The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1916-01-22
SENATOR EDGES ANNOUNCE
MENT OF HIS CANDIDACY
FOR THE GOVERNORSHIP

81 had hoped that any definite
statement as to my position in the
coming political campaign might have
been deferred, at least until the busy
work of the legislative session was
owe This is our first obligation,
and | propose to give my undivided
attention to it. At the same time, if
other aspirants, or their supporters,
feel that so much haste is necessary,
which view l understand has resulted
in the circulation of nominating petit
tions, naturally meaning more or less
solicitation, then | feel in justice to
my friends, who unselfshly interested
themselves in my behalf, that my po-
sition should likewise without delay
be clearly defined.
81 shall be a candidate at the Pri-
maries for the Republican Guberna-
torial nomination.
81 have reached this conclusion on
ly after a careful survey of existing
conditions through interviews and cor
r%espondence with many interested cit
liens representing every County in
the State. l have personally conduct
ed this investigation on the firm con-
viction that a man is not justified in
being a candidate for this high office
unless he is able to find a reasonable
sentiment favorable to his candidacy.
Notwithstanding much public discus
sion and press references as to my
position in the matter, l therefore,
purposely refrained from making any
declaration until l had personally sat-
isied myself as to the general feeling
existing in all parts of the State, and
l really preferred to await the ad-
journment of the Legislature before
actively entering the contest.
81 shall, however, in good time ex-
ert every proper effort to ~acquaint
the public with the business policy
that l will strictly adhere to, if hon.
ored with this high and powerful po-
s%ition, and feel confident my program
will receive their endorsement and ap-
prevail.
81 deem it not improper to point to
my seven years record in the Legis-
l%ature, as indicating my interest in
aggressive, constructive legislation,
but shall not now attempt to go into
detail, as to the successful fight l as
sisted in waging for Workmen's Com
%pensation, for Economy & Efficiency,
for consolidation in State government,
and other matters leading up to the
partial application of accepted bust
ness principles to State management.
"The work is far from completed
and I only say briefly at this time
that l desire to be Governor, not alone
to crafty a personal ambition, but
primarily to carry to a conclusion, as
far as is possible, the Economy &
Efficiency program in all its ramifca-
tions; likewise to make workable a
complete budget system, through
WHICH d TSNlSeu anu InouSIlllISd III
ancial control can be developed, until
the State of New jerseys SIS, 1000, 900
annual business will be conducted
from a business mans standpoint,
with the Governor the responsible
business manager of the State, rather
than the mere political leader of his
party. l thoroughly appreciate the
necessity for proper organization and
leadership in politics, as in business,
but that organization must be for ser
vice, rather than partisanship.
at is my earnest belief that no man
should be an aspirant for Governor
without a clear and definite program,
nor without being prepared to take
the public into his confidence in this
and other respects.
"My activity in the Legislature has
been directed with the hope that
could see New Jersey a real business
proposition with the main responsible
ity of the Governor being that of con-
Quoting the affairs of the State with
all the opportunities for good, rather
than the mere filling of a few offices,
seemingly his most important accept
ed function.
81 shall make every effort to meet
the people of the State during the
months intervening before the Prim-
aries, and to frankly detail to them
what I hope to accomplish in their
interest through a business admins