Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-12-09
NOT a-SENATE CANDIDATE
Man Sought to Be Eliminated Says
He Hasn't Entered.
MGRAT1TUDE, HE DECLARES
Denounces as Unfair What He Terms
an Attempt by Wilson to Coerce
Legislature.

NEWARK, Nj, December 0.-Former
United States Senator Smith today made
the following statement in answer to
Gov-elect Wilson's open letter yesterday.
in which Mr.. Wilson urged the nomina-
ton of James E. MARITIME for United
States senator to succeed Senator kean.
Il have read Gov.-elect Wilson's state
ment on the United States senatorial sit
uation. The statement is remarkable
one for two reasons. 1t is gratuitous
attack upon one who has befriended him,
but whose candidacy has not been an
nounced. and 1t Is an unwarranted at
tempt to coerce the legislature.
THE governor-elect knew that I had
not reached a decision in this important
matter. and that he saw fit to make an
uncalled-for reference to me deprives his
act Of that fine courtesy which should
control not only southern gentlemen but
the conduct of all gentlemen.
Declares Stand Unfair.
"Dr. Wilson will attempt probably to de-
fend his statement on the ground that 1t
is not the utterance Of a governor elect.
but the voice Of a new leader 1t will be
dih1cut for the people. to mark the line
(which separates the two. In either view
his act lacks commendatory quality.
Its unfairness is SO manifest that it
| will come as a shock to the great body
Of the people. Above all things the Amer
lean public lovers fair play. The gov
| his aptitude in the art Of foul ay.
Gratitude was not expected Of him.
| but fairness was, and his act denies it.
The statement purports to give the views
their spokesman. He Is apparently too
modest as yet to claim leadership.
| HE says he has no means Of knowing
what the people want. except as they
| Three times as many voters cast their
ballots for the legis ative candidates as
expressed preference for United States
senator. This great body Of voters asked
no pledge of the candidates. They re-
ceived none. The legislators go into Of
flee as the representatives Of all the peo-
| pie.
Legislature Not Bound.
"Three-fourths Of the legislative sup
porters expressed no will DIR. Wilson
would have the men thus elected recog-
nize a law which seeks to evade the
Constitution. He would have them dis
regard the interest Of the vast body of
voters because one-fourth have expressed
a preference.
He overlooks the fact that only one
i member Of the incoming legislature
agreed to be bound by the primary vote:
He gives no thought to the refusal of
other than in spirit Of fairness and
justice to all. He evidently believes that
the practices he once condemned of dan
Cling patronage before q hungry constit-
port which fairness denies it. His rea-
sons when analysed cease to be reasons.
They are merely excuses for an act
which marks his initial step as governor
l-f@ 49, - ,SAI@
assault that is neither fair nor honor
able"
DIR. Wilson's Statement.
i The following is the full text of MT
Wilson's statement declaring against the
election Of Mr.. Smith:
1.-THE question who should be chosen
by the incoming legislature Of this state
to occupy the seat In the Senate Of the
United States, which will presently be
made vacant by the expiration of the
portance to the people Of the state. both
as a question of political good faith ana
as question Of genuine representation
In the Senate, that feel constrained to
terms which cannot be misunderstood.
II had hoped that 1t would not be
necessary. for me to speak, but It is.
II realize the delicacy Of taking any
Jersey. shall have no part In the choice
Of a senator. Legally speaking, it is
not my duty even to give advice with
regard to the choice. But there are
) other duties besides legal duties.
i Pledge to the People.
1.-THE recent campaign has put me in an
; unusual position. l offered. If elected, to
be the political spokesman and adviser
Of the people / even asked those who
; did not care to make their choice Of gov
. ernor upon that understanding not to
. vote for me- I believe that the choice
) was made upon that understanding. and
! cannot escape the responsibility in
. volved. have no desire to escape it.
) It is my duty to say, with q full sense
of the peculiar responsibility Of my posi-
| ton. what deem 1t to be the obligation
. of the legislature to do in this gravely
important matter.
Il know that the people OF New Jersey
, do not desire Mr.. James Smith, jr., to be
sent again to the Senate. II he should
, be. he will not go as their representative.
Expression Of the Primaries.
1.-The only means I have of knowing