Perth Amboy evening news., 1912-09-09
FIGHT IT OUT
FOR SENATOR
Mescott Refuses to With
draw TO Beat Smith.

WHe will have the backing of the
state leaders, was the reply made TINS
morning by Congressman Thomas ..
SculIy when interviewed by a NEWS
reporter on the progress Of the unlted
States senatorial campaign of Congress
man William Hughes, of Paterson
s'Mr. Hughes has been selected by the
most influential men in Democratic cir
Giles in New Jersey as the only candl-
date in the progressive field who can
defeat Senator Smith for the primary
nomination. Mr.. Scully continued,
land I think he will" Governor
Woodrow Wilson has not made public
his preference in the senatorial race, as
he is a strong advocate of the open
primary law.
Others Not To Withdraw.
According to Congressman Scully,
State Senator William C. Gebhardt, of
Hunterdon county and former Judge
John W.. Wescott, of Camden, will not
withdraw in favor of Mr.. Hughes, which
action had been urged by all the Demo
cratic leaders who favor the candidacy
of the Paterson congressman as well as
harmony at this time in the state ranks.
1t is feared that an unexpected show
OF strength Dg otDuJOI RHiibhy VI ~'N'
ark. will secure him the primary nom
nation, because the progressive vote
will probably be divided, somewhat, be-
tween Messrs. Gebhardt, Wescott and
Hughes. To offset this possibility, the
leaders are working tooth and nail to
increase the Hughes sentiment in every
section of the state.
Gebhardt Wal Willing.
Congressman Scully states that Sena-
tor Gebhardt offered to withdraw, in
favor of Mr.. Hughes, if Mr.. Wescott
would take like action, but the latter
declined. The three progressive candi-
dates held a conference with Governor
Wilson at Sea Girt only two weeks ago,
but no compromise was affected. Nj.
Gebhardt will not withdraw from the
race, according to report, yet will not
make any extend efforts to land the
plum, Mr.. Scully states. He will prob
ably assist the Hughes candidacy by
remaining, as he will secure a percen-
tage Of the Smith support In North Jer-
sey, although the Hughes campaign
managers declare that they have the
Third, Fifth and Sixth Congressional
Districts tucked away in their vest
pockets.
Hughes at Bound Brook.
Congressman Hughes addressed a big
mass meeting on Saturday at Bound
Brook, and will speak tomorrow at At
lantic City, with Governor Wilson, to
the Spanish American War veterans.
He will tour the state, between now
and primary day, September "a, but
will not speak in the third district,
particularly Middlesex county, unless it
rs considered necessary. AS Mr.. Scully
stated today, "~everybody around here
old and young alike-are out working
for Billy SO he will devote his time
to more unfriendly sections of the
state. lie expects to make big in
reads upon the expected Wescott vote
IN South Jersey, as a number Of lead
ers down there have promised him
their support.
Any candidate who desires to with
draw must file such declaration at tn.
office of David Crater, secretary of
state, not later than tomorrow. IT is
highly probable that the six candidates
who have filed petitions will continue.
They are: Congressman Hughes, Sena-
tor Gebhardt, Judge Wescott, Senator
Smith, George W. Young and Frank
McDermit. 1t is commonly known that
Mr.. Young and Attorney McDermit,
who asplred to the senatorship two
years ago, have entered the race in the
interests of Senator Smith. Mr.. Nc
Dermit is considered influential in
North Jersey, while Mr.. Young, who
resides at Deal Beach, is expected to
counteraet the strong Hughes senti-
ment in Monmouth county.