Governors

January is the month for old Governors to retake their oaths of office, for new Governors to be sworn in, for state legislatures to begin their bickerings on school children and concrete highways.

Last week the following Governors were among those who found themselves in the news:

Alabama. Governor-elect Bibb Graves shares the office of Governor William W. Brandon, famed poker player with a faithful Negro servant (TIME, Dec. 6), for the 20 days preceding the inauguration on Jan. 17. They both wish to watch the legislature's special session. Never before has Alabama had sharing Governors.

Arizona. On New Year's Day, Governor George W. P. Hunt, bald and portly, onetime cowpuncher, who might well be called the father of his state, was inaugurated for the sixth time. No living Governor in the U. S. can boast of such a feat. Only one other man has ever been Governor of Arizona.

Colorado. Governor-elect William H. Adams, onetime cowboy, announced that he would not wear full dress at his inaugural ball on Jan. 11. His friends explained that he was afraid of catching his spurs in the coattails. "I never compromise with principle," said Mr. Adams, who is pleased to wear his cowpunching regalia whenever possible. "I never have worn full dress, and I never will, if it's what I think it is."

Connecticut. To the inaugural ball of Governor John H. Trumbull was invited John Coolidge. The Governor's daughter, Florence, and the President's son, John, have been good friends since they met two years ago. Contrary to persistent rumors, they are not engaged.

New Mexico. Richard C. Dillon, the new Governor, appeared at his inaugural ball in a tuxedo. Three weeks ago, he had threatened to wear a business suit, had said:

"I hardly want to begin to put on dog* at my age." Governor Dillon compromised to the extent of putting on semi-"dog." A full dress suit, as Emily Post would confess in higher language, is considered full "dog."

New York. Governor Alfred E. Smith, at the executive mansion in Albany on his 53rd birthday, was sworn into office for his fourth term.

Texas. With pardon-seekers crowding in the capitol, Governess Miriam A. ("Ma") Ferguson prepared to retire on Jan. 19 in favor of Dan Moody. Last week, "Ma," with the advice of "Pa," pardoned a bigamist, a onetime mayor who had killed his son-in-law and 27 lesser convicts. During the 22 months of her governorship, "Ma" has issued some 3,000 clemency proclamations.

Wyoming. Tears came to the eyes of Governess Nellie Tayloe Ross when state officials and employes presented her with a steamer trunk and a bouquet of roses.

"I am only a woman," said she, "I don't know how to thank you."

Frank C. Emerson, Republican, became Governor.

*Slang phrase meaning "In act in the grand manner," used by fresh water collegians, vaudeville actors, street sheiks.