New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-08-22
COLBY BACK TO FIGHT
Jersev Senator Will Not BE Candl-
date for Any Office.

the Republican reform movement IN New Jei-
sey. returned from Europe yesterday with Mrs
Colby. AS the White Star liner Oceanic came
up the bay from Quarantine he freely discussed
the political situation in New Jersey with
Tribune representative. and when informed OF
the plan of George L. Record. of Hudson. and
others TO sidetrack Sheriff Somn1er in the inter-
est Of Mayor Fagan's campaign for re-eiec'ion
and TO boom the New Idea leader Of Essex for
Governor harmony candidate. he smiled,
then laughed heartily. but almost as quickly
his face clouded and very errphatically he sald-
"At first IL seemed absolutely funny that sucn
a scheme should be planned. but now i see its
serious side. You say for me. as positively
as you can that under no circumstances or con-
ditions will consent be a candidate am
not out for office. Offices good things They
help in our work. but should not strive for
them When we have waged our fight long and
hard enough so that the people fully under
stand our work. then IL will be time enough for
offices. We want now. most Of all. the peoples
support. not their offices"
But what have you to say about those Of
your followers who candidates for office?
You suggested the name of Frank H Som
mer?'
Yes and Sommer would make excellent
Governor" replied Senator Colby He IS ag-
gressive and honest. he is capable and strong
He IS the best IN the state for the place
We are fighting for principle. not for offices
If we can elect men who we know are not sub
servfent 10 the bosses-the machine. mean
then our fight is easier What I want to make
clear is that not seeking the Office for
the office itself but for the good that be done
by electing men who will serve the people fear
Iessly and honestly We are not fighting for
to-day's victory nor to-mOrrow's. but for a
victory that is ten years Off
WILL STAND BY soMMER.
81 shall stand by Frank SOmmer. first. last
and always He is the man who best represents
the New Idea movement and the principles for
which fighting"
The Senator was deeply interested in what has
been going on in his state during his absence
He said that all the news he had received was
one letter telling of the work OF the Assembly
investigating committee in delving into the inner
workings Of the State Fish and Game Cornuis-
sion and into the management of the State Hos
pital for the Insane at Trenton
And by the way" he said. that committee
has been doing great work What has the Sem
ate committee been dOing?' he asked
Nothing Why. what's the trOuble?
He was then told of the difficulty the
nittee has had IN finding suitable counsel He
laughed when told that Prosecutor Eugene En-
ley of Passaic County. had refused TO accept the
post when he found that ne not 70 have
free rein in conducting the investigation IN Hud-
son and Essex County institutions
Well" he said. "it seems to me that it IS
pretty near time that they were getting 10
work"
During the Senator's campaign for equal tax
alton and the limitation Of franchise grants he
has made strong point OF the evils OF lobbying
at the state Capitol. and he was particularly
pleased in learning that that was TO be one or
the first matters the Senate committee would
investigate. When told OF the statements made
recently by enemies OF Mayor Pagan Of Jersey
City that his purposes were at variance with
the welfare of the corporate interests OF the
state Senator Colby said:
"I know positively. and say it without
fear Of contradiction. that Mayor Pagan IS
heart and soul in this work for no other reason
than 10 serve the people who elected him He
has not a selfish motive in his entire makeup
He originated this work. and is carrying 1t 1or-
ward with surprising success The people are
beginning 70 realize this. and firmly believe
that he will be reelected IN spite Of the efforts OF
the machine Republicans to defeat him
His comment when told OF the numerous can
didates and factional differences which have
arisen within the Republican ranks was;
.Dld you ever hear OF such an unsettled state
or affairs in New Jersey only few weeks before
a campaign? 1t indicates one thing very clearly,
and that is that the bosses are finding II harder
each year TO govern the candidates VINO aspire
to Office II indicates. too. that our fgnt mas
not been In vain II shows that the people are
taking a hand in the matter and intend TO be
rid of this power which has dictated 70 them,
g. 60 MANY wears lust whom they shall vote
for. .
"I never predict the outcome OF campaigns
bs said vheu asked for his views regarding the
noI,tical situation in the state. we are gong
20 start right in on our campaign. and We are
going TO wage il harder than ever we nave
eight counties organized. Essex. Hudson Cnion'
Passaic Bergen. Camden-althouSh Cannoen Is
weak-Burlington and Middlesex
NO we shall not try to organize in any Of
the Democratic counties this year We have not
time We shall send back to Trenton the Essex
aoraga,,on and we hope for additions from Pas
saic Union and MiddIesex. and possibly IN other
counties We shall try 10 OAiiO1 uP O-' ~
II will be hard work
How do you find the people take this Ne~
Idea movement the Senator was asheu-
thew enthusiastic In the work.?
.a,The people, believe he replied. ARE recep-
tive They are becoming more and more IA
rr,iIiar with the work and objects OF the league
h war Events which have only recently
tss, broush, to the public's attention. I think.
1-o,,a ,his But the chief trouble is to obtain
workers
MEN AFRAID TO JOIN MOVEMENT
ouov SO? Are they not willing TO work IN and
for a cause In which they believe
.Ah, that is the point They are willing. out
.,.,- 40 No, dare An Illustration may make II
clearer Suppose go into a county
o-ocs, for instance says he is heartily IN favor
or the work of political reform
Yes. he says. Il believe in that work. and