Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1911-01-09

What promises to be one OF the most
interesting sessions of the New Jersey
Legislature since the first session In
1777 will convene in Trenton at noon
tomorrow, the day established by the
constitution for the annual meeting OF
the Senate and Assembly
That 1t will be an epoch-making gath
ering Is generally expected, for the rea-
son that while control, so far as law
making is concerned, happens TO De
evenly divided between the Democrats
and Republicans, both parties IN thell
platforms are committed TO the same
measures of reform.
The Democrats have an overWheim-
ing majority in the Assembly, the vote
standing AZ to Is. and the Republicans
are in complete control of the SENATE
which, according to the returns, con
sists Of twelve Republicans ana nine
Democrats.
1t Is likely that the seat of one or the
Democratic senators-George Z. Low
may be contested, but 1t is doubtful II
the contest will result in change'
The evidence of fraud developed during
the recount demanded by Senator
Thomas A Mathis was so pronounced
that Supreme Court Justice Voornees
refused TO cancel the Low certlncate
and issue one to Mathis.
Ackermap Heads Senate.
The Senate, however, is final judge Of
the election and qualifications of Its
MEMBERS" and may seat Mathis II so
disposed. That such course will be
followed, however Is doubtful. The
Senate will organize with Ernest X.
Ackerman, of Union, as president; Sen
ator John D. Prince, of Passaic, as ma
iority. and Senator Harry V. Osborne,
of this county, as minority leader on
the floor.
In the House Edward Kenny, OF
Hudson. will be elected speaker, As
semblyman John j. Matthews. of Hun
terdon, majority and Assemblyman
Thomas McCran as minority leaders
Little friction is anticipated in either
branch of the Legislature.
Caucus Tomorrow.
The Democrats will hold joint eau
Gus In the speakers room at Trenton
at II o'clock to perfect the plans of or
ganlzation and outline a mode OF pro
cedure during the session. While the
leaders of both parties are desirous TO
have the session as brief as possibly,
no attempt to rush matters will be
made because Of the Importance of the
contemplated legislation
AS usual, the first week will close
with the organization. The second
week will end with the inauguration Of
Governor elect Wilson and the third
week with the election of a successor
to United States Senator John Kean.
In accordance with the constitution
both senate and assembly meeting
separately will take ballot for sena-
tor on Tuesday, January "a The for
mer will designate a Republican, the
latter a Democrat, and because of the
failure of both to agree on the same
candidate both houses are required to
meet in Joint session on Wednesday,
January %, and take at least one bal
lot then and each succeeding legisla-
tive day until choice is made.
One Ballot to Decide.
II is not considered probable that
more than one ballot will be taken, and
with the senatorial question settled the
legislature will settle down to the real
work OF the session. 1t will be the first
time in seventeen years that the Demo
Gratis will be In control In joint ses-
sion, and the first time in fifteen years
that Democratic governor win occupy
the executive chamber.
This will not give the Democrats
absolute control of legislation. however,
inasmuch as all bills and joint resolu-
tions require the assent OF both houses,
and while the governor has the veto
power the same vote-a mere majority
which passes a bill originally will
override the governors veto
The majority will, however, elect
Democrat to succeed Comptroller
Henry ]. West. and that will give the
Democrats control of the State House
which consists Of the gov