New-York tribune., 1901-10-07
To the Editor of The Tribune.

o
Sir: I have just read your interesting account
of the New-Jersey Democratic State Convention,
but the last paragraph puzzled me. Your re-
porter says that after the nomination OF James
NJ Seymour for Governor man exclaimed,
Thank God Leon Albeit is avenged" Won't
you please explain this? j. Z.
New-York. Oct. -
Leon Albeit twice Governor of New-Jersey.
twice came within touching distance of seat
in the United States Senate, only to have his
hopes blasted at the last moment. The first
time in 1887. when Democratic bolt de-
feated Albeit and elected Rufus Blodgett. The
last time was in 1898. when James Smith capt
ured the prize which Albeit regarded as belong
ing TO him. Albeit had made the fight and
carried the State Smith protege Of his.
on whom he had conferred great political power.
When rumors were circulated to the effect that
Smith was trying to win the Senatorship for
himself the latter told Albeit in the most posi-
tive manner that there was no truth in them.
Too late Albeit found that Smiths friends had
control of the legislature. Smiths justification
was that Albeit could not possibly win, but
this did not to abate the wrath of the Abb
bett men. They vowed to be avenged. and some
of them, no doubt, danced with unhoy glee
when they saw Smith defeated in the fight which
he made to prevent Seymours nomination.
That Seymour will be knitted by many OF the
men who fought him at the primaries and in
the convention cannot be doubted. The Republi
can leaders will do WELL however, not to over
estimate the fruits of such work. Indeed, 1t is
a question whether Seymour will not get more
votes than be could have got had he re-
oeived the nomination by reclamation. The fact
that Smith fought him bitterly will to GER
tainty attract the votes of superficial persons
who may unthinkingly infer that Seymour is
fiercely independent and anti-boss. The Mayor
has always played that and ii has been
great help to him, especially in his last cam
paign for Mayor; Smith opposed him there with
the result Of making votes for Seymour
Seymour could not have been nominated for
Governor without the aid. political and fnan-
cial, Of E. F. C. Young, the head and front of
the great Trolley Trust, and Seymour's election
as Governor would make Young the power be-
hind the throne. If that be kept steadily before
the minds of the voters it ought to have some
influence in preventing support for Seymour
the anti-boss plea But Republicans will make
serious blunder if they imagine that Ii is going
to be any child's play to defeat Seymour. He
is willy and adroit campaigner and few men in
New-Jersey more adept than he is at effec-
tive gallery plays. His favorite character is
the 'workngman's friend"
New-Jersey voters should not be allowed to
forget that Franklin Murphy Governor will
be no mans puppet. He has always owned
himself, and the person who told him that he
had to do or refrain from doing this, that or the
other thing would have uncomfortable time
Of it while listening to Mr.. Nurphy's answer.
If he becomes Governor-and all the indications
are extremely hopefuhe will take the oath of
Office unhampered by pledges or obligations
other than those imposed by his conscience. AL
though he has for years devoted large part Of
his spare time to politics, he still retains that
n fash nod hat apsc ,rord
should be as sacred in relation TO things political
TO matters OF business personal affairs.
II every voter had the opportunity Of knowing
Franklin Murphy as he is known to all who have
had any dealings with the man. il would be the
easiest task IN the world to predict with ac-
curacy a majority for him overwhelming as
30 break all records. That being impossible It
behooves his friends. neighbors and acquaint-
ances to testify for him. He IS not given to
horn blowing: he is no staggering egotist, and
il is doubtful If he could be induced to play the
demagogue even If the Presidency of the United
States his for the doing of il. He is the
kind OF man who wears well and who is able
TO look other men in the eye. at his own re-
Election in the mirror. without fear OF reproach
shame.
Having Interior purposes In view-being
prompted solely by the laudable ambition of
winning the regard Of his fellow Jerseymen by
an able and businesske administration Of State
affairs. It behooves the citizens Of the common
wealth to see that Mr.. Murphy is elected by such
a handsome majority VIII make clear and
emphatic their desire for that kind OF govern
ment. He is a Republican and an organization
man to the core. but he has always acted up to
the idea that cannot help his party better
than by giving TO the public the best possible
hryjce conduct q crfaira.