisan legislation of a par
ticularly vicious kind. 1 thank you all
for the honor you have conferred on
me-
The members went through the formal
ity of making selection for Speaker. The
honor of that nomination was bestowed
upon Timothy J. Carroll. who is now serv-
irg his fourth term. Then the following
list of nominations was agreed upon
Clerk, former Assemblyman William j.
Harkins, o Middlesex; Assistant Clerk
P D. Rockefeller, Hunterdon; Journal
Clerk. w Rickman, Salem; Assistant
Journal Clerk, Albert Ivens Monmouth;
Engrossing Clerk, j. S. Kintner. Sussex;
First Assistant Engrossing Clerk. James
Willever Hunterdon; Second Assistant
Engressing Clerk Snerley Durham,
Salem; Sergeant-at-Arms, Asher Painter,
Warren; Assistant Sergeant-at-
James M. Butler. Monmouth; Bill Clerk,
w. A. Beaeroft. Monmouth; Doorkeepers,
Thomas Ryan, Middlesex; J. c.. Acker-
man. Monmouth; jeremiah Donovan. Mid
7sdIeseY; Thomas Cole, Warren9 Howard
Greer. Monmouth; Levy Holcombe, Hum
terdon: Charles G. Ely, Monmouth; John
c. Wheeler, Sussex; Lawrence Van Note,
Ocean; William Donovan, Burlington.
No action was taken on the United
States Senatorship. but the twenty-one
Assemblymea present pretty we'll under
stood that complimentary vote is to be
given James Smith, Jr
The only legislation discussed was equal
taxation Even that important subject
was not talked to amy extent. The mem
bers pledged themselves to support a true
equal taxation measure. 1t is believed,
however, that equal taxation will be one
of the subjects that the Republicans will
strangle on sight.
Just before the caucus adjourned Leader
Davis was called upon for speech.
s.This caucus was called for this city,
he said, because 1t is so centrally located,
easy to get to and easy to get away from
The result of the last campaign was not
satisfactory. 1t was not what we looked
for or worked for. To my mind our de-
feat means that we need a more thorough
organization. It is the duty of Demo-
Gratis to get together now and organize. Ii
we do that and do it well, repair our
broken fences I predict that we will be
able to carry the Assembly next fall.
Once well organized we will be in posi-
tion to PIT up a red hot fight and if we
work together in harmony, see no rea-
son why we should not capture the next
Gubernatorial election. 1t is true our
State has wandered out of the Democratic
fold but earnest work will put New Jer-
sey where she belongs.
Harmony is all we require to sweep
this State on every election day. hope
to see the State Committee perfectly or
ganized and substantial organizations IN
all parts of the State. So far as you |
gentlemen of the minority are concerned,
/ would suggest that you work in har-
mony. OF course you will not be able to
accomplish much for your constituents or
for your party, but If you work as one
man you may be able to prevent mucn |
vicious partisan legislation
Mr.. Davis promised to meet with the |
Assemblymai at Trenton as soon as the
Republicans commence to introduce parti-
san measures which will affect Demo-
cratic municipalities.