New-York tribune., 1901-10-07
A GLANCE OVER THE STATE
TAKEN AS A WHOLE, THE REPUBLICAN
SITUATION is SATISFACTORY.
But NOT CERTAIN.

The nomination of James NJ. Seymour for Gov
by one faction of the Democratic party,
arrayed almost to the extremity of personal as
sault upon another faction. was one of those
transitory and preliminary triumphs in politics
which generally have been and always are liable
to be disastrous Election Day. The present
instance promises to be exception to the rule
The dsaffection which divided his party when
Mr.. Seymour nominated is less ap-
parent the surface than II then, but
men experienced in politics and well acquainted
with the temper of the opposing Democratic
forces say that the undercurrent Is turbulent
as it was aid that it will be impossible to
either coax screw the defeated faction up to
the sticking point of voting for Seymour. This
is peculiarly true of Essex County, where the
main political battle-ground is to be. The out
look there for the Republicans is ncouragng
and is made especially so by the disaffection Of
the Democrats. All things being equal, Franklin
Murphy probably would carry Essex by a ma
jority approXimating that achieved by the Re
publicans at ordinary State elections. Being
equal. Mr.. Seymour's defeat by more than the
usual majority is regarded approaching
event for which the day has been set.
1t is true that ex-United States Senator Smith
and his followers have promised to support Sey
mour. But there is enthusiasm in the prom
ise- 1t is, in fact perfunctory and the slightest
reference to the tactics adopted by Smith in
the convention or TO his defeat produces an
outbreak alike defiant AMI threatening among
his political supporters. Their promises made
by the Democratic organization to Robert Davis
to support Seymour. therefore. to the extent of
working for his election, can hardly be regarded
as sincere, and few candid men in Essex believe
that he will be able to reduce the normal Re-
publican majority there. The Democratic or
ganization is nominally. but only nomnaly,
ok and har-
mony which produce satisfactory results.
On the other hand, the Republicans in Essex
are thoroughly organized and more than ordi-
narily enthusiastic. They also confident of
victory: but. confident they are. they are
making preparations for a campaign which shall
be vigorous and aggressive as if they were
the minority political party in the State. For
this they have good reason.
Robert Davis, who is now regarded as the
leader of the Democracy in the State is poll
tician who showed his quality in his contest
with ex-senator Smith, who is confessedly all
over the State, master hand at manipulation
in his own party and foe not to be lightly
regarded by Republicans. In spite of the dis
couraging outlook for his party, Mr.. Davis is
hopeful. That is his disposition. Moreover, he
inspires hope in those around him. To put the
situation as he put 1t on Saturday, Things seem
TO be coming our way. The air may be little
II
begin to warm up. We are to have our Indian
summer yet But Mr.. Davis does something
more than hope. He works-indefatigably. con-
stantly, intelligently. Already he is reaching
out. His tactics in Hudson County, where he
has long and continuously been the master of
the political situation, he is now adapting to
broader field. He believes, or affects to believe
that disputes within the Democratic party are
mere family affairs. and that the family has
sense enough to know that if internal strife is
not subdued and squelched it makes for Re
publican victory. This is constantly his argu-
ment, and, being peacemaker we'll as
fighter, he knows when and how to make peace
when there is internal disturbance which If
perpetuated means defeat To this end he is
seeking the assistance of men whom he can
trust, preliminary to using the men who believe
that they have his confidence. No day passes
that some Democrat Of good standing does not
call to see him. He is in the pursuit of informa-
ton, and he gets it. He knows there are bel
lows to mend and gaps In the Democratic fences
all over New-Jersey, and he will repair them
if vigilant watchfulness and unceasing work
and plentiful resources can do 1t. AS one Of
many illustrations Of his sagacity he is drawing
about him ex-Judge Carrow. of Camden County
who had a long interview with him day or
two ago; Abner Kelly, of Middlesex, who repre-
sents the Ross (Which is the controlling Demo-
cratic) influence there; Senator Johnston Cor
nlsh, another supporter Of ex-senator Smith
in the convention, and others. With them he
has already been in conference, and with them
he is constantly in touch. Men like these who
fight ex-Assemblynan William J. Thompson
and Democrats Of his class, work harmoniously
with Mr.. Davis Almost before they know it.
after an interview with Davis, they all see that
If victory is TO be party reward they are on
a baU ole
70 60 they stay with him. 1t is this industrious
resourceful Democrat against whom the Repub-
licans have TO contend And IL is for this reason
that the Republicans have been warned that
although their triumph seems assured. they
must watch vigilantly and work as inces-
sanity as he will watch and work.
The disaffection which still prevails in Essex
County extends to all the South Jersey counties
but in lesser degree The Democrats of South
Jersey were bitterly disappointed by the failure
to secure candidate for Governor in their part
Of the State, and up to Saturday the Repub-
licans were confident that Mr.. Murphy would
have a larger majority there than Governor
Voorhees, received three years ago. Neverthe-
less. the Democrats are reported to be falling
into line.
In Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex and Warren
counties the Democrats were reported to be
getting together under the leadership of Senator
Cornish, who is the Democratic ruler there In
Morris County, however 1t said that Mr.
Murphy would receive rather than less
than the full vote of his party, while in three
other counties an earnest effort will be made to
retain the full Republican strength. Sussex ts
more hopeful of making Republican gains than
any of the three.
Bergen, Passaic and Union counties have made
favorable Republican reports. 1t ought in can
dor to be said. however, that there is work to
be done in Passatc County in order to smooth
out some disafection among Republicans there
The Republican State committee knows what
the trouble is In Passac, and doubtless will
govern itself accordingly. In Bergen, where
there were few days ago murmurs Of trouble
among the Republicans. the party situation now
appears 10 be harmonious. From Union County
comes the assurance Of both United States SEN
ator Kean and Congressman Fowler that the
Republican party will give good account of it
self. Such factional troubles there may be
loca