Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-09-29
THREE POLITICAL
PARTIES IN JERSEY
CONVENE IN TRENTON
Absence of Excitement in
Strong Contrast With For
mer Imes-Governor
Fielder Attends.

| TRENTON, Sept 29.-With three big
political conventions on in this city to-
day there is scarcely a ripple to dis
tinguish convention day from any other,
so quietly are the meetings conducted
and so few are the delegates here. The
| new style of convention, which was urgea
| through the Legislature when Woodrow
| Wilson was Governor of New Jersey, is
! in sharp contrast to the old-time shout
ing, gesticulating, trading, band-playing
political meetings. The direct primaries
have done away with convention nom
nations in the State, and now the chief
purpose of the getting together of the
delegates is the framing of a platform
suitable for all the candidates of each
party In the campaign. In each con-
vention the Assembly and Senate nomi-
nees' the holdover Senators and the State
Committee are entitled to attend as dele
gates The Governor of the State is
entitled to participate in the convention
of his party. and therefore, Governor
Fielder attended the Democratic conven-
tion.
The Democratic meeting, which was
opened in Masonic Hall shortly after
noon, was called to order by Chairman
Edward q. Grosscup, of the State Com
mittee.
The progressive element of the party
seemed to be in the saddle and the Will |
son men Were plentifully In evidence. The |
old machine is cutting little figure in the |
convention.
After the calling OF the meeting by the
HtdIe CHAIRMAN Senator Peter McGinnis, |
OF fassaic, was made chairman, and the |
usual convention committees were an !
pointed. An address was made by Gov |
ernor Fielder, in which he predicted Dem
ocratic success at the polls this fall, and
urged the party TO stand together in har-
mony. recess was taken in order Ia
give the Platform Committee time to draw
up the platform for presentation to the
convention.
The Republican convention. which met
In the Republican Club Auditorium here,
was called together by Chairman Bug
bee, of the Republican State Committee
Senator William T. Read of Camden
the Republican leader in the Senate, was
called upon TO preside. The Republicans
IN their speeches. expressed confidence In
their chances for success in the coming |
election and were jubllant apparently
over the seeming Increasing weakness
OF the Progresstves. II was declared
that desertions from the Progressive
ranks meant generally that Republican
was won back to the fold
After the various committees had been
appointed by the chair a recess was
iaken and the Platform Committee re-
'ired to draft its platform
The Progressive convention, held at the |
headquarters of the Mercer County Pro
SressiYe League. was well attended. II
was called to order by Frank b less
1f Camden, chairman of the State Com |
nltlee OF that party. There was ap
parent uneasiness for fear of n clash a.
my time between the radical and CON
itryative clements of the party. Tho
which the committee retired
% dr9w up, is said to be a reafirmance
If the principles of the Progressiye
,arty. |
The conventions viii not be concluded |
lntil late In the afternoon, by which |
ime the platform Of each win be com |
.lete.