Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1912-12-03
Lively Row in Caucus.

Special to the EVENING NEWS.
Trenton, Dec. 3.-Not in years has
there been such a political scramble
over the organization of the assembly
as took place today when the victo-
rious Democrats gathered for their
caucus. The meeting was scheduled
for 10 80 o'clock, but bitter strug-
gle soon developed between the
friends and foes of Gov. Wilson for
control that 1t was long after noon
before the assemblymen formerly got
together. The fight mainly was over
the speakership,' the leading candi-
dates being Hennessy of Bergen,
backed by the lieutenants of governor
and Taylor, of Monmouth, who had
the support of Essex, represented
largely by the James Smith, Jr., in
terest.
James r. Nugent of Newark, chief
lieutenant of Smith, the mortal en-
envy OF Gov. Wilson, was personally
present directing the fight against
Hennessy. Egan of Hudson was the
candidate for floor leader on the
Hennessy slate, but announced that
he would withdraw in favor of Mar
shall, of Mercer If Essex would
switch to Hennessy. This the twelve
Essex men after a conference with
Nugent, refused to do. The candi-
date for leader on the Taylor ticket
| was Martin, of Hudson, lieutenant of
the governor, would go down to de-
| feat. With Hennessy rather than
yield an inch and they declared that
under no circumstances would they
accept Martin for assembly pilot.
| Near Come to Blows.
Joseph P. Tumulty, acting secre
| tary to Governor Wilson, and As.
semblyman Martin of Hudson, who is
lopposed for any assembly office by the
Governor almost came to blows in
the state house corridor today. Tu-
multy, who was assisting in direct
ing the fight for the organization OF
the assembly, met Martin and warm
words Immediately passed. Martin
Iaccused Tumulty Of inconsistency and
Secretary Tumulty denied the charge
and told Martin that the governor
would never consent to his being
given a place In the Assembly. Mr..
Tumulty started to take off his coat
and for a minute looked like a fight
Friends interfered however and the
incident was closed. Just before the
assembly caucus met the Essex dele
cation conferred and decided to vote
for Taylor. Mr.. Taylor claimed he
would have rs votes on the first bal
lot and would win the nomination for
speaker, but the Hennessy men were
still fighting hard when the doors
were closed on the caucus.
Fielder For Senate President.
With Senator Fielder, of Hudson
county practically agreed upon as the
candidate as the president of the
senate before the senate caucus met
today the interest Of the meetine
centered chiefly upon who would be
selected for the position of floor
| leader which is an important post
| because the leader always heads thu
judiciary committee and pilots al
party legislation. The senate caucus
was held behind closed doors with
every democratic senator present, in
Guiding Fitzherbert of Morris Wht
! last year was found guilty by th'
republican majority of attempted ex
tortion In connection with two bills
| The contest over the leadership wa
between Davis of Salem and Slocun
| of Monmouth and resulted in a vic
tory for Davis. Senator Davis wa
| made chairman of the caucus thi
honor carrying the leadership with it