The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20

Governor Silzer PIeases People
With Declarations Contained In
Inaugural Address.
He Favors Coal Probe

After a wait of twelve years. George
S.. Silzer, a former State Senator,
Judge and Prosecutor of the Pleas,
became Governor of New Jersey last
Tuesday at noon, when the oath Of
Office was administered TO him before
a record-breaking crowd of Jerseyites
at Trenton. 1t was twelve years ago
that the present Governor was side
tracked from that high Office TO allow
former President Woodrow Wilson to
become Chief Executive Of New Jer-
sey.
Governor Silzer struck a popular
chord by utterances he made in his
inaugural address. All his subjects
were well handled and expressed in
clear-cut language. easily understood
by the layman. While he agreed with
outgoing Governor Edwards on the
Prohibition issues, yet he did not hes
itate to differ with him in no unce1-
tain terms when il came 10 the matter
of the State Highway Commission.
The inaugural address indicates that
Silzer intends to be Governor in fac1
as well as in name.
Seldom has a Governor of New JeY-
sey stirred his audience with his inau-
gural address as did Governor Silze1.
This was the comment of many who
have followed state political events
for years.
AS if taking up again that battle
after ten years in comparative retire
ment, he said in his inaugural address
after he had been formally invested
in office:
Our government, whether it be in
the city, state or nation, viii be pow
erful and good in proportion to the
interest hat we take in its admins
tration. But we are giving too little
thought to government and. by our
indifference, are frequently intrusting
it to others who are not solicitous Of
the common good. It shall be our pu--
pose to put government back into the
hands of the people; to arouse them
to a full realization of the necessity Of
regaining their w government, keep
ing it, guarding it, and jealousy IN
sisting upon their rights under it."
The Federal Goverr~Qenf was scos-
"a ~ &rx&lSz7 -
crisis, and heNs4ys
longer negleets to d.
then the several STATE
the problem and arol
sentiment as will be
which will bring about a true STAR
ment of all the facts. Of all the eondi-
tons. and action which will remedy
the evils.
Unless some permanent solution is
reached. then we must call a halt on
this business" he said. land the time
win have arrived when the govern
ment, in the exercising of its sover-
eign power, will be compelled to take
over the coal mines and the railroads
serving the mines"
The new Executive argued strongly
for the passage OF a bill prohibiting
night work for women in factories.
He also advocated increased compen-
sation for injured workmen.
He did not go deeply into the SUD
ject OF roads and the Highway Com
mission, but several suggestions we're
contained in his brief review Of the
situation. His later message viii con
tain other recommendations. he said.
The $40, 000, 900 road bond referendum
will be accepted by the new Executive
and carried out, although there was
talk that he might advocate its re-
peal, as did Governor Edwards. Be-
sides recommending a new highway
board he viii suggest legislation 10
safeguard the spending of the $40.
0oO. 1000.
The parts of the address that made
the biggest hit with the people were
his clear cut treatment of the trolley
fare question, declaring for the squee-
zing out of the water from the eorpo-
rations and a return of the five cent
fare; his plan to solve the coal short
age: his hit at special interests and
his references 10 prohibition and his
declaring in favor of light wines and
beer.
His telling points on this question
brought frequent bursts Of applause
and gales Of laughter. showing his
auditors were with him. When he
had concluded his address, Governor
Silzer was forced TO rise and bow 10
prolonged applause.
Among the fine floral pieces receiy-
ed by the new Governor was one from
Enoeh L. Johnson, of Atlantic CITY.
Supreme Court clerk.
For the first time in State political
history women voters marched il an
inaugural parade and cheered with
the men. several thousand Of them
being in line. While no women from
Atlantic marched. a delegation from
here attended the big State Bali in
the ~Stacy-Trent Hotel
n Ha n