Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1914-01-16
Acting Governor Advocates
Progressive Legislation.
TO BE EXECUTIVE ONE WEEK.
Praises Wilson and Fielder For the Re-
form Measures Passed and Hopes
a Continuance of the New Order
of Thinas-Leaves Sugees-
tons to Governor.

trenton. y. j., Jan. l3.-Acting Gov
ernor Taylor submitted his message to
the legislature. which convened today.
Owing to the fact that he will relin-
quish his executive position in n week
he did not recommend any definite
measures, but suggested carrying out
the reform policies advocated by Pres
ident Wilson and Governor Elect Field
er.
by force of circumstances | have
been acting governor of this great
state for the past few months. and as
my occupancy of this office is to some
degree accidental, | do not think 1t
proper that | should in this message
to you outline or detail policies or leg
i~slation that ! deem important or neces.
sary for the welfare of the state.
1.-The people of the nation honored us
by calling to the presidency of the
United States Governor Woodrow VIII
son. When he took his office as presi
dent he was succeeded by Governor
Fielder, then president of the senate
Answering the call of his party, Gov
ernor Fielder became a candidate for
governor and. while technically not
necessary, he followed tradition and re
signed his office as acting governor
prior to the election. The duties of the
Office thus devolved upon me, her the
speaker of the house of assembly. To
have been the acting executive of our
great state at a time when it had be-
come one of the most progressive
states of the Union was indeed an
honor, and | welcome this opportunity
to address you and express the hope
that by your acts and the legislation
you will consider and pass you will
preserve the record made in the last
few years.
"The eyes of the nation have been
centered upon New Jersey since Wood
row Wilson became its governor. The
progressive reforms instituted during
his term, as woll as under the guild
ance of Governor Fielder. are too well
known to require repetition.
"These reforms are classed as pro
gressive. They are generally accepted
by the people of the state as being
progress and advancement. That they
have met with popular approval is
manifest to any one who has followed
the temper of the people.
Continue Progressive Legislation.
"In the campaign just closed the
platforms of all political parties
pledged reforms in sympathy with
those already instituted, as well as new
policies in keeping with the progressive
spirit and thought of the present day,
and all such promises were made in
the interest of progress and good gov
eminent.
1.-THE members of the legislature are
undoubtedly awake to the responsible
ity which the people have by their
suffrage cast upon them. They de-
mand that progress be continued: that
progressive legislation be not retarded
or forgotten. They look to you for the
accomplishment of good government
and expect a continuance of the new
order of things that has been begun.
81 shall be your chief executive for
but one week after you assemble. The
duties Of this great Office will then de-
volve upon Governor Fielder; the adj
ministration of the state will be his,
not mine, and in his inaugural address
to you he will call your attention to
the things that he believes will require
your attention. 1t is a matter of par
ticular pride with me, however, that !
have this opportunity to express to you
my conviction that you will join with
him in carrying out the policies which
he has in mind and which. | am sure.
will inure to the great benefit of the
state and the progress and betterment
of its citizens"