Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1898-02-03
ACTING GOVERNOR VOORHEES,.

~ II
ACTING GOVERNOR VOORHEES,.
take effect last night Both houses
adopted resolutions congratulating Gov
ernor Griggs on his promotion and the
people of New Jersey upon this recog-
milton OF our state in the counsels of the
nation and upon her growing and COM
manding influence in public affairs
Neither House did any business before
the ceremony of The day, except the Sen
ate, which. on motion of Senator John
son, named Senators Stokes, Reed and
Martin committee to wait on Secretary
of State Wurts, Chief Justice Magic and
Rev. DR.. John Dixon, who were waiting
for the ceremonies in the Executive
Cham Der, and to conduct them to the
meeting of the joint session in the Assem-
bly, Chamber, Chief Justice Magic, wear
ing pink carnation and with his arm in
Senator Reeds preceded the trio to the
House and were announced by the Ser
geantat-Arms.
half minute later the Sergeant-at-
Al ms announced the Senate of New Jer
sey rs arriving and the Assem- blymen as
they did on the former announcement,
arose. The Senators took seats in semi
circle in front of the Clerks desk and
President pro tenn. Skirm and Speake
Watkins respectively ordered the roll
call of the bodies over which they preside
Senator DAILY, of Hudson, who is now so,
crippled with gout that he can scarcely
walk, arrived before the main body of
Senators and some of his admirers APP
plauded his coming.
Rev. DR.. Dixon, of the First Presby-
terian Church, of this city, who offered
prayer at the Inauguration of Governor
Griggs two years ago, to-day again offered
prayer. He prayed fn part as follows:
"Oh, God, Thou who art very great and
glorious, we come before Thee on Thy
Throne of Glory. Into Thy presence we
come in the name of Jesus Christ. We
confess our sins and plead for a hearing
of our payer and a bles ing on these cere.
monies. We worhip Thee as the Dis
closer of all events. May Thy richest
| blessing rest on him who is about to be-
come the Governor of this State. Bless
his mind and body and endue him with
wisdom for the success of his Admins
tration. May he have the confidence of
the people and Thy favor. May Thy
blessings rest on the retiring Governor,
and be with him in his new duty, and
bless the President of the Uuined States,
all Magistrates and all who are in author
ity."
Chief Justice Magic then opened a
small Bible, which he extended to Sena-
tor Voorhees,, and which was signal for
the latter to leave his seat among his col
leagues. The oath was spoken by the
| Chief Justice in the second person, and it
was repeated by the prospective Cover.
nor in the first person. Governor Voor-
hees then signed his name with foun-
tain pen borrowed from one of the House
clerks. When the Chief Justice went to
sign his name to the parchment the pen
refused to work, and another had to be
secured from among the spectators.
Governor Voorhees, Speech.
There was long continued hand clapp-
ing as the Governor signed his name.
He then spoke as follows:
81 accept the trust which this unusual
condition of affairs in the State has
brought to me, with deep sense of the
obligation. 1t will be my constant aim
and endeavor to keep the trust pure, for
the benefit of all the people of the State.
l recognize that this elevation is not due
to the direct expression of the voice of
the people, but, as it is their will as ex-
pressed in the law of the State, accept
it. in the belief that their claim on me is
as direct as though the honor was other
wise obtained, and in this behalf / will
give my time, talent and best efforts to
their service. 1 will endeavor to main
tain the dignity and pure name of the
State in the interest and welfare of all
people, from the highest to the humblest.
That such may mark my administration,
/ invoke the aid of the Ruler of all ma
tions, and beg for the counsel, sympathy
and support of my fellow-citizens."
There was more applause, after which
Secretary of State Wurts said
SIT is the time-honored custom in New