Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-07-11

primary law in force in many of the
states before the adoption of the
amendment clecting United States sen e
ators by direct vote of the people.
Democratic Boss in Ring
Opposed to the Republican who will
he selected as candidate for governor
probably will be one of the following
three Democrats: Former Congressman
Thomas J. Scully, of, Middlesex Ed
ward |. Edwards, Jersey City banker.
and "Jim" Nugent. of Newark, Demo-
cratic boss of the state.
Just now the Democrats are having n
fine row over which one of the three
shall be chosen as the Democratic
party'S candidate. For some time Ed
wards was regarded generally as lead
ing the field. This was before \ugent
became candidatp-whcn he was. in
fact. supporting Edwards's candidacy.
The story going the rounds in Re
publican circles hrre-a story over
which there has been many a hearty
laughs to the effect that Edwards
received quiet tip from Washington
to disasSoriatc himself from his backer
and party boss. His attempt to
carry out the admonition. so the story
goes. not only lost hrm NugPnt's sup
port, but won in its place the Newark
leaders active opposition and rival can
didacy for the nomination.
Credited With Making" Wilson
Nugcnt is power in New Jersey
politics He is both strong and out
spoken His services to the admnistra
ton in the past. and particularly TO
President Wilson. have been COnsidcra
bic With former United States Sen
ator James Smith. Nugpnt is credited
with having "madc' President Wilson
politically.
The Republican leaders of the state
are confident that they will carry the
governOrship against any candidate that
the Democrats can put up. They are
even more certain that Now Jersey Will
60 Republican by big majority in the
presidential election of 1920.
As much interest at least is being
taken in tho presidential possibilities of
UfAl N'HI IL Ill INV ENlb'l hi'N' ''' go -
The sentiment is cmphatiCally against
President Wilson, according to men
who have been in active political can
vassing throughout New Jersey. This
unpopularity is no new thing. 1t is
most outspokcn in Trenton. whore
President Wilson's frequent absences
from the State House on political cam
paigning trips throughout the country
created a feeling that he was neglect
ing his stat" to advance his own poll
tical ambitions. The Republicans
claim that the issue is cloar-cut against
President Wilson, and that in the
matter Of how New Jersey will vote
nationally there is only one answer
the most overwhelmingly Republican
majority that the state has seen in
years.
The governorship fight is a good deal
more complicated. aud not quite so
certain. although the least optimistic
of the Republican leaders are confident
that the Republican cnndidate-whoever
he is-will be elected by a strong
ma ajority,
Some of this uncertainty arises out
of the prohibition issue. New Jersey.
in spite of the fact that it was one of
the first abiding places in the country
of the local option idea. is regarded
as a naturally 'wct' state.
The return of the soldiers from
| overseas likewise has helped create a
strong feeling in favor of more liberia
views in regard to the manufacture anc
sale of alcoholic beverages. The wisest
of the Republican leaders fear that d
good many Jerseymen will register q
punitive vote against any politician,