New-York tribune., 1915-03-29
FIELDER UNEASY
OVER GARRISON
Democrats Back Secretary
Against Gummere in
Chief Justice Race.

Trenton, y. j., March 28.-The ques-
tion which is Of paramount interest as
the Legislature enters upon its twelfth
week tomorrow is the final disposition
by Governor Fielder Of the appointment
as chief justice Of the Supreme Court
The publication Of the story that
Secretary of War Garrison is being
considered for the chief justiceship has
made this appointment of supreme in
terest, with the result that the big
questions that remain to be acted upon
by the Legislature have become OF lit
tie interest in comparison. The Gov
ernor is being deluged by the Demo-
cratic leaders of the state to name
Garrison. Garrison's prestige and abll-
ity are looked upon TO Offset the crltl-
cism that may come as the result OF the
turning down of Justice Gummere.
The present members of the court
have practically entered upon an agree
ment not to accept the chief justiceship
because they are 10 a man Tor Gum
mere, but those who have been manag-
ing the affairs of the Democratic party
are urging upon the Governor that the
appointment of Gummere in the face OF
the unpopular decisions for which he is
held to be responsible would be po-
litical blunder of great magnitude.
1t is known that the Executive is
considerably troubled over the situa-
tion. lie has high regard for the abil-
ity Of the chief justice, but also he is
the leader Of his party, and he is ex-
pected TO show political acumen. Now
that it is public property that Gar
rison's name is being seriously con-
sidered, the Governor may decide TO
name the chief justice Immediately, to
prevent being unnecessarily impOr-
tuned. 1t would not be surprising if
he decided TO send the name of either
one of them 10 the Senate at once.
The Legislature also has some big
questions that il Will have to meet
within the next few days. There has
been feeling that the Legislature will
not meet any of the important propo-
sitions until il has to, but the session
cannot last much longer without critl-
cism.
settled are the eight economy and
efficiency bills. the Hutchinson resolu-
tion providing for an amendment TO
the constitution to give the people
Greater degree Of home rule, the Hen
messy resolution providing for an
amendment to the constitution TO di-
vide the state into Assembly districts
the bill to allow the Rockefeller In
stitute TO establish laboratory for
vivisection in this state. the bill to
abolish capital punishment in New Jer-
sew. the repeater for the full crew law
and the most vital question OF allan
adjustment OF the financial SITUATION
The leaders of both houses VIII no
doubt get together the first part OF ms
week and 90 through every bill that is
now pending, with the view OF selecting
those measures that absolutely have TO
be acted upon. This may result IN the
offending of many members, ana huIe
II of the House and Rule z OF the
Senate will no doubt be invoked ire
! quently.
The House will get together to-mor-
row afternoon, and while 1t IS meeting
the leaders will probably. take up IN rhe
| financial situation in conference ne ne
proposition of passing bill TO allow
| the people to vote upon bono issue
Of S5,O0O.O0O has not got beyond 'he
! speculative stage