New-York tribune., 1913-11-26
STOKES IGNORED;
PROCRESSIVES win
Jersey Republican Confer
ence Paves Way for
Much Legislation.
DEMOCRATS WILL BE
GIVEN FAIR CHANCE
Ex-Governor Not at Meeting
E. l.. Richards Chosen
Minority Leader.

| tFrom a Staff Correspondent of The Tr!bunel
Trenton, n. j., Nov. 25.-The Progress
sive Republicans captured the joint con-
ference of the Republican members Of the
Legislature this afternoon, and succeeded
in having plans for the coming session
adopted that will mean the introduction
of many progressive measures right at
the opening of the session. In addition
the joint conference ignored the leader
ship OF Ex-Governor E. c. Stokes, who,
It was announced early In the day, would
address the conferrees on a party pro-
gramme.
Mr.. Stokes was not at the Joint con-
ference, neither was he invited, although
it is said that some OF the Assemblymen
did ask him to address them.
Senator Reed, the Republican leader Of
the Senate. said he had not heard OF any
invitation being sent TO Mr.. Stokes. He
said the name of the Ex-Governor wasn't
| even mentioned in the conference and
anyhow. he guessed that the Legislators,
having been elected by the people, knew
what they wanted and could do their own
thinking.
one Of the features Of the conference
was the announcement OF several of the
Senators that they were not going 70 al.
! low party affiliations TO influence their
vote on meritorious bills.
"If the Democrats put in a good bill
one that is in the interest Of the people
of the state" Senator Colgate said, why,
| I'm going 10 vote for IT, My object will
/ 1 A.
people of the state, regardless of the au.
;horship.'
"We are going to prepare bills for in
| PRODUCTION" said Mr.. Reed, "but il th3
/ Democrats should offer any bills that are
cood we are not going TO oppose them
( simply because bills on the same subject
have been put in by Republicans
| The plans adopted by the conferrees
call for the preparation Of bills providing
for the preferential primary ballot, of-
| fciency and economy in the government
Of the state. a real Craze crossing bill
and reforms in the taxing system Of the
state. The work of preparing these meas.
ures was given TO individual Senators,
who will act as chairmen of the commit
tees having them in charge.
Senator Colgate will look after the
preferential primary measure, Senator
Pierce will look after the tax legislation
and grade crossing elimination and sena-
tor Edge will take care Of the efficiency
and economy measures.
Only a feeble effort was made 10 pre-
vent the adoption OF a comprehensive and
progressive legislative programme. This
came from Emerson L. Richards. the
minority leader OF the House, who en-
deavored TO base a "slt tight" policy
adopted on the plea that IL the Republi-
cans introduced any progressive meas
ures early in the session the idea would
probably be stolen by the Democrats.
few others tried TO help Mr.. Richards out
but the advocates of action were so nu-
| merous that Mr. Richards and his sup
porters quickly subsided.
The absence Of Ex-Governor Stokes from
to-day's conference produced considerable
gossip His friends pointed out that oy
becoming the Republican candidate for
Governor he had been chosen the leader
OF the party in New Jersey, and they
could not understand why the Senators
did not join with the Assemblymen in IN
viting him.
The Republicans will hold another joint
conference some time next month"; az
which measures which have been pre-
pared will be discussed.
Previous to the joint conference Emer'
son l.. Richards, of Atlantic, was chosen
minority leader after a warn SHIT
mish with John b. Hates, of Camden
Mr.. Richards wants to run for Congress
in the lst District next fall, and he thin"
the minority leadership will help h''
chances. His selection was not ver'
popular. however.