The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-01-17
From the Boston Transcript.
NInssnchu.efia Goxernars

Mr.. boutwell, is the sixteenth person who has
hlled the gubernatorial chair during the seventy
years which have elapsed since the adoption of the
State constitution. He is the youngest person no
has presided over the Commonwealth. and is the
first candidate selected for the office who has not
received the highest number of voice at the State
election.
At fifty nine of the seventy State elections Bos-
ton has given majority for the successful cand-
date for Governor. But four persons have filed the
executive chair who have not at some period
ceived majority of votes from the citizens of Bos-
ton. These are James Sullivan, William Eustis.
Marcns Morton. and George 5. Boutwell,. The
three flrst named each served but two years Chris
topher Gore was the only Governor who at
some period reelected TO the Office. He twice
run by the Fcderalists, and defeated by Elbridge
Gerry, the Republican candidate.
Four OF the Governors of Massachusetts have
severally served for seven consecutive years, viz
John Hancock from 1857 TO 1894. Caleb Strong
from 1900 TO 1907. John Brooks from 1916 to
1929. George N. Briggs from 1874 to 1851. John
Hancock had served previous term of five years,
and Caleb Strong served second term of four
years Levi Lincoln was governor for nine con-
secutive years, the longest term of any chief
ma gistratc of the State.
But four persona have been elected Governor
who have not at eome period been defeated candi-
dates for the office These are John Hancock,
Samuel Adams, John Brooks, and the present Levi
Lincoln. The father of Mr.. Lincoln was the de-
ieated Republican candidate in 1909. He received
,952 votes in Boston.
Marcus Morton elected ny one rote in 1899
out of l02,066 votes given. He was then candi-
date for the sixteenth time. He has been three
times since, and elected by the Legislature
The first year he a candidate he received s.
votes in Boston The year he received II. f.
The third canvass he had "a votes.
Caleb Strong was Governor during the most
citing political period. He was defeated but once
in the twelve stormy campaigns in which ne
candidate. Five Of the strongest names in the list
of his political opponents were in opposition to
him, and in lsU1 James Sullivan was succ, ssfu
over him. But neither E!bridge Gerry, Levi Lin
coin, Joseph B. Narnum, Samuel Dexter, were
able to defeat bin. After Elbridge Gerry had been
twice successful over the Federal candidate, Gov.
Strong was again placed in nomination, and under
his name bis party more triumphant,
and he served second term OF four years.
Governor Briggs had plurality OF upwards OF
twenty thousand votes over all other candidates,
which in any other State would be considered a
great party victory; yet, under our majority sys
TEN, through party management, he was not cent
TO the Senate Of The tyo candidates from
which choice was TO be made
! We doubt fany of his predecessors retired from
| the ohce OF Governor with more dignity and honor
than Gov. Briggs carries with him. He has been
! liberal in his appointments to his political oppo
nents, and his successor is regarded with favor in
come quarters; for men who not partisans have
stated that the best thing which could be said in
Mr.. Boutwell, behalf was the fact that he the
friend Of and had received numerous marks q
confidence from Gov. Briggs