The Washington times., 1902-01-05
AMBITIOUS
JERSEYMEN.
Many Able Candidates in
the Senatorial Race.
STOKES THOUGHT THE WINNER.
Former Attorney General GrigGs
but the People Inclined to Regard
Him as Observation-Disclosures
vnnin Railroads Interests.

TRENTON, N. j.. Jan. At is not
probable that successor to United
States Senator Sewell will be chosen for
at least a month to come. The Legisla-
ure does not meet until the 14th. A weel
later Governor Murphy will be inaugural
ed. and there will be a great deal OF
wirepulling and logroiling necessary
before the Senator is elected
Six candidates are now formally in the
field. and others are hesitating on the
edge. They are John J. Gardner. of At
lantie, the present Representative in Con
groSs from the Second district. an able
and popular, man; Edward c. Stokes, of
Cumberland. former State Senator. and
now clerk in chancery; David Baird, a
iormer sheriff of Camden County,
shrewd machine politician, rich and un-
cultivated; John W Herbert. of Mid
dlesex, a wealthy snuff manufacturer; John
+. Dryden. of Newark, the multi million
aire president of the Prudential Insurance
Company, and John w. Griggs former
Governor of New Jersey and later At
torney General of the United States.
Mr.. Griggs the Fittest.
Mr.. Griggs towers above them all in
pre-eminent fitness for the place. He is
the ablest man in New Jersey, and if the
choice of Senator were left to vote
CT the intelligent people of the State. he
would be selected by an overwhelming
majority. But Mr.. Griggs is regarded as
cold blooded," and is not held in cordial
friendliness by the politicians.
a close second to Mr. Griggs in fitness
is Edward C. Stokes, an able. resource
ful. well-informed and honorable gentle
man. For nine years he represented his
county in the State Senate. where he
acquired high reputation for his states
manlike qualities. He originated ond put
through several important measures of
State policy, the most notable and benef-
cent being the devotion of n large part
of the surplus in the treasury to the
payment of the school tax. He is known
and liked all over the State and stands
high in the confidence and esteem of all
classes and interests.
Pennsylvania Railroad Interests.
1t is understood that the mantle of the
late General Sewell as the representative
of Pennsylvania Railroad interests in this
State is being adjusted to his shoulders
and it is not unlikely that the company
may throw its powerful influence in favor
of his election as United States Senator
Mr.. Dryden also possesses creditable
equipments for the Senatorial office He
is of spo.less reputation, highly culti-
waited, and persuasive and forcefui ora
tor. II is claimed that he will have the
twelve votes of Essex to start with.
There will be siXty-three Republican
votes in the joint meeting. and thirty
two will be majority of the caucus.
1t is urged against Mr. Dryden that ESSEX
wants to grab everything in sight, now
having offices that take $4,000 a year
out OF the State treasury, and is de-
manding the position of Attorney Cen
cral for Sci atOr McCarter and Senator
Sewell's place for Dryden. There is
among the smaller counties
to combine against Essex for mutual pro-
lection.
Senator Kcan's Preference.
1t is said that Senator Kcan favors a
South Jersey man. preferably Mr. Baird.
because of the fear that if that end of the
State is deprived of Senatorial repre-
sentative now, that section might present
a formidable candidate when his own
term expires. 1t is also limited that he
would rather avoid the odious contrast
of colleague of conspicuous ability, such
as Mr. GriggS or Mr.. Stokes.
Gummere Put Out by voorhees,.
Until yesterday Barker Gummere. OF
Mercer, made the seventh man in the con-
test, but the appointment Of former Mayor |
Briggs, of Trenton gives this county about
all it can hold. without the addition OF
a United States Senator. 1t is gener- |
ally regarded as resulting in benefit to
Mr.. Stokes. and az Governor Voorhees, is |
a friend 10 Stokes it is believed the ap- |
pointment Of Briggs was made with that |
intention.
Summary of Situation.
Mr. Griggs is the brainiest man named.
Mr.. Stokes the most available and popu-
lar, Mr.. Dryden the richest, and Mr..
Baird the most artful politician. The |
at present point to Mr.. /
Stokes as the winner. but the situation Il |
and may completely change |
at any hour.