New-York tribune., 1902-02-12
NEW-JERSEY NEWS.
CONTROLLER NOT CHOSEN
SENATOR FRANCIS BALKS PLAN TO GET
BUSINESS UNDER WAY.

Trenton. Feb. II CSpeciaD.-The Republican mem
hers Of the legislature who expected 10 congratulate
themselves to-day on master stroke OF politics
and the prompt dispatch OF an important item OF
Legislative business were disappointed. The prop
osition of these Republicans. who were easily in
the majority. to call a Republican joint eau
Immediately after the election OF Frank o.
Briggs as State Treasurer. and nominate J. Willard
Morgan to fill the vacancy caused by the resigna-
ton OF William S. Hancock as State Controller. 1t
understood that Governor Murphy Senator
McCarter. the Republican leader OF the Senate: As
sembyman Horner. the Republican leader of the
House. and number. of other prominent RepUb-
icans had no objection. in fact, rather approved
this plan OF action. The argument used was that
such prompt movement would not be an act OF
discourtesy TO Mr.. Hancock, inasmuch he had.
IN his published statement. expressed the desire
for the speedy acceptance Of his resignation 1t
also said that II would show that the Repub-
Icans fully competent to grasp the situation
in which the party had been placed by the resis
nation. and that the prompt acceptance of the
resignation and equally prompt nominaton-which
would be the equivalent OF the electiOn-of Mr..
get down to the business which had been draS-
But President Francis of the Senate. David Baird
and others did not agree with the majority, sen
bad politics TO hasten the nomination or the sue
sbowinS - tho ControiIer that deference which was
his due. MIR: Francis also said that it would be
select the successor OF of the highest officers
In the State almost before his resignation had
accepted The views of President Francis, though
he finally said that he would waive his objections.
prevailed. and the Republican joint caucus was not
held; SO that the doferenee manifested was more
especially concession TO President Francis than it
was to Mr.. Hancock who knew as well as any one
that his successor practically had been named al
ready, Mr.. Morgan being the only candidate for
the place, and Mr. Hancock having especially stipu
lated that the acceptance OF his resignation be not
delayed beyond February 20.
The joint meeting formally elected ex-Mayor
Frank o. Briggs as State Treasurer by strict
party vote. w. Holt Apgar. OF this city. being his
Democrate opponent The humoT Of the situation
state Treasurer was in progress. 1t that the
Democratic members OF the legislature very
willingly voted few weeks ago for Congressman
Allan l.. McDermott for United States Senator be-
cause he the avowed gold Democrat, while
to-day they quite willingly voted for Mr.. Apgar for
State Treasurer Notwithstanding that II is openly
charged that their candidate twice voted for Nc
Klney for President.
After the election OF Mr.. Briggs the joint meeting
elected Charles Bradley. OF Essex County and a son
OF the late Justice Bradley OF the United States
Supreme Court as State Director OF Railroads
David 8 Crater, Surrogate Of Monmouth County
Mr.. Bradley's opponent.
Tomorrow being a legal holiday, both branches
of the legislature after the dispatch OF few items
OF routine business adjourned for the week