New-York tribune., 1911-01-17
SMITH MEN PREVENT VOTE
Democratic Legislators Postpone
Jersey SenatorShip Fight.
MARITIME MEN CONFIDENT
Believe They Hold Key to situ-
ation-Big Row Over Tickets
to Inaugural Ceremonies.
[Rr Telegraph to The rrlhnn. /


Trenton, y. j., Jan. 1S.-AlI but a dozen
of the fifty-one Democratic members OF the
Legislature attended the Joint conference
called by state Senator Harry v Osborne
tonight, and after talking for more than
! an hour adjourned until after next Mon
day nights session without taking any ac-
ton on either tho United States senatorshp
or the selection OF a Controller TO succeed
Henry j. West
The purpose of the conference was to act
on both the senatorship and the controller
ship. Senator Osborne had hardly called the
conferrces 10 order when Senator Fielder.
Of Hudson, was on his feet with a resolu-
ion that the conference discuss the sem
atorship and take an informal vote on IT,
This was vigorously opposed by Assembly
man Matthews. the majority leader OF the
House; Assemblyman Ramsey, Of Middle
sex, and Assemblyman Martin, OF Hudson
The latter Is a stanch supporter OF Smith.
They pleaded that no notice had been is
sued OF the purpose of the conference and
that all of the Democratic members were
not present.
Senators Silzer. Osborne Gebhardt and
Fielder vigorously demanded the passage OF
the resolution. They are all MARITIME men,
and asserted that they had no fear Of the
outcome OF the vote. The Smith men fought
hard to prevent a showdown The dis
cussion became spirited and almost acri-
monious and finally the MARITIME men, feel
ing that they had the situation well in
hand. agreei TO an adjournment until next
fob4 r1-itJ, 7I,a ,ier apIg "a
notice be sent to each Of the Democratic
legislators of the purpose Of the confer
ence
After the conference Senator Osborne
said that Smith was no longer a factor
I'm the contest, and that the longer the ex
Senator's followers held up consideration
of the senatoYship the stronger NJ. Mar
tines candidacy would become.
There was a firing of verbal broadsdes
in the House tonight after Assemblyman
Macksey Of Essex, introduced resolu.
ton asking TO. the appointment Of com
mittee of fve 10 investigate alleged cleo
tion frauds In Atlantic County. Assembly
nan McCran, of Passaic. the Republican
leader. opposed the passage Of the resolu-
ticn, and asked that II be referred 20 the
Elections Committee for consideration. Mr..
Matthews. the majority leader. could not
see It that way, so the Republican leader
endeavored to have the resolution amended
10 include Hudson County.
Mr.. McCran said the Democrats polled
50 many votes IN Hudson last year that
IL was a wonder they did not make the
election unanimous. He thought a little
investigation would DO no harm. The reso-
luton was finally passed by strict party
vote. II is probable that the Republicans,
who are in the majority I'm the Senate, will
appoint g. committee TO look into the cleo
ton in Hudson.
The Inauguration tomorrow and the sit.
nation in the senstorship fight we're the
only TOPICS discussed by the Democrats to-
night, and bitter comments were heard
from the Smith and the MARITIME adherents.
The biggest kind Of a row has been stirred
I'D over the distribution OF tickets for the
Inaugural ceremonies, among those VINO
have been left without the coveted cards
os admission being Charles Gallagher. a
member Of the state committee from Mer-