Perth Amboy evening news., 1918-08-08
FROM THE JERSEY JOURNAL, MONDAY EVENING. AUGUST g. 1918
NUGENI PICKS J. A. c. JOHNSON FOR u. S. SENATE RI
Judge Haight and Senator 1orance Dodge Essex Boss LabeL-Mayor Donneny
Asked to Run for Short Term Nomination.

Chairman William A. Whitehead OF the Bergen County
Democratic Committee made an earnest plea for the ac-
ton the choice of Bergen's' Democracy and the greatest
vote getter in the county. He declared that Johnson could
not get the county support
At this juncture Nugent again took the floor and
warmly supported Johnson.
we are not very fond of Hennessy in Essex County"
said Nugent- johnson is a man who would support the
President"
mitteeman from Bergen. who once upon a time, 1t will be
remembered. made the motion to expel Mr.. Nugent from
the State Chairmanship and give his place to Grosscup
after the do 1 drink alone 2" episode Of 1911.
IT live in the same town with Johnson tEnglewood)."
said Plat. land I know he is not the kind of a man the
Democrats need at this time. The last time he had a
chance to support woodrow Wilson publicly he aid not do
bad bill that johnson had voted for was vetoed by Gov.
Wilson. Before the veto he agreed to be with the Gov
my presence. When he went back into the Senate chamber.
johnson helped the Republican majority pass this bad
bill over Mr.. Wilson's veto. That is the way Johnson stood
by Woodrow Wilson at Trenton"
The proceedings were getting hot now. and to end
matters Mcdonald put the question as to whether Johnson
should be endorsed for the long term nomination and
Donnely for the short term nomination. Hardly anybody
seemed to vote. but Mcdonald declared the endorsement
passed 8 to g.. although about fifty men were at the confab
when it began. Nusent, Martin. Barber and Lynch Of
and Donneny. Wittpenn. Hudspeth and Milton were
silent.
up things by their declaration that the selections werc a
joke and that they would cut no ice at the primaries Sept.
"a. They declared that Johnson's candidacy was simply a
scheme to cut into Hennessy in Bergen. but they declared
the scheme would fail.
Before the conference State Chairman Mcdonald got
two peppery epistles from Simpson and Hennessy. who
were preparing to enter upon aggressive campaigns today.
The letter from Simpson to Mcdonald read:
CAS- a candidate for the nomination for United States
Senator and as a Democrat entitled to fair treatment under
the provisions of tho Geran law. I respectfully anticipate
that your action. IL any. today viii be conducted upon the
principles of Woodrow Wilson. and in according an equal
opportunity and a square deal to every candidate. No Sc
lection made in any other method than in open primary
will be looked upon by the Democrats but as the return
of the political bosses to power. II you want Democratic
victory In November leave the selecting to the voters and
keep your hands of and let the best man win"
Following Is the letter of former Senator Hennessy
which wss presented to Chairman Mcdonald at the Sea
Girt gathering by William A Whitehead. chairman of the
Bergen County Democratic Committee:
Hon Charles B. Mcdonald. chairman, Democratic
State Committee:
Dear Mr.. McDonaid-May I offer a suggestion which
I hope may meet with your approval and be submitted for
the consideration of the gentlemen who will be your guests
on Saturday. It Is this: That arrangement be made by the
State Committee. acting with the various county commit
tees, for the holding In each county of the State, at prac-
ticable dates before the primary day. of one or more pub
lie meetings, for Democrats only. to discuss United States
Senatorial candidates.. At such meetings all those who
have properly qualified as candidates would be allowed
equal opportunity to appear in person before their fellow
Democrats and submit arguments in support of their can
didacy. Where primary contests occur for Congressional
nominations. these contestants should also be heard at
such meetings
you Will agree. I believe. that this is the fairest and
most democratic method Of promoting the Intelligent and
u~ntrammeled selection of candidates by the party voters
upon whom the final choice and responsibility rests 1t
would give such voters an opportunity that may otherwise
be denied to them. to see and hear and measure the men
who seek TO bear the party standard in the November con-
test This plan would. I believe. greatly serve the Demo-
cratic party IN our State. It would dispose at once of the
charge that any group OF men Is trying unfairly to inhu-
ence the selection OF the Democratic Senatorial candidate.
1t would tend to promote good feeling among rival candi-
dates that would serve later TO advantage of the winner.
1t would insure larger attendance at the meetings than
could otherwise be obtained. and thus promote greater in
terest in Democratic success IN November.
Provision for meeting the expense Of these meetings
could no doubt be arranged through the campaign man
ayers OF the candidates.
Earnestly trusting that the plan I have suggested
may, in the interest OF Democratic success. meet with your
approval. I am
Very sincerely yours.
CHARLES ocoNNoR -HENNEssY."
Although Mr.. Whitehead had specially asked MeDon-
aid to read the letter at the conference. Mcdonald. after
comforting with Nugent. pocketed the letter and did not
read It at all.
Johnson Is a lawyer and he served just one term in
Trenton as State Senator from Bergen-that Is. from 1911
10 1914. He was succeeded by Hennessy. He has an once
in New York. He worked in Trenton against local option
as the paid counsel OF liquor interests He was also con-
neeted for some time as counsel with the Hudson River
Bridge and Tunnel Commission.