Sessions Takes Post at FBI After 2 Delays

After two delays because of stomach problems, William S. Sessions, the West Texas judge hailed for his tough but fair stance against crime, was sworn in today as the fourth director of the FBI.

At a ceremony at FBI headquarters, Sessions, flanked by President Reagan and Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese III, was saluted as he took over the helm of the law enforcement agency, replacing William H. Webster, who now heads the CIA.

The ceremony for Sessions, who was confirmed unanimously by the Senate in September, had been twice delayed by the hospitalization of the conservative Texan, who suffered a digestive tract ailment. The oath of office was administered by former Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren E. Burger.

Reagan, questioned by reporters at the FBI just before Sessions’ swearing-in, said he is not concerned about his Supreme Court nominee Douglas H. Ginsburg’s role in an effort that helped win First Amendment protection for cable television operators at a time Ginsburg had almost $140,000 invested in a cable company.

“No, not at all,” he said.

At one point, Sessions approached the reporters and asked them to stop.

“I had asked the President to come to see these things, and I know there will be a later time when he’ll answer them for you and will be pleased to do so,” Sessions said. “I hope you’ll hold the questions.”