Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-08-10

Former Governor Franklin Murphy,
in an open letter under date of August
o, has invited Senator John Kean and
David Baird to Join him in following
the lead OF former Governor Stokes, and
give the Republican voters Of the State
maries whom the majority prefers for
United States senator.
All four named have announced their
candidacy heretofore, but until today
MIR. Stokes was the only one who sig
hifled his intention Of taking advantage
petitions with the secretary of state
have his name placed on the Repub-
pican primary ballot for Endorsement.
While making it clear that he has
not changed his views on the question
of electing United States senators as
the constitution provides, MI. Murphy
adds that he is always willing to ac-
cept In good faith a verdict of the ma
jority of the people and asks Senator
Kean and Mr.. Baird to agree to do
likewise.
The Letter.
NEWARK, N. j., Aug. o., 1910.
My Dear Senator Kean:
I am writing you and Mr.. Baird
to propose that as candidates for
the United States Senate we follow
the action Of Governor Stokes and
by means of petitions, properly
signed, present our names to the
voters at the primary election, that
they may indicate which of the
candidates is preferred by the Re-
publican voters of the State.
AS the law does not compel men,
bers of the Legislature to accept the
verdict at the polls. / should like to
have 1t agreed that we will our
selves accept that verdict and do
what we can to secure the election
of the candidate receiving the
highest number of votes.
1t is well known that am in
favor of the election of United
States senators by the Legislature.
and not by direct vote of the people,
but, while this is SO, / am also In
favor of accepting in good faith the
verdict of a majority of the people
whatever that verdict may be and
whether 1t agrees with my own
opinion or not.
. ~ PhCSCht Jaw PtOF1dOS lOL Gil
expression OF the will of the people
in the election Of a United States
senator, and 1t is to be assumed
that the Legislature expected 1t to
be effective, especially at the first
election for United States senator
after its passage. To refuse to ac-
cept lays a candidate open to the
charge that he Is unwilling to have
the people express IN opinion on
his candidacy, lest it be %unfavor-
ablbe, and In the present instance
I think lone of the candidates
would care to accept that import
ant office if he thought a majority
of his party preferred someone else.
/ that this action, il you
approve 1t, would not require a per-
sonal campaign. We are all of us
we'll known throughout the State,
n the opinions we hold on the
questions of the day are also we'll
known, and while, personally, 1
would be willing to meet any or all
the candidates on the public plat
form I think that is not important
under the present circumstances.
In view of the interest of the
public in this matter. 1 think it
advisable to give this letter to the
press, without waiting for an an
swer. l hope, however, you will
accept this proposal and that I
shall hear from you at your early
convenience. Yours very truly,
(Signed)
FRANKLIN MURPHY.
Not Inclined to Discuss Letter.
While Mr.. Murphy is not inclined to
discuss the letter or disclose his future
plans until the other candidates have
had an opportunity to reply it is quite
probable that he will file a petition re-
gardless of what either of the other
candidates may do.
The tenor of the letter, which covers
every point at issue. leaves no other
course open to any of the avowed can
didates. That is the general expressed
opinion of Republican leaders in all
sections of the State who have heard
of the stand Of the chairman of the
State committee.
Should any of the other candidates,
Including Mr.. Stokes. refuse to agree
Rith Murphy to accept the verdict n
n CONTINUED ON second Pnse.)