New-York tribune., 1908-02-24
TAFT AND FORT AGAIN.
They Hill Speak at Same Dinner IN
Trenton.
IBy Telegraph 10 The Tribune. ]

Trenton " j., Feb 2S-Many politicians in touch
with Republican Presidential sentiment in Ne~ Jer
sey attach little significance TO the fact that
Secretary Taft and Governor Fort will be the prtn-
cipal speakers at the Chamber of Commerce dinner
at Trenton March 23 The supporters OF the
Secretary OF War have become enthusiastic oyer
the gradual capitalization of sentiment in the
northern section the State in favor of his noni-
nation for the Presidency. In the southern tier of
counties however. this sentiment is not so pro-
nounced While the Secretary of War has many
friends In that part of the State. Senator Knox
Vice-President Fairbanks and Speaker Cannon also
have a number of adherents. but sentiment favor-
ing the nomination OF any Of tire last named has
not assumed concrete form.
Trentor is the home of Ferdinand Roeblins, broth
er-n-law of United States Senator Frank o. Brigss
Mr. Roebling is prominent in Republican councils
in South Jersey. and is said to be a strong anti
Taft The friends of the Secretary OF War
however, declare that there is no signihcance IN
his coming visit Trenton. and in SUPPORT of this
they assert that former Governor Stokes. whose
influence in South Jersey still has to be reckoned
with. favors the nomination of Mr. Taft
The favored slate for delegatesat-larse is friend
" ito the nomination of the Secretary of war.
There is of the attitude of Governor Fort
John ". Griggs. Former Governor Franklin
Murphy has high regard for the ability of MI
Taft. and David Baird. the fourth member while
telling anybody just whom he favors Will no
doubt join with the other members Of the delega-
tion although efforts are under way to replace
Baird with Senator Briggs. on the ground that the
Junior United States. Senator from New Jersey is
much more favorable TO the ton OF Secretary
Taft than the Camden
The friends Of Secretary Taft are. now working
for instructed delegation but are encounterins
much opposition OF the state leaders IN
this respect Those opposing this move assert that
generation the delegates from New Jersey
the Republican National Convention have gone
uninstructed and they now reluctant to change
this custom.
Should Governor Fort be candidate for Vice
President the New Jersey delegation will be
nous for the Secretary of War. But Governor
Fort has yet made any public declaration on
subject. One OF his close friends said that If
the nomination came to him without solicitation
he would accept it
Few have been mentioned up to date as
delegates from the Congress districts >tc the ma
tionaI convention. In the 5th District Senator Err
nest r. Alderman OF Union County. and Hamilton
F Kean have been put forward. and In the 10th
District Judge John I. Blair will probably be one
OF the delegates
ner which Justice Minturn gave to Governor Fort
if Governor Fort should receive the Republican
nomination for President Senator Everett
Colby OF Essex would receive the nomination to
succeed him Governor. Senator Ernest R Ack-
errnan. of Union. whose term expires this year. is
also spoken of a candidate for Governor, and
Senator Edmund Wakelee, of Bergen, has num-
Der of.friends quietly work for him the
nomination in of the Governors resignation.