New-York tribune., 1902-01-18
VIEWED FROM THE CAPITAL.
TRENTON GOSSIP SEEMS TO INDICATE
Mr.. DRYDEN'S SUCCESS.

Trenton. Jan. II CspeciaD.-Echoes Of the con-
test for United States Senator all over New
Jersey are constantly reaching this centre.
While these echoes Go not indicate that the
struggle is being pursued with the same en-
thusiastic demonstrations that were apparent
here on last Monday night and Tuesday morn
ing they do indicate that the silent pursuit Of
the Senatorial prize is as earnest and aggres-
sive as. and possibly more effective than, it has
been at any previous stage Of the contest
Particularly interesting is a rumor which is
rot without the hallmarks of authenticity. TO
the effect that the Baird forces in South Jersey.
outside OF Camden County may before the close
OF the week break away from the candidate
whom they have all along favored. and that II
the break should not come before next Monday
night It certainly will by that time be tangible
quantity How much the remark openly made
bv Barker Gummere to John F. Dryden on
Monday night (Which was. Mr.. Dryden, If
am not TO be elected United States Senator
hope YOU wiz beD may have Influenced or
promulgated the runor of the coming break in
the Baird forces is not as important in It's
bearings on the struggle as the accompanying
ruuor that hitherto unexpected number OF the
South Jersey members are favorable to the cleo
ton Of Mr.. Dryden. although the former Tumor
points TO the fact with ever increasing emphasis
that the campaign or MI GufnlIleIe mas hoN Iol
some days been progressive one.
How much in detail of these decidedly inter
estine rumors IS true 1t is impossible accurately
10 determine but their veracity is in some
sense indorsed by the assertion OF an active and
intelligent DRYDEN supporter, who was here this
morning and who said: I'VE can now count
positively upon twenty, and, possibly, twenty
two votes for Mr. Dryden III the joint caucus
and others TO a sufficient number to nominate
him will come by the time the caucus is held
When asked If he would identify for publica-
ton the members of the legislature outside OF
Essex County who were sure to vote for MI
Dryden this Republican replied: That mani
testify would be improper If not a direct breach
of confidence. Everybody knows that when
member OF the Legislature has pledged himselE
to a certain candidate week in advance OF the
caucus he naturally. to avoid constant i'm
portuniug and argument from the friends OF
other candidates, desires that his intentions be
kept secret. But you may depend upon my
word for It that up to this time Mr.. Dryden is
assured Of twenty votes with more and more to
follow. unless something unforeseen and un-
preventable should occur before next Thursday
night"
The fact that the friends Of ex-senator Stokes.
Barker Gummere, David Baird and John w
Herbert. while in some instances speaking en-
coura gingly Of the Stokes campaign. did not
attempt to make II appear that their candidates
had gained a single point in the count added
greater interest and importance to the evident
enthusiasm Of the Dryden men. Only the sup
Iorters Of Griggs seemed TO remain undaunted,
although several of them freely admitted that
they were facing some difficulties which could
not easily be overcome.
The report Of a division in the Passaic County
delegation unquestionably has had a depressing
Influence upon some Of the friends Of Mr.. Grigss
IN other parts Of the State. This dissension has,
50 10 speak given the opponents OF the eX
Attorney General the handle 10 the hammer.
and that they using the hammer vigorously
vas made apparent here to-day ny reports from
both Middle and North Jersey Stll, the sup
porters OF Mr.. Griggs are as much in earnest
as they have been at any time, and they appar-
enuy believe as strongly as they Ola week ago
NAT he will be the choice of the Republican
caucus. They do not make figures. but they do
INSIST that when the break in South Jersey or
anywhere else comes there will be sufficient
Number Of Griggs in the State to give his
legislative supporters the control Of the caucus.
An able and a responsible Republican from the
Oo I'D Congress District who was mere to-day
sad that although Congressman Gardner prob
ably making less noise in his campaign
than any other candidate, he certainly now had
Two votes more than he had last Tuesday.
Saroner," said this Republican, may within
me next four five days exchange places with
sstokes as the reputed dangerous candidate for
senator in this contest" This conclusion ad-
ihlttedly based upon the hope and the re-
pated possibility that North and South Jersey,
os4hg ultimately unable to agree with sufficient
unity TO select the next Senator would fall back
s.pon Gardner the deadlock" candidate.
.ihe ability and record of Mr., Gardner be-
als used a campaign argument with much
&c &c effect in some places" this Republican
sa1o and you know that, in addition TO being
statesman, Gardner is neither to
NoVlce in politics"
as If to give the Dryden boom additional
rpe'us, and to make its supporters all the
oa "e enthusiastic IL was learned to-day that
inf al not ahco1s ,talr
q, - influential, of the Republicans In the State
jn.he ~ present time here. and whose sources Of
'''aalon are State wide said yesterday that
fonIinned O sixfh pnEc.