The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1895-11-27
HIS Own KEEPER.
John W. Griggs Knows the
Politicians Of This State
Pretty Well, Thanh
You.

The Newark DAILY Advertiser has
been interviewing Governor-elect Griggs.
The following is the result
He recognizes how much III has to do,
yet he Expects to complete all his ar
rangements in ample time. Before buck
Ling down to the task in earnest he ex-
poets to take a short trip. The COM
ing Chief Magistrate says he never felt
better in his life His looks confirm the
statement. His eye is bright, his voice
is strong and he bears the unmistakable
signs of strength. He shows no traces
of the fatigue that would be natural af-
ter a canvass that included every town
of prominence in every county of the
State.
1T all comes from my bringing up on
a farm in the rugged county of Essex"
he said to the writer the other day.
Mr.. Griggs is fully aware of the diff
culties that await him. There are spoils-
men in the Republican party, and the
Office seeker is on his track. On the left
side of the Governor-elect's desk is a
bulky bundle of letters. They are apph-
cations for places from men who consider
themselves capable and entitled to Office.
There are a lot more ON file. In another
corner of the desk is a great big pile of
cpISltGS IGcOIuill6uuluS CSTldlH dPpliCdAlS
for certain positions. There is also a
similar assortment filed away. !. is safe
to say that not a single Republican of
prominence is absent from the list. The
party leaders rave not made personal re-
quests. They have simply endorsed
friends of theirs for offices after which
they are in quest.
THE CONTEST FOR PATRONAGE
John w. Griggs understands what a
lot of work is involved in the contest for
patronage. But he isn't in the least dis
turbed over the outlook. When frankly
asked if he did not dread the rdeal that
%confronts him, he as frankly replied in
the negative.
'In the first place." he said, there are
not so many offices to fill at the start.
Taking my whole term through, the
patronage is quite extensive. But the
vacancies come gradually, and are nicely
spread out over the three years. l am
not obliged to make a lot of appointment
all at once. This is especially true of
what may be termed the big offices.
There is plenty of time for consideration.
| can size up the applicants at my ease,
and can likewise canvass the merits OF
%plication, but deserve more than l can
ever give them"
How do you propose to come to con-
ON GU ~
inquiry.
There was a quizzieal expression on
the clear cut and manly features ct the
across his face. He said nothing for a
moment. His eyes were fixed on a
photograph of himself that stood on the
Mr.. GRIGGs PORTRAIT.
His visitor took the liberty. of remark
ing that the picture in question was not
You are right said Mr.. Griggs. at
was taken in snap fashion during the
campaign by a photographer in an inland
town. i never knew it was aiken until
l saw one of the pictures in Comptroller
Hancockls office at Trenton. l told Han
With this Comment the youthful look
ing Governor walked across the room.
took the photograph in his hands and
a waste basket beside his chair.
Then, just as though there had been
no intermission since the original ques-
Il think / am familiar enough with the
politicians and men of prominence in the
State to reach q decision myself; shall
be made, and wi1 carefully and impair
TALLY consider all the applications and
letters of endorsements. | shall doubtless
in many cases; But, as ! ave already
stated, I think I am quite capable of
determining who Is best fitted for the
0H'e aF PEI ailF s. FOR % :" oF q'IcGsAA
There was an Independent, whole-soul-
ed ringabout these words that was re-
freshing and could not but evoke admira-
ton.
Just here Mr.. Griggs told a little story.
He said a friend of his and a man of
distinction in the party, and whose SER
vices had been sof great value during
the campaign, came to see him, and said
he would Like an office.
What do you want?"
81 would like to be made one of the
State Board of Assessors" was the re-
ply.
Griggs.
with an air of indignation.
sThen I can do nothing in tina line
for you,' said the Governor-elect. '.for
there are only two vacancies next year
in the board, and they will be filed by
Democrats. as the law requires, because |
the present incumbents are Democrats