The Penn's Grove record., 1917-01-19
STATE CAPITOL NEWS
What The State Officials Are
Doing. What The Political
Leaders Are Talking
About

TRENTON. JAN. 17.-Following his
Inauguration yesterday, Governor Wal
ter z. Edge today began his actual du-
ties as head of the State government.
With his private secretary, Francis J..
Croasdale, who yesterday succeeded L.
Edward Herman in this Office, he came
TO the executive offices in the State
House early from the new Executive
Mansion at 175 West State Street.
There was a lot of state correspondence
to be answered first, after which the
new Governor found other matters to
engage his attention. Having served a
month as acting Governor in 1915 while
Governor Fielder was at the Panama
Pacific Exposition in San Francisco,
Governor Edge was already partially
familiar with the duties of the high Office
so his breaking in" was easy.
long experience in state affairs as MEM
Der of both branches of the Legislature
also enabled him to quickly grasp the
work. Governor Edge had many visitors
who called to congratulate him. While
no great affairs of state had to be hand
led today, Governor Edge was kept quite
busy with the routine of the Office.
One of Governor Edges first impor-
LduI uuLltS Will De Lut appointment u u
Supreme Court Justice and a Judge
of the Circuit Court. The term Of
Supreme Court Justice Francis j. Sway
re, of Newark, and Circuit Judge FIRE.
deric Adams. of East Orange, will ex-
pire next Saturday. Both are Republi-
cans and it is understood that both will
be re-appointed. 1t is expected that the
appointments will be sent to the Senate
- lT-l- IN - -,aL
is seven years. The salary of the SUI
preme Court Justice is $4,000 and of
the Circuit Court Judge, $4,000.
While a Governors salute of II guns
doomed forth from the park at the State
House yesterday soon after noon. the
inaugural ceremony took place at Taylor
Opera House. Governor Fielder and
Governor-elect Edge were driven from
the State House to the theatre with the
escort of the famous Essex Troop, of
Essex County, which recently returned
from service on the Mexican border.
There was a good omen attending the
event which to those who believe IN
signs will portend a successful admins
tration to Governor Edge. The weather
all the morning was cloudy and threat
ening, but as the two Governors were
en- route to the opera house the clouds
broke and the sun came out warm and
clear. The inauguration took place be-
fore a large crowd that packed the
theatre from pit to dome. The oath
was administered on the same Bible upon
which Edge took the oath as Acting Co
vernon in 1915 and which was brought
to the State House by his wife, now dead.
The oath which the Governor took Is
a three-fold one, ~obligatlng MIN to bear
true faith and allegiance to the govern
ment established in this state by the
people; to diligently, faithfully and TO
the best of his knowledge execute his
Office and promote the peace and pros
perity of the state and lastly, to sup
port the Constitution of the United
States.
As Governor. Fielder handed to his
successor the Great Seal Of the State,
the emblem of authority, he said in part:
Your years of experience in state af-
fairs qualify you well to administer the
duties of this great Office to which you
have been chosen by your fellows, and
the close relations ! have had with you
justify me in predicting that you will SO
combine the ability that is yours with
the knowledge you have gained, that
personal liberty and prosperity will,
through your service, continue to grow
and thrive in New Jersey"
Governor Edge said in reply:
Governor Fielder, l deeply appreciate
your kind words and YOU good wishes.
| accept this emblem of authority thor
oughly realizing the responsibility it i'm
plies. We may have differed in the past
on governmental policies, but WI have
never differed in our desire for the best
interests Of our state. When my term
is concluded three years hence and l
hand to my successor this same emblem
of power and opportunity, l can only
hope that l may have the same universal
commentator as have YOU"
The inaugural message of Governor
Edge was received with unmistakable
favor. He was literally applauded fire.
quently as he read it. Ardent advocates
of home rule and the increased franchise
taxes upon public utility corporations
will probably ~criticise the brief reference
to these important questions, but gem
orally the message will undoubtedly be
given favorable comment.
The inaugural parade was the most
spectacular incident of the inauguration.
1t is estimated that there were 5000
men in line, with IA bands. In compli-
ment to the new Governor as a resident
of Atlantic City, the 1000 marchers from
that nlace headed the procession. The