New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-09-28
The New Jersey Primary.


The denomination of Senator James f.
MARITIME is a crashing blow to the Presl-
dents prestige in his home state. 1t can
not possibly be interpreted in any other
way than as a reputation by the New Jer-
sey Democracy of Mr.. Wilson's leadership
The verdict given against the President
in Tuesdays primary could not well have
been more clear-cut and decisive. Mr..
Marines candidacy offered an ideal test
Of the Administrations influence. Mr..
Wilson broke long ago with the senior Sen
ator, who had shown strong "lnsurgent
tendencies, and determined to replace him,
if possible, with more dependable and per-
sonally more acceptable supporter. The man
finally chosen to defeat Mr.. MARITIME was
ex,Judge John w. Wescott, of Camden,
He had made the speech nominating Mr..
Wilson for President in the Democratic
National Convention Of 1912, and, in order
To emphasize his close relations with the
President, was selected to perform the
same service in this years Democratic Ma
tional Convention. In character and IN
equipment for the Senate he is so far su-
perior TO Mr.. MARITIME as to make COM
parsons almost odious. It is no secret
that what is left of the Administration
machine in New Jersey exerted itself TO
the utmost TO defeat MARITIME and nom
mate Wescott.
Mr.. Marines activities in Washington
have reflected little credit on New Jersey.
As a Senator he is a joke. He could not
have been renominated under ordinary con-
ditions. But with a certain shrewdness he
seemed TO realize that he would have a.
chance to win this year by standing as an
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. candidate and capital
ling TO the full the Presidents rapidly
growing unpopularity. He was a bene-
fciarv, within the Democratic party, OF
that reaction against wisconsin which has
been running so strong for the last eigh-
teen months. He defeated Judge Wescott
by a two TO one vote not because OF any
positive merits Of his own, but solely be-
cause Judge Wescott had to carry the bur-
den of a Wilson Endorsement.
The result of the Martine-Wescott con-
test discloses a resentment against Mr..
Wilson and his policies within the Demo-
cratic ranks which has hitherto found lit
tie opportunity to express itself. There
has been plenty of it in Washington
among Democratic Senators and Repre-
sentatives. The President has hardly one
sincere friend left in either branch of Con-
eress. His aloofness, his secrecy and his
dictatorial methods have alienated prac-
tically every Democratic leader of conse-
quence.
Mr. MARITIME was not alone in his impa-
thence at the Presidents cold and naughty
attitude. When he said that he would
rather 90 back TO his farm in Union
County than visit the White House daily
for "orders" he voiced the heartfelt senti-
ment of the great majority of his Demo-
cratic colleagues. But most of them have
been more cautious than he in defying the
power of the Administration. They be-
lieved that their own fortunes were bound
I'D with the Presidents, and that eXpedi-
ency required them to accept Mr.. Wilson's
leadership with at least a surface appear
ance of loyalty. They have submitted to
the dictation Of the President and of his
two secretly detested advisers, Secretary
McAdoo and Postmaster General Burleson.
And they have been treasuring up their
wrath for that safe opportunity of venting
it which is TO come after November next.
What flood Of stored-up Democratic ami
mostly is likely TO be Embossed at the ap-
preaching short session Of Congress!
Mr.. MARITIME did not treasure up his
wrath in secret. He gave rein to it when
the occasion justified. And he was right.
The event has justified his preference for
an open clash with the Administration. He
will not win reelection next month, but
at least he has had the satisfaction of
proving that the Democrats Of New Jersey
are willing 10 take him, with all his weak
nesses, as their Senatorial candidate
rather than accept a better candidate
chosen for them by Mr. Wilson.
Tuesdays primary should dispose Of the
notion that New Jersey is in any sense a
doubtful state. 1t is again safely Repub-
lican. Mr. Wilson was elected Governor in
1910, in year Of general Republican
reaction. He also got the states electoral
vote in 1912. but only because Of the Re-
publican-Progressive split. The combined
Roosevelt and Taft vote exceeded his by
1886. In 1913 Governor Fielder won in
three-cornered fight. He received 49,
l4S votes, against Republican Progress
sive total Of l8l ,430. Since then, however,
the Republicans have twice carried the
state Legislature--in 1914 and 1915-and
in 1914 they elected eight Representatives
in Congress out Of twelve.
The Progressive party Of New Jersey
disappeared as party last year. Prac-
tically all is former members are now back