The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1916-09-16

What kind of an executive will the
people of New Jersey have as success
or to Governor Fielder? The answer
depends very much on the choice ex-
party primary. H. Otto Wittpenn, boss
Of the Democratic machine in Hud
son county, will be the Democratic
nominee. Who is the strongest man
the Republicans can name? Of the
three contestants for the nomination
signed Notwithstanding over 26,060
names-was Walter E. Edge, of At
lantic county. Here are a few facts
about Edge:
He was not born with a silver spoon
in his mouth, but is an example OF
by a public school education. can do
In developing the poor boy into the
successful business man and useful
public servant.
Walter Evans Edge is nearing. 43
years of age-the time of life when
experience has impressed its lessons
upon youth and the strong, mature
man can put forth his best energies.
For Al years he has lived in New
Jersey and for the past two decades
has been more or less prominent In
public affairs. The boy attended pub
lie school, then-following Benja-
work as a printers devil" At six
teen he associated himself with a To-
cal advertising. agency, within two
years became its proprietor, and has
built up the business until its opera
tons now represent several million
dollars annually. Colonel Edge is
credited with being n of the famous
seashore resorts most successful bust
ness men. Many a 'self-made" mar
has done asswell-but the point of in
terest is hat his record shows just
such qualities as the state needs in
its executive. Senator Edge has cary-
ed his own way to success, it vas not
smoothed for him, nor, to use Theo-
dore Roosevelt's expression, was he
permitted to walk in the soft places"
Colonel Edges rise in politics was
due to the same sterling qualities that
gained for him success in business.
Before he was able to vote he was
working for Republican success.
His two daily newspapers gave valu-
able aid to the party. His first official
connection with state affairs was as
journal clerk In the senate, in 1897.
Serving for three sessions in that po-
sition, he was chosen secretary of the
senate in 1901 and held the Office for
four terms. In 1909 he was sent to
the assembly by the largest majority
ever given a candidate in Atlantic
county. His energy, his ability to
plan and do, were Immediately recog-
nized, he was made the leader Of
the majority, an unprecedented hon
or for a ,frst-year man. At the next
election he was sent to the senate
and is now finishing his second
term. Senator Edge has been majori-
ty leader in the upper house and while
president served as acting governor
for five weeks during Governor Field
er,s absence from the state, last year.
The son of a civil war veteran.
young Edge. volunteered for the
Spanish-American war. He served as
second lieutenant of Company F. 4th
New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, re-
manned in the national guard after the
war and now has the rank of Lieuten-
ant Colonel. He has served upon the
personal staff of three governors. He
was a presidential elector in 1904 and
an alternate delegate-at-large to the
Republican national convention of
1908.
Senator Edges aim has been service
to the people. Through his efforts the
enacted. His sympathy with the
working people has been shown
in the Introduction of many bills for
their benefit. In the reports made to
the State Federation of Labor Senator
Edge was invariably commended for
his attitude to labor.
He was the author of the economy
and efficiency program enacted in the
past three years, whereby department.
al work has been simplifed and
strengthened. He introduced the state
budget and state purchasing acts, pro-
viding for better business methods.
The unnecessary state census, which
cost 100000 last year, was cut off at
his suggestion. He insisted upon a re-
valuation of railroad property, to in
crease the states revenue. He has
fathered road and waterway improve
ment bills, championed measures of
benefit to the farmers and steadfastly
favored a liberal policy in education
affairs.
Senator Edges friends say that he
considers all this varied experience
and valuable service as merely an ap-
premiership, qualifying him to give
better and broader service If he shall
be entrusted with the executive office.