Jersey Justice

In a crowded Newark courtroom, Thomas F. Meaney last week took oath as Federal District Court Judge for New Jersey. Judge Guy L. Fake made a little speech of welcoming praise. Said Judge Meaney, with a moist eye, a lumped throat: "I can only say what is in my heart, and that is gratitude."

Barred from the courtroom was the unpleasant truth: that Judge Meaney was a protege of notorious Jersey Boss Frank Hague, that he had been appointed by the President in a deal for Hague votes next fall, that the Senate had venally confirmed the venal appointment, despite an impassioned protest by venerable Senator George Norris. Less polite than the courtroom dialogue was George Norris's comment: "[If the nation were not busy with war] the Meaney nomination would spread over the country like wildfire, and would bring about the defeat of any official who had anything to do with it."

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