New-York tribune., 1910-12-26
lad Of Is HERO At FIRE SEE DEFEAT OF SMITH
Friends Say Wilson's Letter
Shattered His Chances.
OZARK HORSE" NOW LIKELY
Jersey Democratic Legislators
to Caucus on Senate Fight
at Newark This Week,

From the Regular Correspondent OF The Tribune.
Trenton, N. j.. Dec. 25.-Close friends OF
former Senator Smith admitted to-day that
the recent letter OF Governor-elect Wilson
had shattered any chance he might have
had Of being selected as the successor of
Senator Kean. II was pointed out. how
ever, that the defeat of Smith would not
mean the selection of Mr.. MARITIME On the
contrary, it was held Mr.. Smith would be
able to hold enough OF the legislators to
prevent a selection, In which case a dead
lock would ensue and a compromise candi-
dete-some one selected by Smith-chosen.
Under no circumstances, IL was said
would Smith agree to the selection of Mar
tine, and those who have kept in close
touch with the situation agree that there
will be enough lawmakers who will refuse
to vote for the Farmer Orator to make
his selection impossible
1t has also been limited around the State
House that there may be help from the Re-
publican side if Smith cannot get enough
votes 10 name a compromise candidate.
The leaders Of The Republican machine
have been outspoken In their opposition to
MARITIME and their advocacy of Smith, and
while they dare not urge any OF the Re-
publican lawmakers to vote for Smith, they
feel that Republican votes can safely be
given for a compromise candidate on the
ground, they say that Marines selection
would not be for the best interests of the
state.
Republicans Won't Caucus.
Color has been given 10 this programme
on the part Of the Republicans by some of
tire machine leaders, who intimate that the
Iox
caucus TO decide on a minority candidate
for United States Senator. The object of
this, it is explained. is to allow each Re-
lean Senator and Assemblyman to vote for
Ehomever he pleases, and thus avoid a eau
Gus fight. Another view taken of this
plan. however. is that while the Republican
lawmakers would be free to vote for any
ono they chose. there would be nothing to
interfere with any of them who might want
TO vote for a Democrat.
IL spite of the fact that popular senti-
ment. it is now felt. is with Governor-elect
Wilson, friends Of Smith say that he is not
going TO give up the fight without the hard
est kind Of a struggle He is now at work
on q statement which, it IS expected will
make interesting reading. It is understood
he will review the events which led up to
the nomination Of Mr. Wilson, and it is
probable that the people of New Jersey will
for the first time find out how a candidate
for Governor is selected and nominated by
a machine. II is understood that Mr..
Smiths statement will appear on Tuesday.
The Democratic Assemblymen- are
10 hold caucus at the Democratic head
quarters in Newark Wednesday after
noon, and a lively time is expected. The
purpose OF the caucus is to distribute the
patronage Of the House, but it is more
than likely that the Senatorship will be
brought up, and there has been some talk
that an attempt may be made to bind all
those present to vote for Smith. Whether
or not this question is brought up. the con-
test for Senator will play an important
part in the distribution of the patronage.
for the indications are that Smith will co.
troll the caucus and will see to II that those
Assen1blymen-e who are opposed to him
are not allowed to have the naming OF men
for any of the important places.