New-York tribune., 1901-12-31
NEW-JERSEY NEWS.
GRlGGS MAY BE CANDIDATE
HE is REPORTED To HAVE SAN HE
WAS WILLING TO TRY FOR
SEWELLs PLACE

trenton Dec 50 (SpeciaD.-There was de-
gree OF political activity in Ranublicar ci-,Ias
here to-day that has been una,,,o1,az TO- -,
years. the principal topics un5ar consida-o,,o,
being the appointment of successor to So
treasurer swain and the selection of a suc
cesSor 10 senator Sewen- The State House was
a scene OF almost continual confers,oar ,.+,,,
pated in by some Of the best know ro,i+,cJ.r.
in the State. The last and probably +ba r,o.+
important OF the conferences took place to-nigh,
between Governor Voorhees, w. NJ aoh,so,,
Assistant Postmaster General: Congrezsr.-
Charles N. Fowler. Senator Thomas N Mecar
ter. and Edward c. Stokes. Clerk in Chancers.
The purpose of four OF the conferences was to
induce Mr. Johnson to accept an appointment as
State Treasurer which he once declined. After
the conference Governor Voorhees, made il
known that he had rendered the appointment to
Mr.. Johnson. as one whom he considered emf
nently fitted for the position. almost imuedi-
ately after the death of Mr.. Swain. Mr. John
son declined then because he did not wish the
Office. and strong efforts were put forth to
make him reconsider his determination
After four hours had been spent in urging Mr.
Johnson to accept he partially consented, but
asked TO be allowed a reasonable time before
giving final answer. The request was grant
ed. and the conferrees felt confident that unless
something unexpected happened Mr.. johnson
would resign his position in Washington AMI
return to his native State.
While the attention OF the five conferrees was
devoted exclusively to considering the Question
Of the appointment OF a State Treasurer, it had
also a further significance, because Of the efrsct
the appointment is likely to have the selee-
tion of successor TO General Sewe!I. Although
there was a disposition 10 consider aIsU the an
pointnent OF a United States Senator Mr.
Stokes, to whom the four remaining confsrrees
were most favorably disposed, declined positively
TO permit any discussion involving him as
candidate until after the funeral Of General
Sewell. 1t is believed however. that within a
day or two at least he will be an active candi-
date.
II was said here tonight that ex-Attorney-
General Griggs, who has heretofore been in the
had said that he was willing to be candidate.
The fight is resolving itself into a contest be-
tween the factions which have slowly been form
ing in this State. On the one side are Governor
Voorhees,. Congressman Fowler. Mr.. Stokes and
their following. while the other is United
which has been disposed TO be anita gonistc 20
Governor Voorhees, and TO some extent. to Gov
ernor-elect Murphy. With the latter contingent
is Barker GUmmere, jr.. of Mercer County, who
is relying upon the Kean influences in his fight
TO succeed General Sewell.
1t is generally believed now that ex-Sherif
David Baird. of Camden. is in the race in the
interest OF the Kean forces Mr. Stokes Is the
first choice of Governor VOORHEES,. Congressman
Fowler. Assistant PostmaSter-GeneralJ Johnson,
David o. Watkins. and others. most Of whom
would be for Mr. Dryden as second choice. Mr..
Dryden, on the other hand. is the first choice OF
Governor-eiect Murphy. and other Essex lead
who. it is understood. will be for Mr.. Stokes
second.
II Mr. Griggs should become an active candi-
and present combinations would probably be
broken up.