The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1900-05-21
LENTz MEN ANGRY
Dexheimer's Appointment
Makes Trouble for Es-
sex Republicans.
DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION
South Jersey Pleased at
Prospect of Getting a
Delegate-at-Large.

Especial to 'eThe Jersey City News."1
TRENTON, May 21, 19O0-It was again
demonstrated in the appointment of John
Peter Dexheimer, as Register of Deeds
of Essex county, to fill the vacancy
caused by the elevation of Alfred F.
Skinner to the County Judgeship, that
the power behind the throne in that sec
tion Of the State is William Rfker, Clerk
of the Supreme Court. There were sev-
eral candidates for the place, among
them being John f. Klein, who had the
support of Major Carl LentZ, who had the
support of Major Carl DentZ. The lat
ter was very jealous in urging the ap-
pointment of his favorite, and he was
very bitter in his opposition to Mr.. Dex-
heimer. The contest became SO warm
that it was believed that the Governor
would, in the interest of harmony, select
a dark horse for the much-coveted Of
flee. Major Lentz said he would reel
satisfied with the naming of any man
except Mr. Dexheimer. AS usual, the
Major talked great deal about the mat
ter, while on the other hand, Mr.. Riker
had very little to say. No doubt the lat
ter had assurances which made him feel
confident that his candidate would be
successful. Mr.. Riker is known for his
shrewd diplomacy in all matters relating
to politics, and he seldom loses his head.
1t is this one trait in particular which
has advanced him to the front rank of
leadership in his party. His victory in
this contest over the opposition of the
other leaders of the party is very signifi-
cant. The Governor kept the matter
very quiet all along, and the signing of
the commission for Mr.. Dexheimer was
done on board the steamship which is
now taking his to Europe. In fact, it
was his last official act before his de-
parture from home.
The appointment of Mr.. Dexheimer
cannot be criticized on the ground of
ability or character. He is a highly re-
spectacle citizen, and no doubt, will be
efficient in the discharge of the duties
of his new office. 1t is doubtful, how
ever, if the appointment will promote
harmony in the party. Major Lentz feels
very much disappointed over it, and his
friends are up in arms because of their
belief that their leader has again been
snubbed by the Governor 1t must be
admitted that Major Lentz has for long
time rendered very valuable services to
his party in Essex county. He stands
very high as an organizer, and has a
most influential following. 1t will never
do to snub the Major all the time be-
cause such provocation may lead to a
serious disruption of the party machinery
Should the Democratic party become
united and make an earnest fight for vic
tory in any future campaign a change of
of oh
Essex out of the Republican column
There are two or three irreconcilable fac
tions in the dominant party of that coun-
ty, and it will never do to widen the
breach between them. Essex may be lost
to the party when least expected, and at
a time, too when such disaster would
prove very expensive to the ticket, either
national, State or local. What bearing
the Governors appointments may have on
the fortunes of the party remains to be
seen. These leaders upon whose advice
these appointments have been made be-
ieve that things are all right, while others
who have been disappointed take pessi-
mistic views.
This is the first time In the modern his
tory of the State that a Governor while
in office has gone on a vacation outside of
the United States. Never before has a
Governor spent much time outside of New
Jersey. There is nothing in the State
Constitution which forbids a Governor
from going abroad if he so desires. Dur
ing the absence of Governor VOORHEES, the
cares of State will be in good hands in
the person of President of the Senate
William M. johnson, and there need not
be any fear that if any emergency arises
of his ability to meet it in every par
ticular. Since he took hold of the reins
of Office Foster M. VOORHEES, has been a
very hardworked man indeed. lie has es-
tablished many Innovations in the office
of which he is Chief Executive, and now
has made departure from old trodden
ways by taking brief vacation on the
other side of the Atlantic Ocean. The
Governor is well entitled to a respite from
the discharge of the exacting duties of
his office, and his numerous friends hope
that it win do him much good. 1t is pre-
sumed that the contest over the Con-
gressional nomination in the Eighth DIS
trict will be amicably settled before the
Governor returns home. Frank Bergen IS
a travelling companion of the Governor.
They are close friends socially as we'll as
politically The friendship of the Cover
nor for Congressman Fowler is wei
known. Now naturally there must be
some arrangement made by which this
Congressional contest shall be adjusted
so that these two personal friends of the
Governor may be satisfied. The belief is
that Mr.. Bergen will be induced to with
draw from the contest, and leave plain
sailing for Mr. Fowler to be nominated
for a third term of office.
The Democratic party in New Jersey
is not dead by any means and the Re-
publican leaders are fully aware of that
fact or else they would not be taking
such precautions so that their machine
may be kept in good order There Is a
strong hope indulged in by the Demo-
Gratis that this year will see the end Of
their troubles and that in the Guber-
natorial camapign of next year they VIII
form reunited ranks and present q potd
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