New-York tribune., 1906-11-10
NOT ROSY FOR DRYDEN
STOKES MAY BE SENATOR.
Union Delegation Against Esser
Man-More DeSertions Feared.
LBy Telegraph 10 The Tribune. J

Trenton, N. j., Nov. 9.-Senator John F. Dry
den's chances of reelection were further put in
jeopardy to-day. He will need foTty-one votes
on joint ballot of the Legislature TO elect him.
There will be only forty-four Republican votes
all told. Up TO date two of the Republican
members had announced that they would not
support the Essex candidate. namely, Senator
Colby, of Essex, and Assemblyman-elect Fake
of Bergen. That put Mr. Dryden where he had
only one vote to spare.
To-day Senator Ackerman and Assemblyman
Tillman of Union, declined to vote for Mr. Dry
den, and declared that If the next Senator were
10 come from South Jersey they preferred Gov
ernor Stokes and if he were 10 come from
North Jersey their choice was Ex-Governor John
W. Grlggs. This reduces the possible Dryden
vote to forty, or one less than the number neces-
sary, unless Democratic aid is secured.
Senator Ackerman issued signed statement
follows:
Owing to the fact that South Jersey will have
more than twice many Republicans in the
next Legislature, on joint ballot. North Jer-
sey, il seems to me that Governor Stokes would
be the logical candidate for the office of United
States Senator for the term commencing March
B, 1907. 1 hope that Governor Stokes can see
his way clear TO become a candidate If the
United States Senator is to come from the north
ern end of the state, former Attorney General
Griggs is my choice.
1t is rumored tonight that Senator Hutchin-
son. of Mercer. will declare himself for Stokes,
making further cut in the Dryden ranks.
The Dryden advocates are much perturbed
over the --latest In private they fear all
chances are gone, but publicly asserting that
they viii yet win out. They say Dryden has
been the only candidate. and is entitled to the
place, even If he did lose his own county Of
Essex by a large majority on Tuesday, and de-
spite the fact that Colby. the only Republican
from that county in the next Legislature. is
bitterly antagonists 10 him.
If Dryden finds there is no chance and con-
cludes TO withdraw. his partsans will be asked
to support Ex-Governor Griggs. The Dryden
contingent is bitterly opposed TO Stokes it is
understood. and Will do all it can to defeat him
in case he appears a candidate.
Four years ago Dryden defeated Stokes for
the nomination for United States Senator by
two votes Senator Wakelee. of Bergen. at that
time declined to vote for Dryden. and it is not
thought his attitude has changed since.
GOVERNOR STOKES NON-COMMITTAI..
Governor Stokes positively declines to make
any statement as yet. He asked what he
was going to do half dozen times to-day. but
in every case he evaded the question or said he
might make a statement shortly.
II was reported that he said he was for Dry
den but that is not true. He said that Dryden
was the only avowed candidate which is quits
different from an Endorsement. The Governor
feels. It is said, that in view Of the constitu-
tional provisions forbdding the Legislature to
elect the Governor to any other place during
his term OF office, 1t would not be right for him
TO enter TIE fight. His friends say that, if he is
chosen. he will accept and working hard for
him on that theory.
II is stated from the Stokes side that Assem-
blyman EIvins, of Atlantic, will come out for
the Governor when he is satisfied that he will
enter the contest. He is reported to be against
Dryden. but has not yet publicly declared his
position.
A boom was started in one OF the local papers
to-day for State Treasurer Frank o. Briggs, Of
Mercer, for United States Senator. Mr.. Briggs
is also chairman of the Republican State Com
mittee He has been supposed TO be in line for
the Governorship next year. Whether he would
accept the Senatorship is uncertain. Mr. Briggs
Is in the West on business and therefore his
views cannot be obtained for several days.
COLBY SCOUTS DRYDEN'S CHANCES.
Senator Colby of Essex. in discussing the sit
uation to-day with reporter for The Tribune.
seemed 10 think that Senator Dryden was no
longer a possibility. He said Senator Drydens
re- election 10 the United States Senate might
mean the election of a Democratic Governor next
year
Asked whom he would support for the Senator
ship. Mr.. Colby said he had choice He
added:
While I will enter the caucus I shall reserve
to myself the right 10 withdraw at any time
The man that / will vote for will he a real sup
porter of President Roosevelt. / VIII talk 10
him personally and find out his position on such
important legislation the Rate law and also
on the advanced legislation which we are strlv- ,
ing to give 10 the people OF New Jersey
Mr. Colby would make comment on the
resignation of Major Lentz from the Essex
Continued o second page