New-York tribune., 1902-02-11
CONTROLLER HANCOCK OUT
HE SAYS HIS CONTINUATION IN OFFICE
WOULD MEAN FRACTIONAL FIGHTS.

Trenton. y. J.. Feb 10 (SpeciaD.-The resig-
| nation OF William s. Hancock as State Con-
troller which will so to the joint meeting of
| the legislature tomorrow, has precipitated an
| unpleasant but not necessarily a complicated
or serious party situation. Mr.. Hancock's act
is seriously regretted here. There is a feeling
that he has made a mistake. and that his resig
nation would have effect directly contrary
to that urged by him in his statement, If the
Republicans were not prepared to meet the situ-
alton and I'LL the office promptly. Republican
leaders say tonight that his resignation at this
time and under existing circumstances prob
ably promises q change in the Mercer County
leadership and IN the influence OF Mercer
County in State politics. II 1t was expected TO
involve or to determine the leadership OF the
State. it must inevitably and lamentably fail.
Mr. Hancock's resignation is not, therefore,
regarded as a possible misfortune to the party
at large, but It is though that 1t will stop Re
publican factional fights. which certain poll
ticians II is said, have been fomenting OF late.
Controller Hancock gave out the following
statement tonight:
have handed my resignation to the Governor
10 take effect on acceptance and not later than
there is no personal feeling or controversy between
myself and Treasurer Brigss have known him
highest standing, and with qualities that nit him
best wishes for his success Politically find my
self in position where il attempt to continue the
active participation in the affairs OF our county
that I have heretofore taken 1t means facti0nal
any OF my political plans, my aim always having
been TO exert all OF my energies to the defeat OF
our Democratic opponents. and l have not the
inclination now to alter my original intention. % /
active Connection with the management of political
affairs OF Mereer Connty my IDEA being that once,
the GIT Of their 6s pTS hest eve 9s am 5r 20 TS
realize 1t is impossible for me 10 do without the
result heretofore stated ! also reailza that sue
unity OF action, and my desire not TO ieopardize
action.
AS was TO be expected. many candidates
at once named for Mr.. Hancock's place. Among
them were Senator Reed. of Somerset County
who was defeated recently for State Treasurer,
and who promptly said that he not TO be
considered as a candidate. Others were Colonel
S. D. Dickinson. of Hudson County, who is un-
derstood to be "a candidate for Secretary OF
State; ex-senator Lewis A. Thompson, of Som
erset County and Senator Johnson and Speaker
Bradley OF Camden County.
1t was generally conceded that the appoint
ment should go to the southern part OF the
State, and after a conference between Senator
McCarter. of Essex; Senator Johnson, David
Baird, Speaker Bradley of Camden; President
Francis, Senator Lee. of Atlantic, and others,
1t was apparent that this idea had been favor
ably discussed, If not wholly agreed upon. In
fact. after the conference late tonight. when ].
Willard Morgan was said 10 be acceptable 10
South Jersey. II was declared that North Jersey
would offer objection to him. Indeed, il was
said that not only would Essex County support
Mr. Morgan unitedly, but that his unanimous
nomination possible.
On the other hand. some of the South Jersey
members said that they had not yet committed
themselves to Mr.. Morgan, and that they were
not prepared to do so without further consid-
GRAFTON. Mr.. Morgan is an ex-City Solicitor and
eX-City Counsel of Camden. and was for some
years the chairman OF the Camden County Re-
publican Committee. He Is at present a United
States Commissioner and one of the most active
Republicans in the State.
The joint meeting of the legislature tomorrow
will elect ex-Mayor Frank o. Briggs State
Treasurer. 1t will also, doubtless, accept the
resignation of Controller Hancock and fix the
date of its going into effect 1t Is possible also
that Repuohcan Joint caucus will be held TO
nominate Mr.. HancOck's successor