The evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1907-1908, 1908-01-28
CALL CAUCUS
TO DECIDE ON
COMPTROLLER
MOrgan's Successor Likely
to Be Agreed Upon at
Trenton Next Tuesday.
tTrom a Stan corresnondent.l

TRENTON, Jan, est was given out
on good authority today that a cal
would be issued before night for a join
caucus Of the Senate and House Re-
publican majorities to select a candi-
date for State comptroller to succeed j
Willard Morgan. whose term expires or
February 20. 1t is understood that
the caucus will be held at noon next
Tuesday.
The fact that South Jersey leaders
are ready for a caucus is taken to in
dieate that David Baird, of Camden,
has enough votes to beat Morgan for
reelection and win out for former
Sheriff Harry ]. West. If Baird has the
votes It is believed that they are those
that have been behind Senator John
Boyd Avis, and possibly some from
Passaic County. They are not from
Essex, so far as can be learned.
It was the desire Of the Baird West
combination to hold the joint caucus
today, hoping to kill off the opponents
of West, none of whom individually
has shown much strength.
Leader Martin, of the House. fought
off the caucus and had it fixed upon
for next Tuesday. This move was in
dorsed by the North Jersey leaders Us
fostering their chances, but, neyerthe-
less, it is felt by "non-combatants''
that Baird. who is here today, has a
few aces that he isn't revealing.
In the Senate this afternoon Leader
Robbins, of the majority. offered q
concurrent resolution intended to pro
vide for a joint session on Tuesday,
February II, to select Mr.. Morgan's
successor.
Davy Baird, of Camden, boss of
South Jersey, who has decided that
Morgan shall not succeed himself if it
is to be prevented by his own county,
had his candidate. former Sheriff Harry
j. West, circulating among the Sena-
tors and Assemblymen last evening.
The West men have been trying
hard to get the needed Eve votes
from Essex County. but the men
from that part Of the state can't SEQ
West. They are out pretty openly for
a North Jersey man, and look kindly
on Chairman Alfred n. Dalrymple. of
"a GoSCA &OdiltS INCPQpiiNctAt SOilAiA
tee, who is q receptive candidate, but
who may become an active aspirant IL
the urgency of his friends continues.
Treasurer George E. Halsey, of the
Essex County committee. is another
man who would like the Office if 1t is
going North Jerseys way. He was
placed in the race by his friends before
Dalrymple's name was mentioned, and
Tax Receiver Robert L, Ross and
other Newark friends of the East Or
ange man wanted to know what the
situation indicated last night.
Morgan is said to have but eight
votes in the caucus. Where these are
to come from he will not state. He
will not have a vote from his WI
county, Camden. It's three Assembly,
men and Senator William ]. Bradley.
all Republicans, are opposed to his re-
election.
Senator John Boyd Avis. of Glou-
cester County, is much interested in the
fight and would like to get into the
game if he sees a chance of winning.
lie halls from the county that already
has the Commissioner of Banking and
Insurance, David O. Watkins. and it
is doubtful if some of the Republicans
will look kindly on selecting another
mar from that section for Il big
salaried job.
Uncle Dan Voorhees,. State Treas
urer, is said 10 look unkindly on any
proposition for the selection of a North
jersey mar for Comptroller, as Il
might jeopardize his chance of reelec-
ton to the state Treasurership. In times
past it has been customary to have the
Comptroller from one end Of the State
and the Treasurer from the other.
Senator Bloomfield II. MiHch, OF Cum
berland. is the la;,,st ma TO DO non
toned u connection with the Comp
trollership. Minch is said to have the
Congressional bee in his bonnet. to the
worriment of John ]. Gardner, who
now represents his district in the Na-
tional House of Representatives IL
Minch should be palliated with Nor
gan's place and Vests chan ~ were
slim. Baird might ewing his tWenty-cne
votes, il he has them, to the Cumber-
land man.
At the caucus of next Tuesday the
successor of State Director of Railroads
Joshua L. Burton, of Morristown. will
be chosen. If Mr.. Burton wants the
unsalaried office again he can have it.