Elvin W. Crane and James M. Seymour contested the convention to elect delegates to the state convention. Crane won 132 of the 163 delegates, and Seymour withdrew as a candidate, releasing his delegates to support Crane.[1]
State convention
The Democratic convention in Trenton on September 29 was controversial and chaotic. First, proceedings were disrupted by free silver supporters. A large number of names were placed in nomination, and after a ballot was taken, Robert Davis of Hudson County rose to change the county's 165 votes to Elvin Crane, securing his nomination without a second ballot. The rest of the delegates soon followed, making his nomination formally unanimous.[1]
Candidates
Clarence T. Atkinson, Camden attorney and free silver activist[1]
Christian Braun, State Senator for Passaic County and former mayor of Paterson[1]