West Jersey Pioneer

THE SURROGATE

EDITOR OF PIONEER.-As this is the last issue of your journal, prior to the Republican County Convention, to be held Wednesday, September 20th, we would beg leave through your columns the privilege of sounding a note of warning!

As is well-known, the Republicans of Cumberland will be called upon during that Convention to nominate a candidate for the position of Surrogate. It has been widely trumpeted about that the present incumbent of that office, intends to again endeavor to obtain a nomination thereto, and, is therefore making a silent though bitter fight for the coveted honor. It has also been intimated, by those who profess to know, that he and Senator Nixon-of Erie celebrity-are linked together in friendly communion, and have resolved to help each other into the public crib once more. To accomplish that happy result they have adopted the following significant paraphrase: " You tickle me, and I'll tickle you!"

Now, so far as the present Surrogate is concerned, personally, he is a gentleman sans peur et sans reproche, But, because a man is of good repute and moderate capability, does it necessarily follow that he shall be kept in a lucrative position for life? Mr. Woodruff, for eleven years past has filled the Surrogate's chair, satisfactorily, no doubt; yet, are there not others who can fill it equally commendable? Eleven years is a long time in the history of a generation, which, now-a-days at the farthest, barely averages the third decade. A generation must therefore pass away, under the present regime, and see but three men as Surrogate, and if a continued nomination is secured, perhaps, but one. Are there none others capable of filling this high position? Can not the one-term system be now inaugurated? or does it take more than an average amount of brains, and an experience of eleven years to make one capable of being Surrogate?

We contend, Mr. Editor, that there are scores of Republicans in Cumberland Co. who can fill the office of Surrogate with acceptability and honor, and who are justly entitled to it, not only by reason of capability, but by justice for long and arduous labor in the ranks. We contend also, that two terms (5 years each) ought to satisfy the ambition of any man.

In conclusion, we would ask of the delegates to the Republican County Convention, the question " Whether any party is ever benefited by keeping in office one set of men continually; and whether the history of all political parties has not been that finally they went down under the heavy burden of too many everlasting place seekers?" The history of the old Whig party was such, and if we remember rightly in 1852 the Clerk of this County, who had held the position several years, ran again, and was consequently defeated by his own party; many Whigs voting for the Democratic candidate, and thus securing his election. We do not say that this will be the case in this instance, but we have heard a large number of Republicans say they will vote no more for the present incumbent as Surrogate; and knowing this, we tremble for the result! Gentlemen of the Convention, and Republicans of Cumberland--you who love the principles of the party, and desire its success--vote only for a new man to fill this honorable position.

Many Republicans.