The Washington times., 1902-01-19
special to The Washington Timcs.)


TRENTON. \. j.. Jan. lS.-There has
been no such change in the Senatorial
race since week ago as marks any of
the candidates sure winner. There
is little probability of any serious break
occurring III the forces OF the different
candidates as they are now lined III un-
Ill there has been a test of strength in
the caucus next Thursday afternoon.
Not Easy TO Foreteu.
What will happen after thai test has
been made and ballot or two taken no
man can foresee. One thing is certain,
intelligent public sentiment all over the
State is in favor of John W. Griggs. The
tide sets strongly and naturally in his
direction but it may be diverted and de-
featad by artificial means employed by
the champions Of Mr.. John L. Dryden, the
insurance man.
There is no natural public demand for
Mir. Dryden. lie has never been known
as an active politician. He was a stranger
to almost all the Republican leaders
when he came to Trenton 20 push his
boom at the meeting of the Legislature.
early in The week. He would never, it
is believed have lifted his eyes toward
this great prize il he were a compara-
lively poor man. like Griggs or Stokes.
II is quite certain that the Republican
leaders would never have thought of him
IL this connection. There IS nothing
else 90 conspicuous in his character as
to mark him as a man toward whom the
public mind would naturally turn for this
high place. He is about sixty years of
3Se and yet has failed to make any I'M
preston upon the people of New Jersey
as man of Senatorial stature.
Talk of Barrel.
There is a deep, resentful feeling all
over the State that if he wins and carries
off this prize 1t will be by reason of
his barrel. There is no other legitimate
reason that can be urged why any mem
ber of the Legislature, outside of Essex
county, should vote for John f Dryden
In preference to John W. Griggs for
United States Senator. Mr. Griggs, by
the practically unanimous and emphatic
Judgment of Jerseymen. towers high above
him in fitness for this position.
Essex county, of course. will stand
by MIR Dryden out of local considera-
tons. But it is known that several of
the Essex members are restive under
these restrictions, and are eager TO break
away and vote for Grggs
Open or Secret Ballot.
The final result of the struggle may
depend upon whether an open or a secret
ballot is taken in the caucus. The Dry
den people, for reasons that are plainly
under suspicion, favor a secret caucus
and ballot. The Griggs and Stokes sup
porters want an open caucus and open
vote. II will be interesting when the line
up comes on this question to see what
men, outside of Essex, will dare to go on
record in favor of secret ballot. 1t has
been the custom of late years for the Re
publican members of the Legislature to
hold open caucuses. They did so in
choosing the Speaker and other officers
this year.
There are far more commanding reasons
why they should do SO in choosing their
with rumors of bribery, and no man can
afford to brand himself with the sus-
picion that Will inevitably attach to him
by standing for a secret ballot
Can Practice as Senator.
The question has been raised by some
of Mr.. Griggs' unwise foes as to how he
could afford TO accept the Senatorship af-
ter resigning the position of Attorney
General for economic reasons. Mr. Griggs
explained the matter to The Times corre-
spondent this morning: las Attorney
General" be said, Il could not practice
in the courts for any other client than the
Government. The etiquette of the posi-
tion forbids it. But this is not SO as to
the Senate. 1t is, and has long been the
custom of great lawyers in the Senate to
practice their profession. ! might in
stance Frelinghuysen and Stockton, of New
Jersey, Spooner, Fairbanks. Hoar. and
many others. Even General Sewell car
ried on very arduous railroad duties while
Senator. The position of Senator would
enable me to carry on lucrative prac>
tice at the bar
Has Perfect Confidence.
Nobody asked Mr.. Griggs to make these
explanations. Everybody in New Jersey
has implicit confidence in the rectitude of