Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1910-03-01
HON. WILLIAM ]. MILLS
BECAME GOVERNOR At NOON TODAY
Chief Justice Pope Administers Oath of Office Steps of
Capitol Building In Presence of Immense Throng--
Governor Curry Makes Happy Address and
His Successor Delivers a Long and
Brilliant One---Splendid Weather
For Parade

Hon. William J. Mills, for twelve
years chief justice of New Mexico, be-
came governor of the territory at noon
today. He took the oath of office on
the steps of the capitol building in
the presence of thousands of people
from all parts of the territory. The
oath was administered by Chief JUS
tice William H. Pope.
1t was a brilliant assemblage and,
glorious weather even for Santa Fe,
famed for it's peerless climate, con-
tributed largely to carrying out of the
parade and the Inauguration cere-
monies without being marred by an
untoward event Or i'll omen.
And to make the new governors
induction into office all the more aus
picious the retiring governor George
Curry, delivered speech of a decid-
edly happy turn, saying that he hoped
with all his heart that Governor Mills
would really see statehood for New
Mexico as he himself had hoped to see
it. Governor Curry paid a tribute to
his successor and assured the peo-
pie of New Mexico if they lend to him
their loyal support he will give New
Mexico a good administration.
Exercises Begin.
At 10 o'clock this morning the in,
auguration ceremonies really began,
when the executive committee called
on Mr.. Mills at the Palace hotel. At
1870 the governor-to-be was met by
his staff and few minutes before
noon Judge Mills left for the CAPT
toll The members of his staff accom-.
panied him. Governor Curry and
| Chief Justice Pope were called for
| The retiring governor and his sue
| cessor entered the main entrance OF
| the capitol grounds amid cheers and
were followed by Territorial Secretary
Nathan Jaffa and Chief Justice Will
liam H. Pope. They proceeded to the
tribunal erected on the capitol steps
amid files of the National Guard who
stood attention. The governors staff
in full uniform followed. On the
tribunal were seated the judges O.
| the supreme court, Mrs. Mills, Mrs
Jaffa and guests. Immense flags
and many yards of bunting deco
rated the capitol building as we'll as
the executive mansion nearby, and the
platform where the oath of office was
to be administered was also brilliant
with the colors of red, white and
blue. Several fine large Indian blank
cts were hung il. front and on the
sides of the gra. stand and the gor
geous colors blended well with the
surroundings.
Great Crowd.
Residents, of Santa Fe, tourists and
visitors who came here for the inau
guration had already fiocked to the
capitol grounds, some going on foot
many in carriages and few scores in
automobiles. When Judge Mills, dig
nified and handsome, arose to bow tc
Secretary Jaffa, who made a few in
troductory remarks, the crowd cheer
ed loud and long. Then the cere
mony which was to make the chiet
justice executive of the territory was
begun. 1t only took few minutes
and there was intense silence while il
lasted. Standing to the left of the
platform was Chief Justice Pope ant
facing him and holding up his right
hand Judge Mills took the oath of of
fee.
Then as Judge Mills shook hands
with the chief justice the crowd cheer
ed again.
| Governor Curry's Address.
Governor Curry then delivered {