New-York tribune., 1902-07-19
NEW-JERsEYs REPUBLICAy LEADER

For some years prior TO his death General
William J. Sewell was the acknowledged and
unqueStiOned Republican leader of New-Jersey,
and to him were referred all questions or con-
troversies which the various county or district
potentates were unable TO settle satisfactorily
among themselves. Since he passed away 10
one man has exactly filled his place although
at least half dozen are thought 10 be more or
less willing to take up the sceptre.
BY of their official position United
States Senators Kean and Dryden and Gov
ernor Murphy naturally TO the front in any
scrutiny of possibilities. Just what Senator
kean's capacity for leadership amounts TO is
not susceptible Of measurement at present be-
cause he has had no real opportunity for max
ing demonstration, but that opportunity is
bound 10 come, and more than once. during the
ensuing two years. He IS personally acquainted
with every Republican OF prominence in the
State, and he has shown himself In business
affairs TO be an organizer OF first class ability
Being a bachelor OF means and master OF his
own time, he could. If he chose devote consid-
erable attention TO the work OF political or
ganization. and he has numerous friends who
expect to See Senator Sewelrs mantle slip
gracefully onto his shoulders.
Senator Dryden's friends would be surprised
II he should express Il desire 10 assume the
leadership OF New-Jersey Republicans Though
a man OF most unusual executive ability those
who know him do not believe that he has the
taste or temperament for that kind OF work
He Is apparently satisfied to crown a life OF
hard and conspi"uously successful work oy
serving consclentiously and faithfully IN the
high Office 10 which be was chosen by his fell
low Jerseymen-the highest in their gift
What Governor Murphy thinks upon the sub
ieCt be- Is telling anvbadv ffaf NOW
there have been straws here and there which
would seem 10 indicate that he is more than
aaf willing 70 step into the gap. and II a popu-
lar guessing contest on the question were IN
augurated in this month Of July 1902. Il f. not
dsking much to say that the Governors name
would appear on many Of the coupons Being
for many years chairman OF the state com
mlttee. covering the period too. Of the partv's
transition from minor 10 a major part IN the
States affairs. he is something Of an EXPERT
around political machinery. As Governor he
has It in his power 70 build M \ strong per.
sonal following and yet distribute favors SO
tacuuilT as to strengthen rather than weaken
the party organization as whole. Profes
si0nal critics have said unkind things about
some Of his appointments and propositions. but
they may be wrong as they sometimes are At
all events the general public seems 70 be prettv
well satisfied with him so far II he reaIIv
cares enough about the leadership 70 90 after n
Systematically he can make things mighty In
teresting
Among those who will have moro or less 10 say
about the selection of a Republican commander
are william VI. Johnson. tall serious able and al
ways to be depended upon: Attorney General
McCarer. who is young impetuous and ontbt,sI
hstic, besides having more than the average
share Of brains; Major Carl Lcntz, the dashng
ana invincihIe leader Of Essex. the great Re
publican stronghold; Colonel Samuel H. DIckin-
son. director of the Republican machine In Hud
son. for whom overwhelming Democratic ma
1orities seem to have no dismaylng power:
David Baird the little Napoleon of South Jcr.
sey' VINO is bound to cut large figure In State
affairs unless he meets his Waterloo at the
hands OF Congressman Loudenslager; Congress
man Fowler who is fast impressing himself
upon the public as one of the ablest all around
men in New7Jersey; Edward c. Stokes. former
ly Assemblyman and Senator and now cyerl-
In Chancery, and Robert Williams. who seems
marked out for the Passaic County leadership