New-York tribune., 1902-02-06

with the approval of a large majority OF the
people here. This opinion is so generally in
dorsed that. apart from the comments which
have been made because Of the political disap-
point nent which the choice of Mr.. Briggs
brought to the supporters Of Senator Reed, it is
unnecessary to repeat it. But there is an opin-
ion here to the effect that those Republicans
who predict dire results to the party throughout
the State because of their defeat in their efforts
TO elect Senator Reed. would be wise 10 permit
the Republican ship to sail on and to look care
fully after the craft. which met disaster while
under their control ana, IN a word. 10 cast a
couple Of heavy anchors to vindward make all
snug on deck, and then go below and seriously
think over what their anticipated. If not threat
State would mean to themselves
For" said a stanch Republican leader here
to-day, "it is as we'll known anything be
that Mercer is a Republican county. and If the
men who talk Of making their defeat in a con-
test like that which has just ended reason
for letting the Democrats achieve victory there
next November sulk and hold back, the RESPONSE
bltty Will be on them, and not on the party
a state political organization. Moreover. if they
foolishly persist in the attempt to make State
Issue out OF their own defeat because they
are or some OF them are, the accredited party
leaders here. they viii find that there are
number Of Republicans in Mercer County who
are quite as popular as they are, and who are
willing TO take up the burden of leadership
whenever the present leaders ready to lay
Il down But my word for it, neither the pres
ent Republican leaders OF Mercer Camden,
MiddleseX or any other county which was con-
spicuous in the effort to elect Mr. Reed will sulk
sign the places which have been sources to them
Of both prominence and power politically. They
may talk nonsense now but in a short time
they will forget their defeat. and get in line
with the party State organization, or
nearly in line as they can with the leaders Of
the party which they declaring has
been irreparably injured by the selection for
State Treasurer Of one of the most estimable
and worthy citizens Of Trenton"
Last night and to-day the rumor that Con-
troler Hancock was thoroughly disappointed
with the result of the contest for State Treas
that ne would resign his office was heard
every side. 1t is true that Mr.. Hancock was
earnest worker for Mr.. Reed. but he has not
dividual who would permit personal political
pique or disappointment to cause him TO resign
one OF the most honorable and responsible OF
all the state offices, and which he has
worthily filled. Neither Is il generally thought
here that Mr.. Hancock believes that his resig
nation would jeOpardiZe the success of the Re
publican party in the State TO any percepttble
extent, as some Of the less judicOus and more
hasty Republicans assume.
As was said here to-day. ANY ordinarily in
telliSent mau-and Mr.. Hancock IS much more
than ordinarily intelligent, politically and other
wlse-would that his resignation under eX
isting circumstances would mean his political
end as surely as is forecast the exit from
publiCans who have either declared, or permitted
il 10 be declared, that Mercer County would be
in the Democratic column next November.
These men, some Of them at least, are COM
pointments Of the ordinary kind but that they
cannot COmplacently stand what they call rub
bing il in, as they like to believe was done here
yesterday. 1t ought 10 occur to these men with
they kicked over the party traces at this time,
would be that they were rubbing 1t into them
selves Mercer is a Republican county now,
and il Is going to remain So"