The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1901-12-31
GRIGGS WANTS TO Be SENATOR.
FORMER ATTORNEY-GENERAL IN
NEW JERSEY FIGHT.
Politicians Lining Up In Factions, he
voorhees-stokes Following Opposed
by the Keen-Baird Contingent -Johh-
son May BE Appointed state Treasurer

tOtl way ~ hIfo'
TRENTON. N. j., Dec. sO.-There was a
degree of political activity in Republican
circles here to-day that has been u~nequaiied
for many years, the principal ppics under
consideration being the appointment OF a
SUCCESSOR TO State Treasurer George d.
Swain and the selection OF a successor 10
United States Senator william j. Sewen
The State House was a scene OF almost
continual conferences, participated In ny
the prominent politicians In the State.
The last and probably tho most important
Of the conferences o place tonight be-
tween Gov. Voorhees,, Assistant Postmaster
General William NJ, johnson. Congressinan
Charles N. Fowler, Senator Ihomas n
McCarter and Clerk in Chancery Edward u
Stokes.
The purpose OF all Of the conferences
was TO induce the Assistant Postmaster
General to accept an appointment as state
Treasurer, which he declined.
After the conference Gov. voorhees,
made known that he had rendered the
appointment to Mr.. johnson almost i'm
mediately after the death OF Mr.. swain.
Mr.. johnson declined because he did not
wish the Office and the most. strenuous
efforts were put forth to make him recon-
slider his determinations.
After four u had been spent urging
Mr.. johnson to accept, he partially con-
scnted, but asked to be allowed a reasonable
time before giving a final answer I'M
request was granted and the cohierees
felt tina unless. something uneNIecteu
happened Mr.. johnson would resign ms
position in Washington and return TO ms
native State.
While the attention Of the five conferees
was devoted exclusively 10 considering
the question of the appointment OF a state
Treasurer. IL had also a further significance
because of the close relation the appolht
ment Il likely to ave upon the selection OF
a successor TO Gen, Scwell.
Although there was "A disposition also
to consider the appointment oil a Ohl.eu
States Senator Mr.. Stokes, to whom tho
four remaining conferees were most iavor-
ably disposed, declined positively 70 permit
any discussion OF the matter mVolNlhR
hun as a candidate until after the funeral
Of Gen. Sewell.
1t is believed, however. that within a
day or two at least he will be an active candi-
date.
The announcement was mad here to-
night that northumberland John W
Griggs, who has heretofore been IN the
race only "a he was placed there Dy, nus
friends, had also declared his candidacy
during the day.
While the situation continues 10 grow
more and more complicated, the hght IL
nevertheless resolving itself and II IL now
apparent that il will be q contest between
Tue ltlIllOuS lllNi nave 49,
ing In the State. On one side are GOV
Voorhees,, Congressman Fowler, Clerk in
Charcery Stokes and their following. while
on the other Is United States Senator John
Kean and the following which has been
disposed TO Ice ~antago1istic 20 Gov. Noor-
hees ana TO some extent 10 Governor
elect Murphy.
With the latter contingent Ia Barker
Gummere. Jr., Of Mercer county, who. Is
relying upon the Kean influence in his
fight 10 succeed Gen. Sewell. 1t Is gen
orally accepted now AZ evident that ex-
Sheriff David Baird Of Camden IL IN the
race in the interest Of the kean. forces,
with Dryden Of Newark well in the lead.
Mr.. Stokes il the first choice OF the Gov
ernor, Congressman Fowler, Assistant Post
master General Johnson. David o. Watkins
and others. most OF whom would be Tor
Mr.. Dryden ss second choice. Mr., Dryden
on the other nand. is the first choice Of Gov
ernor-elect Murphy and other Essex leaders
who, il is understood. will be for MI. Stokes
second. The active candidacy OF Mr..
Griggs IL of such short standing that 1t Is
impossible 20 say what strength he Will
have. although IL will undoubtedly be con-
aidarabla