The Monmouth inquirer., 1925-03-12

Mayor Hague. Governor SHEER re-
ceived the letter on Monday. February
o: deferred action until he had had
time to read the letter; read the let
ter the same night and Unexpectedly
sent in the app 'ntment the next day,
with letter setting forth that the APP
pointment was his answer to the Nc
Mahon chsrges.
The Governor had not intended send
ing in his appointment SO early as the
term does not expire until April 6,
but .he Mcmahon attack had the effect
of prompting immediate action.
SiIzer's 45-WorG Letter
In sending appointment to the Sem
ate, Governor Silzer wrote letter
of As words:
my answer to Mr.. McMahon's let
ter is the sending to the Senate of the
name Of Thomas F. Martin for re-
appointment as Secretary Of State
position which he has filed with
distinction for ten years. / have full
confidence in his integrity and abil-
ity."
Martins Statement
Secretary of State Martin made
the following statement:
when the first installment of the
Mcmahon charges were filed / went
to Governor Silzer and told him l
would be glad to answer any Ques-
lions he might wish to ask, after he
had had time to read the charges.
That was on Monday. called at the
Governors Office the next morning.
but he had no questions to ask His
reply to the Mcmahon charges was
the sending of my name to the SEN
ate with a note containing forty-fve
words in which he curtly said that
the appointment was his answer to
Mr. Mcmahon.
when other charges were subse-
quently made, | again went to Cover
nor Silzer and repeated my willing
ness to be asked any question at any
time regarding any charge that had
been made or which might yet be
made.
"Just how much the Governor and
the members of the Senate thought
of the charges may be judged by the
fact that neither the Governor nor
any member of the Senate, consisting
of 18 Republicans and Democrats,
saw fit to ask me any question regard
ing any charge made against me.
"And | can only interpret my reap
pointment at the hands of Governor
Silzer and my unanimous confirma-
ton by the Senate as satisfactory
evidence Of their confidence in me. A
desire to abide by the rules of good
taste prevents me from discussing the
matter at further length
Senate Plays Politics
Although the Senate is made up OF
Is Republicans and only Democrats,
there was no doubt from the outset
that the appointment would be con-
firmed
The majority, however, being Of the
opposite political faith from Mr.. Mar
tin, played politics with the con1rma-
ton by delaying action for a month
by way of encouraging the Mcmahon
cites to stir up Democratic fight
in Hudson County.
When it became apparent that the
Mcmahon attacks were simply enter
tanning Hudson County Democrats,
without stirring up any fight, other
than McMahon's personal fight against
the Secretary of State the Republic
can Senators decided to end the affair
by confirming the appointment and
that action was taken.
Quick Action, Finally
When the work began there was UNI
usual speed by way of contrast to the
delays that have been maintained for
month
Mr.. Martin was originally appoint
ed Secretary of State by Governor
James F. Fielder on April 5, 1915,
succeeding David S. Crater, who had
died suddenly during snow storm
on April 8.
The bringing about of this appoint
ment was distinguished by an UNI
usual action on the part of the House
Of Assembly, of which Mr.. Martin was
at that time a member and leader OF
the Democratic minority forces on the
floor.
The entire Assembly, Republican
majority joining with the Democratic
minority, went to Governor Fielder's
office to urge Mr.. Martins appoint
ment.
The appointment was made the
same night and was Immediately con-
firmed by the Senate.
In 1920 Mr.. Martin was reappointed
by Governor Edward l. Edwards. His
reappointment on this occasion was
opposed by the Hudson Observer
forces, but on that occasion there
were semblances of decency still re-
naming in the Hoboken newspaper
attack against rival newspaper pub
Usher.
Friend of Governor
While Governor Silzer had never
made any statement committing him
self to the reappointment Of Mr..
Martin. It had been expected ever