The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1912-03-26


There Is trouble In Democratic ranks
which will be harsher before the end is
reached. Governor Wilson settled all
question about who should be recognized
as the leader of the party In Burlington
county by making one appointment and
ignoring another on Wednesday. The
berth of member of the County Board of
Taxation was given to Richard P. Hughes,
of Florence, and the application of for
mer Judge Wills to be placed on the State
Bo ard of Taxation to succeed Hon. Hen
ry J. Trick, was turned down.
The appointment of Hughes is said to
have been handled by Thomas Birch, who
has seemed to be the man behind the
throne In Burlington county to the exclu-
sion of those who think they haYe done
as much for the party and expended as
much time and money for the cause as the
youthful would-be leader has, excluding
the lavish entertainment of could not-be
and want-to-be Presidents. In this line
the young man has been quite an adept.
At any rate he championed the cause
of Hughes and successfully carried his
man to the goal. There were others who
would have been pleased to have recogni-
ton. There was Thomas G. Shreve, who
had faithfully and efficiently served in
the Office and who was recommended for
reappointment by taxpayers without re
gard to party there was Joseph B. Lam
son, former assessor, who had the back
ing of some of the best men of his party
and who was undoubtedly qualified for
the office; there was Linton Ingling, of
Columbus, who was also strongly backed,
and whose ability was unquestionsd, but
they did not. have the right man behind
them and down they went.
Then former Judge Wills thought there
were many circumstances which entitled
him to consideration as candidate for
membership on the State Board of Taxa
ton. He had been honored by his party
by being put at the head of its most i'm
portant organization. He had always
done his share in work and expense in all
campaigns, but he went. like McGinty,
ito the bottom of the sea-"
| If there was an idea that everything
would blow over and things would run
along smoothly 1t was soon dispelled, for
many members of the party. not alone
those who were disappointed, felt
that the time had come to determine
whether the cry ''no bossism" was mere
talk or whether it was what 1t real
ly sounded like. Joe Lamson was the
first to throw down the gauntlet and he at
once SHE'D bis that in the ring" and fol
lowed it himself. He at once began the
circulation of a petition announcing his
intention of contesting as a delegate
from the Second Congressional District to
the Democratic National Convention. He
Is not in the field as antagonistic to Gov.
ernor Wilson as Presidential candidate,
In fact he says openly he will support the
Governor. The fight is not on that line.
1t is to decide whether Tommy Birch Ii
the only real article in the Democratic
ranks or whether there are Others who
might as we'll be consulted occasionally.
1t will be merry war and the fur viii
fly before the end Is reached. Joe Lam
lson is hustler, and he has hosts o.
friends In Ills own party who are anxious
to have the question above mentioned OF
the point of "bossism" settled.