New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-01-22
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Trenton, JAN 2l.-All the talk here to-day is
about the new Governor and his inauguration.
Governors come and Governors go In New
Jersey but as a rule the change of men has not
brought any alteration in methods principles or
policies. 1t has been for quarter of CEN
fury
To-days ceremony has greater meaning how
ever Not only Is there new commander al
the helm-not only is he the first Repubncan
Governor to take the oath of office since Marcus
1. Ward sworn In thirty years ago, but much
more is implied in the transfer Of the great seal
OF New-Jersey from George T. Werts to John W.
Griggs When Mr.. Griggs took possession OF the
executive chamber this afternoon new political
era in every sense of the word began in the State
No matter what anybody says, and in spite or
all the misdoings during their terms, Leon Ab-
bett Robert S. Green and George T. Werts were
personally DESTROYS Of winning popular regard py
doing right. Albeit was the victim OF an amoi-
ton that was stronger than any other pas
sion OF his life. Green was man VINO hateu
trouble and annoyance SO much that ne surreh-
dered IN the bosses rather than stand their pes
tering Werts meant WELL but his nerve ana
backbone were as f1abby as blubber when 'hey
came into contact with the implacabie VIII ana
daring determination Of the bandits VINO nomi-
mated him.
The hour had come for a radical reformation
and with II the man. The people clamored lor
state government with intelligence. honesty and
economy for its guiding light, and to inaugura'e
that they chose John w. Griggs as Governor
He is Il plain with no frills about hih''
Born in Sussex County. like so many more VINO
have won political prizes in this and other states
he spent his boyhood days among its mountains
i,ip far 1pr'c
son stood him in good stead when he came to the
city and began1hs struggle for life MANHOOD
found him member of the lower House Of the
LEGISLATURE His ideas were raw and crude then,
but he was the right track. Contact with men
and affairs developed him considerably and he
returned 10 Paterson better equipped than ever
for his chosen profession of the law. Nearly an
other decade passed and then the citizens Of Pas
sale County sent him to the State Senate. Al
once he took rank leader
During the three years that he served in the
Senate Mr.. Griggs won high repute as a legislator
having correct notions OF the functions of the
laW-making body. He sought not to please the
mob by cheap captrap, nor would he abase his
powers as a servant of the people to dole out
fayors to the friendly few at the expense OF the
indifferent many. He was straight stern and
unyieldng in following the path that he had
marked out for himself.
John W. Griggs left the Senate "unpopu-
lar" man. Those the days of compromises
and deas-the days when the highest art Of
craftsmanship in New-Jersey was to carry water
on both shoulders and make terms with the
great and powerful while catering TO the multi
tude by cheap demagoguery that meant nothing.
Mr. Grggs had disdaned all these tricks. So
IL came to pass that a, he retired to private life
the pap-fed newspapers ard organs of the poll
ticians told how little popularity he had
The best part Of another decade had passed,
and the people had been sorely tried They saw
in high station men who recognized no law but
self interest and knew nothing more commenda-
BILE than bargain which promised personal ag
grandzement. They saw dishonesty and trick
cry rampant. They democratic government
Knocked at and the rights Of citizens fched
from them much in the same way as highway
man steals your purse A strong mana man OF
iniexibe purpose and indomitable win-was
needed for the emergency. Then the people
turned to John W. Griggs, who, few years ago.
they had regarded lightly. according TO the fash
ion Of the day. He came. he saw. he conquered.
Let us take look at this Sussex County boy
as he stands here to-day in a gathering repre-
senting the sovereign people OF New-Jersey. He
is forty-six years Did. The silver threads are
marking his head His face has an ashy color
that suggests physical weakness at first glance,
but a close inspection reveals every trace or
vigorous vital manhood His blue eyes are
piercing. but they can soften at times to the
tenderness of child's His Jaws and chin are
strong and self-assertive In all he measures
fully five feet nine inches from toes to head, and
he has little superfiuous flesh than the
trained athlete. He strikes you as man who
could neither be bullied nor coaxed to do an
act that he would fear t" have repass him in
that mental inventory which every thinking man
takes Of himself once in while. Talk to him
and you will find his manner the same as II
was two. three. SIX months or SIX years ago.
You are Tom or Dick or Mr." now, just
as you then.
That's rough daguerreotype Of jerseys new
Governor. What do you think Of him?