Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. IV.djvu/252

210 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS be especially glad to hear and duly consider the suggestions of the leaders of my party. If on my own independent investigation, I found that recom mendations for appointment made to me by the organization leaders named the best possible men, I should naturally prefer, other things being equal, to appoint them, as the men pointed out by the combined counsels of the party." On July 15 he published a statement to the effect that he would accept the nomination if it were the desire "of a decided majority of the thoughtful Democrats of the State." He was enthusiastically nominated and made a brilliant campaign, convincing the people everywhere of his sincerity of purpose and of his freedom from leading strings. He was elected by 49,150 plurality, which marked a notable political revolution, for Taft had carried New Jersey before by a plurality of 82,000. A primary for United States senator had been held the same day of the election of governor. Not dreaming that Democratic success would extend to the Legislature, the Democratic primary for senator had been allowed to go by default, or at least to take care of itself. The total Democratic vote was 73,000 and James E. Martine had re ceived 54,000 of these. After a bitter fight, in which Governor Wilson showed he was the real leader of his party and able to cope successfully with the old politicians who did not know that a