Perth Amboy evening news., 1919-11-07
SEE SPEAKER
IN HERSHF|ELD
Forecast From Trenton See
Brown as Leader

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TRENTON, Nov. There is a
strong likelihood that Assemblyman
Harry G.. Hershfeld of Passaic Coun-
ty will be the Republican speaker of
the next house. At the next session
he-will begin his fourth consecutive
term in the legislature, where he has
earned the reputation of being one
of the ablest members on the Republi-
can side and a clever debater on the
floor. Last year Mr.. Hershfield was
a candidate for the speakership when
the Republicans chose Arthur N. Pier
son of Union County, because he had
been floor leader the year before
Speaker Pierson will be q member
of the next house also, but it is I'M
derstood he will not actively canvass
for a reelection to preside over the
assembly. 1t is believed he will ac-
cept the honor again If proffered to
him, but would more likely step aside,
If another candidat eappears, in order
that another may win the place, so
that the office of speaker may go
around.
The issue of wet" and dry might
enter into the contest, SO far as
Hershfield's selection is concerned. He
is an ardent wet" and the 'drys" in
the Republican caucus who will be a
considerable number, may insist on
standing for Pierson again, as he is
known to be one of them.
Has Five Votes
HerShheld would undoubtedly start
off with the solid backing of the five
assembly votes, counting his own from
Passaic County. Assemblyman David
Young, of Morris, nay also be a can
didate for Speaker. He is a veteran
legislator, having served in the house
years ago and being returned again
last year.
The question as to whom the G. o.
p. will pick for house leader is doubt
full at this writing. AS a matter of
fact the majority will not have many
experienced men from which to make
q selection. Hershield would be the
first choice, and in his selection for
speaker the pick would likely have to
be made from Assemblymen Young,
Rowland, of Camden, Warner, of I'm
ion, or q new and untried member.
1t is not likely that Pierson would
again accept the floor leadership, hav-
ing nee held that place, n the fact
that Kellam, of Camden, was Repub-
lican whip last winter might initiate
against Mr.. Rowland. He showed
some ability in the last session and
may win the honor.
Caucus BaLUIc Tor Democrats.
There is likely to be a caucus battle
among the 81 Democrats for the floor
leadership on that side. Leader Hugh
C. Barrett, of Essex, has been re-elec-
ted, as has also Assemblyman James
j. McAteer, of Hudson. Either an Els
sex or Hudson ma will win the honor.
There is a strong probability that Bar
rett will win the place again.
Over in the Senate it seems to be
q forefone conclusion hat Senator
Clarence +. Case, of Somerset, Re-
publican floor leader last winter will
again win the honor. Senator Will
liam b. Mackay, who was the Edge
candidate for President last winter
will likely be chosen to be f1oor lead
err. He could be a candidate for the
position of presiding officer, but 1t Is
not believed he will get in the path of
his friend from Somerset.
Deadlock Fight.
1t will be remembered that in the
deadlock fight last year for the SEN
ate organization, Case backed Mac
kay in the Senate caucus and it was
only when it became apparent that
the Bergen man could not win that
Case became a compromise candidate.
This Case-Mackay slate may not go
through, if the same kim of resistance
as was shown by the Wells-Runyon
forces in the last Republican Senate
caucus develops. Acting Governor
Runyon, Senator Whitney, of Morris,
Senator Bright, Cape May, n Sena-
tor Pilgrim, of Essex, all part of the
'~insugent' movement of a year ago,
which finally landed Runyon in the
Presidents chair and almost made
him the Republican candidate for
Governor will be in the caucus again
this year
In addition there will be some new
Senators of the same stripe and if
Case is a candidate bearing any Edge
or other organization label which the
independents do not like, a battel SIM
liar to last year ma again be staged.
Brown to Lead in Senate.
Senator Tom Brown, of Middle
sex, will likely be the Democratic
Senate floor leader. In the last ses-
sion, although only a novice, he bore
the brunt of the battle for the minor
ity with the new Governor-elect Ed
wards. He is a good speaker n pos
sessed of skill as a debater. Senator
elect Alexander Simpson, of Hudson,
former Democratic House Leader in
1918, will be an able second to Brown
on the Senate floor. Senator S. Roy
Heath, Mercer, the first Democrat
from the county in thirty years, will
also prove to be a strong prop for the
minority.