New-York tribune., 1907-01-08
DRYDEN'S HOLD DUBIOUS
HE THINKS HE'LL WIN.
Senator AUis O2poses Jersey SEN
ator for Reelection.
tBy Telegraph .o The Tribune. 7

rrsnton Jan while there was fairly
good crowd around the hotels and State House
tonight. It not large had been ex-
pected on the eve OF exciting session. The
Democratic Assem- bly1nen had the Assembly
chamber for the caucus announced few days
various hotels.
II was understood there would be q large dele
cation on hand from Washington. but Senator
Dryden was the only man from the national
capital.
The Senator and his iieutenants vigorously de-
MED the statement in evening paper that the
Republican Senate caucus on the United
States Senatorship be held here on
Wednesday OF next week Colonel Kuser. the
Senator's son-tn-law. said time had been set
for the caucus. and he had idea what date
would be named
Colonel Kuser also denied in emphatic
manner the report extensively circulated to-day
that Senator Dryden expected to win by the aid
OF Democratic votes. which would be furnished
by ex-senator James Smith. He said no such
arrangement. had been made or contemplated
If Senator Dryden cannot be elected by the
votes of his own party" said Kuser. 'he does
NOT want TO be elected at ALL"
When Senator Dryden asked about the
action OF the Union County delegation in re-
guessing him to withdraw, he said he had been
very busy in Washington and had not had a
chance TO learn the circumstances The Senator
SAID he felt as confident as ever Of his success.
His private secretary, Mr.. Rouzer, doubted
whether any of the Republicans would bolt a
caucus: Such action would not. in his judgment.
meet the approval Of the leaders of tho part j.
he was satisfied the Senator would win.
Outside the Senator's rooms. however. the op-
posite sentiment was generally expressed. There
seemed TO be a settled idea that Senator Dryden
. could not win by any possibility. unless credit
was to ne given to the story of a deal between
him and Smith
The idea was that there would be at least ten
Republicans who would not go into caucus II
DRYDEN was q candidate. Senator Hillery. Of
motifs, who is expected to nominate Justce
Mahlon Pitney. came down late tonight and in
clnated that there no authority for quoting
him saying the Morris members would not go
INTO caucus abide by its decision. He had
no thought of not going into caucus or refusing
70 support the candidate chosen by the majority.
rBy Telegraph Tribune
Woodbury.. y. J.. Jan. State Senator John
Boyd Avis. Of Gloucester County, will vote for
David o. Watkins. former Acting Governor now
Commissioner of Banking and Insurance for
United States Senator. He said so tonight
making the first real break In the South Jersey
delegation so far public announcements are
concerned. The Senator made the declaration
70 a correspondent at his office in this city.
II have given careful and serious thoughts TO
the United States Senatorial situation ever since
election" said Mr.. Avis. Senator Dryden and
myself have always been the best of friends
personally. and believe he has In a careful and
painstaking manner represented the desires OF
his constituents. After the primaries last fall
felt that the result in Essex County evidenced
Endorsement of his candidacy. Tho result at
the election. however. at which time Essex
County and large part Of North Jersey
turned Democratic majorities and elected Demo-
cratic representatives. left this matter an open
question, and I believe IL my duty carefully to
consider the situation the effect of the cleo
tion OF Senator DRYDEN upon the future Of the
Republican party.
Il am for David o. Watkins, the present Com
missioner of Banking and Insurance His ex-
perience in legislative matters. h. having served
three years in the House Of Assembly. two Of
them as its presiding officer having also
ceptably filed the offices of Acting Governor OF
this state and United States District Attorney,
especially fits him for this important post