The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1917-03-06
FIFTEENTH GOVERNOR
DELIVERS ADDRESS
Impressive Ceremonies Mark
Induction ofDemocratic
Executive.

CHARLESTON, w. Va, March o.
Although the ouadriennial inaugura.
ton OF state officers is all over. all
ceremonies having been concluded TO-
night with reception and ball ten
dcred by the citizens Of West Virginia.
there are but few new faces about the
capitol.
Soon after the noon hour today, five
new state officials formally TOOK
charge of the offices 10 which they
we're elected for the first time by the
vote Of the people of the state. Two
others succeeded themselves.
The ceremonies incident 10 the m
duction into office were marked with
experimenting and the solcmniiy Of
subscribing To the constitutional oath.
Before - o'clock the inaugural pro-
gram WIS started in the chamber of
the house of delegates, the limits OF
which were adequate to contain fewer
than one-ienth Of the persons expected
10 witness the proceedings.
Weather Conditions
were such that il WAS impossible
either to have the scheduled inaugural
parade or the outdoor exercises. The
result was that thousands Of persons,
possibly, who expected 10 attend did
not do so. All trains reaching Charles
ton until noon carried delegations who
had come 10 pay respects to the In
coming, officers. Many OF these were
not even able 10 get hotel accommo-
dations and some Of the early arrivals
suffered many Inconvenience because
of the congestion.
The welcoming address to the in
coming governor was made by the re-
firing executive, DR.. Henry Drury Hat
field, who waS introduced by former
Governor W \. MaCCorkle as Il gov
ernor who had been confronted with
many trying problems beginning at
the very outset OF his administration,
but who had solved them all 10 the
best OF his ability.
Governor Hatfield
said he had met those problems as
best he could and had tried 10 the
whole people He admonished West
Virginians that they should stand
Loyalty by the president Of the United
States and the governor Of West Fir-
ginia in the trying situations con-
fronting them.
He concluded his short address by
wishing his successor God-speed, and
assuring him of his kindest hopes for
a successful term. Former Governor
George Wesley Atkinson, who sue
ceeded Governor MacCorkle as the
state executive twenty years ago, was
introduced as the most beloved man
in West Virginia. He addressed him
self mainly 10 Governor COrnwell, say
ing: You will find the next four years
OF your career anything but bed
OF roses; and yet, have every rea-
son TO believe that yox will measure
up TO the demands that Till be made
upon you by all the well-meaning
people Of the state. in all which | beg
to assure Of my best wishes, my SYM
pathy and my, support"
Governor CornWell
for the second time in two days sub
scribed the constitutional oath admin
iStered by Judge G. w. Lynch. su-
prrme court president. Following his
address. which was delivered in a
f0rceful manner. the other elective
officers with the exception Of ". S.
Johnson, treasurer, subscribed To the
oath. Mr.. Johnson was indicted into
office last week. He is unable to leave
The hospital where he is undergoing
treatment. Attorney General England
also is i'll.
Following the ceremonies Of inaug-
uration. hundreds Of persons INDUCED
in Il half hour OF facilitating with the
new officers OF lhr state in an in
formal way in the senate chamber.