Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1860-08-25
WITHDRAWAL OF GOV. BANKS.

J
Gov. Banks has decided TO retire from political
life in Massachusetts and become citizen of
Illinois. He will remove to Chicago and take
very high and responsible position in the
management of the Illinois Central raiaoad,
with a salary of not less than $500 year
This announcement takes the public by sur
prise, and gives an unexpected Importance 10
the republican convention which will assemble
here next Wednesday. 1t was generally I'M
derstood that Gov. Banks would be re-noml'
mated without opposition; but, his proposed
removal from the state makes necessary the
selection of new candidate for governor,
and the announcement comes so late that there
is no time for general interchange OF views
on the subject.
The political career of Gov. Banks has been
remarkably successful. We have seen him
rise, from his first appearance in politics, from
one post of distinction to another, until, as
speaker of the house OF representatives at
Washington, he gained national reputation,
and won general admiration. That house
never had a more accomplished presiding off
GER and the brilliant administration OF the
first republican speaker will be remembered
with satisfaction and pride, long after the re-
publican party has fulfilled its mission and
disappeared. There are not many persons
who fail to see and acknowledge the ability
with which he has discharged the duties
of governor of Massachusetts, not even
among those who have criticised some things
connected with his administration and his
sharpest critics-those who have found it so
difficult to forgive him for using his influence
to elect Henry j. Gardner in 1S56-will now
be disposed to join all the rest of his political
friends in the state in giving him the most
cordial good wishes and hoping for him a
complete success in the responsible duties
which he is about to undertake. He is emil
nently fitted for success in that work, and it
pays much better than politics.
If the announcement of his withdrawal had
been made a month or two months ago, there
would have been time to select a new candi-
date for governor deliberately, after having
discussed the matter in all its bearings. But
it comes just on the eve of the convention, too
late to appear in the weekly papers before the
convention assemblies, and at a time when eff
fectve discussion is impossible. We have in
Massachusetts, many excellent and reliable
republicans who are qualified for the office of
governor but every new occasion has its
peculiar wants which cannot be proper.
ly provided for without discussion.
We see it suggested that locality" should
have some influence on the choice of a candi-
date If this consideration is to control the
choice the candidate will be found in central
Massachusetts and with suitable time to dis
euss this point, we could, perhaps, make it
understood and appreciated throughout the
state. We know not what movements in re-
gard to the nomination may have been started
quietly. few persons have known for
week or ten days what was coming.
No man in the state has been more talked
OF, as our next candidate for governor, than
John A Andrew. He is one of the foremost
among our men Of mark. He is admirable for
ability and integrity. His personal character
is pure and high toned, having in it nothing
whatever to attract or encourage the low and
base elements that are always seeking an in
huence in politics. He is one of the truest
representatives of Massachusetts, republican
ism. He has been SO placed as to acquire
large knowledge of public affairs. He has
common sense and an aptitude for business,
and could not easily fail OF being successful
in discharging the duties of governor of the
state. AS matters stand, he seems sure of the
nomination, and we can vote for him with
great satisfaction. His name has been SO
fully brought before the people in connection
with this nomination, and his character and
qualifications for the Office are so well under
stood, that we do not see how anything that
can be done between this time and next
Wednesday will prevent his being the strongest
candidate before the convention.