New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-09-14
EVERETT CoLBYS VICTORY.

Everett Colby emerges victor from one OF the
hottest political battles seen in New-Jersey for
a decade or more He has routed, practically
single handed, the Republican machine in Essex
County, horse, foot and dragons. Mr.. Colbys
achievement Is all the more notable when one
considers the conditions Here he was without
offices or rewards of any kind to offer his sup
porters. Against him was arrayed the most
compact and the best organized political ma
chine in the State, backed by unlimited money
and powerful corporate influences. 1t took
Major Lentz thirteen years to build up his ma
chine and now after an assault lasting only
few months, young man who has been IN
politics only three or four years has knocked it
TO finders.
Mr.. Colbys platform opposed unlimited fran
chises declared for equal taxation and for the
election of United States Senators by popular
vote. But the fight was not well started ere it
became clear that bossism was the real issue.
For a dozen years Major Lentz has ruled the
Republican organization in Essex with an iron
hand. No man could be nominated on the Re
publican ticket without his consent, and the
men who represented Essex in the legislature
had to do his bidding or get out. His indorse
ment was necessary for any Essex County
man to get an appointment under the county or
state government.
Last winter Assemblyman Colby refused
longer to obey orders. He struck out for him
self on franchise and taxation questions and
other propositions affecting corporate interests
Promptly was he made to understand that his
political career Bad come to an end Mr.. Colby
didn't accept the decree in the usual way.
Instead, he scapdalized the machine men by
announcing his intention Of appealing 10 the
court of last resort-the voters. Amusement
followed irritation on the part Of Major Lentz
and his cohorts. 1t seemed to them exceedingly
funny that political novice, unarmed, should
dare to enter the lists against the veteran major
with his triple plated suit of armor and backed
as he was by legions Of artillery. Unarmed?
Well, Mr. Colby had ability unquestoned hon
esty, an answering belief in the principles he
espoused and a sublime confidence in the intel
ligence and integrity of his fellow men. He
went out into the highways and byways and
talked to them. man TO man. He explained to
them the system of bossism that had developed
and how difficult it was for the peoples inter
ests to get any real consideration Did they de
sire change? Did they want to pick their
own representatives in the legislature rather
than have boss select the men and own them?
If So he offered himself as a candidate for
State Senator to be voted for at the Republi
can primaries. agreeing, Of course, to acqutesce
Loyalty in the decision thus made.
The results have INDICATED Mr. CoIbys faith
and works The Republican voters turned out
to the primaries as never before and they sim
ply overwhelmed the machine with ali it.
trained generals. This means more than trib-
ute TO Mr.. Colby. more than a vindicaton of the
principles for which he stands. 1t means that
the rank and file of the Republican party can
be depended upon 10 do the right thing when
the man and the issue appeal to their intellect
and their conscience.