Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1915-10-16
Political Leaders Gener-
ally Expect Rejection
of Proposition.
ADVERSE NEWARK VOTE
SAID TO BE CONCEDED
Comparatively Low Number of
Ballots May Be Cast at Tues
day Election.

Defeat for the woman's suffrage
amendment in Newark and all out
ward signs pointing to its rejection
In the State, is the way political lead
ers and political observers size up the
situation almost on the eve of Tues
days special election. That the vote
in this city will be adverse to the
votes for women cause is conceded
even by supporters of the amend
ment, but so far as the State is COLI
cerned they not only profess conf
dence but are sincerely eXpectant Of
victory. However, the fact remains
that the odds are decidedly against
the hopes of the suffrage eXponents.
President Wilson's announcement
in favor of woman's suffrage took
much lethargy out of the campaign
on both sides, and unquestionably
was big asset to the movement The
president and his friends have not at
tempted to make the election a test
of his New Jersey popularity, how
ever, and many of the executives
best friends are against the amend
ment.
Widely Supported.
The excess condemnation amend
ment has wide support and little ac-
tive opposition. It's success is mem
aced though by the untitled need of a
campaign of education on its behalf.
During the last week those interested
in this amendment have done some
thing toward filing this need and in
any event the amendment should be
the high one of the three proposed
changes.
:. I. .f,,,r 4 tlN1
to vote upon the changes in the State
constitution more often than once
every five years. has also been over
looked in the excitement over
woman's suffrage. 1t is known that
many political leaders do not look
enthusiastically upon this amend
ment, but in the last analysis, the
trend of the vote upon the other two
amendments will probably have the
deciding effect upon this change.
AS usual in special elections, the
vote is not likely to be large. In
past elections upon constitutional
amendments, the vote has been as
low as fifteen and forty per cent. of
the total eligible. In view of the ex-
citement over woman's suffrage, It
would seem logical to expect a vote
elections. That the total Tuesday
however, will not go beyond fifty per
cent. of the enrolment and may not
even reach that, is the belief OF
many, This would be unfortunate,
as a minority would in such an event
be determining questions Of vital inn
portance to all the people.
The presidents position upon
womans suffrage has had curious
OF, n-
nublicans fear that victory for
woman's suffrage, coming Immediate
ly after the presidents statement
would enhance Mr.. Wilson's prestige
In the eyes OF the country and would
make him that much more formidable
In the election next year.
By the same token, they calculate
that the defeat OF the amendment can
be hailed as rebuff of the president
end proof that his home State is no
longer with him. Therefore, they are
willing and anxious TO overthrow the
amendment, and are now working
with a vim. The presidents stand
has aroused them from their lethargy
In the votes for women campaign.
That the president has not attempted
to make the cause a test of his popu-
tarity. and that an adverse vote
would most decidedly not be a slap
at him, makes no difference to these
enthusiastic Republicans. They are
ready to create anti-Wilson capital
put of the amendments defeat, should
It indeed be defeated. just as soon as
such a result is announced on
Wednesday morning, October 20.
Democrats for Suffrage.
While some of the national leaders
In the woman's suffrage were threat
ening a boycott against the Demo-
cratic party not so long ago on the
theory that tho latter was firmly
against votes for women, II is inter-
esting to note the list of prominent
Jersey Democrats who have declared
for woman's suffrage. They outnum-
her the prominent Republicans who
have taken stand the bulk of the
Republicans evidently preferring to
play the game safe and not commit
themselves one way or the other
Where there is strong organiza-
ton. whether Republican or Demo-
cratic. the sentiment is usually ad-
verse to votes for women. Not only
does this apply to the Republican and
Democratic parties in Essex county,
but it is also true elsewhere, but in
Camden, for example, the ants should
roll up big majority. The antis are
counting upon Atlantic county like
wise, while Passaic Republicans are
expected to give their aid, too.
In Passaic. however, United States
Senator William Hughes and DR.
Andrew j. Mcbride, former mayor
Of Paterson, are active exponents of
woman's suffrage.
The belief seems generally enter
tanned that in most rural districts, the
suffrage cause will show strength.
The agricultural counties have not