New-York tribune., 1906-12-16
FIRTH WILL DECLINE.
Won't Take Nomination for Speaker
Smiths Hand Seen.

After conference between William B. Gourley.
chairman of the state Democratic committee OF
Blew Jersey, and James r.. Nugent. a member Of
che committee in Newark. n. j. yesterday.
ehe former announced that Assemblyman-elect
Joseph H Firth. OF Warren County. who the
choice Of the caucus at Trenton last Tuesday for
Speaker OF the next Assembly, has given notice
that he will decline the honor and Will place him
self at the disposal OF the caucus which named
him
The conference between Nugent and Gourley.
both OF whom strong henchmen Of ex-Sen-
ator James Smith. tr-. OF Newark. who is trying
hard get control OF the next Assembly. was
brought about by the public sentiment which has
been aroused against Firth since it became known
that he had pleaded guilty to indictment In 1901
charging him with maintaining disorderly house
and paid q fine OF 500
Mr.. Gourley after the conference said:
i received word from Mr.. Firth this morning
klenert, of Passaie County who was chairman Of
now and the latter will doubtless take the neces-
Mr.; Firth says that he realizes that his posi-,
known him ali his life and have elected him many
Zines 70 public of1iees Of honor and trust, this
eenblyman. But, IN view of the feeling that ex.
press and of individuals. Mr.. Firth says that he Is
unwilling TO embarrass his coieasues , anr 5i Ess
posai He has assured Mr.. E1enert that he is
Gus and to accept whatever may be its Judgment
The decfinatton of Firth is said by some Demo-
crets IN Newark and Essex County TO have been
sequested- Many in it another shrewd move
OF ex-senator Smith to keep top in his political
night against Boss Robert Davis, of Hudson
County who had Joseph A Rordan. Of Hudson,
his candidate for the berth which given TO
Firth Smith beat Davis TO a standstill when 1t
came 10 corralling the votes OF the Assemblymen
who would do what :hey told, and went into
She caucus at Trenton last Tuesday with the upper
hand The caucus was enough to show the feeling
existing between the two men. who are both recog-
ntzed as astute politicians At that time when
Davis saw that Smith top, he had one Of
his delegation out for Edward Il. Wright jr
one Of the Essex delegation, in an effort TO ward
off Eirtls selection.
II became apparent TO Smith yesterday that
control his eleven men in Essex he
would do something in the matter OF F1rths
Imposition, and II is said that IT at Smiths
sEuegestion that Firth consented" to withdraw
The nine Essex men who had the nerve TO gather in
eecret without letting any Of Smiths heuten-
leaders and word OF their actions quickly
communicated 10 Gourley in Paterson, who hurried
40 Newark and conferred with Nugent-
i Asked what would he the situation with regard
20 the Essex delegation with Firth out Of the way
Mr Gourley said he could only speak for his own
lineup OF the forces from there. Nugent expressed
the opinion that an Essex man would be named by
she next caucus. John W. Lane, of Orange, Is said
20 be the choice Of the Smith leaders. There is
reason believe, however, that In the event OF
Smith trying Essex man Davis viii
stealing OF the votes of his bitterest political