Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-09-15
New Jersey Records
Slump for Wi||kie,
But He Holds Lead Still
Hague Is Confident
Required 10000 Votes
Will Not Switch
BY EDWARD M. GILROY,

Special Correspondent OF The Star.
TRENTON, N. j., Sept. 14.-De-
spite slump in sentiment for Wen
dell L. Willkie since his nominal
ton. he appears today to lead Pres
ident Roosevelt for New Jerseys 16
electoral votes.
Willkie sentiment was strong In
New Jersey even before his nomina-
ton, and he got IL of the States
80 delegates on the first ballot at
the Philadelphia convention. A
speech by Mr.. Willkie in Somerville
the day before the primary had
much to do with his pre-convention
support and the movement gained
impetus with the formation of more
than 200 Willkie-for- President
Clubs.
The slump came as an aftermath
to the convention enthusiasm and
activity. but so far little has been
done to counteract it. The Willkie
clubs have had difficulties with the
regular Republican State organiza-
ton, both over campaign procedure
and finances. Willkie clubs insisted
upon retaining their right to collect
from Democrats and independents
who might be unwilling to contrib
ute to the entire Republican ticket.
They declined to follow a proposal
by the Republican State Committee
that they limit their contributions
to 81. Recent conferences between
Clayton E. Freeman, State chair
man, and Donald J. Smith, Willkie
Club president. have ironed out
some differences.
Mayor Hague Confident.
Mayor Frank Hague, Democratic
State boss, is confident the magic of
President Roosevelt will prevail
again The President carried this
normally Republican State by $780,
900 four years ago and Mayor Hague
cannot see more than 10000 voters
switching to the Republican ranks
While Mr.. Willkie has strong sup
port from those in the top income
brackets, small businessmen and the
army of commuters who work in
New York, Mayor Hague points out
that Herbert Hoover had all of
them in 1882 and so did ALI M Lam
don in 1886. The Democrats are
relying upon the proven strength Of
their Hudson County machine, ad-
mittedly one of the strongest in the
country, and the belief President
Roosevelt will hold the underpriv-
i1nGnd opd N
AS dress rehearsal for his ma
chine Mayor Hague tied up all rail-
road and vehicular traffic in the
State to stage monster reception
for Democratic candidates at Gov
A. Harry Moore's summer home.
Gubernatorial Fight Hot.
The fight for the governorship
between Charles Edison, former
Secretary of the Navy, and State
Senator Robert c. Hendrickson, his
Republican rival, has been waged
more vigorously than the presiden-
tial campaign. Senator Hendrickson
has attacked Mr. Edison as the
hand-picked candidate Of Mayor
Hague. referring to his machine
support in the primary and lack
of opposition. Mr.. Edison has kept
discreetly aloof from Hagueism be-
yond stating he wears no mans
collar" The Edison management
has charged Senator Hendricksor
with mud singing and insisted the
Democratic nominee would discuss
State issues on high plane.
Senator Barbour, Republican seek
ing reelection, has remained in
the Senate and done little cam
paigning except on week ends. He
has distributed pamphlet of quo
tations from books written by his
colorful Democratic rival, James H.
R. Cromwell. but has made few
speeches. Mr. Cromwell, deter
mined to show he is neither high
hat nor a playboy, as charged. has
appeared at innumerable harvest
homes, church and organization pic
MICS, clambakes and celebrations.