Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1879-10-11
Our Next Governor.


From the Big Rapids P.oneer-Magnet.
Although the next general election
will not occur for Is months yet, the
mention of a candidate for governor
seems to be eminently in order. The two
term rule has become an unwritten law
of the Republican party, in regard to
this Office, and our present excellent eX-
ecutive, Charles M. CrOswell, will doubt
less retire at the close of the year 1880.
Both he and Governor Bagley were
brought out as candidates for the office
early in the year preceding the cam
paigns when they were first elected.
This Office has become very important,
owing to the rapid growth of our state,
and its diversity of interests and insti-
buttons, while the men who are both
competent and willing to fill it for the
paltry salary of 81 900 per year, are not
numerous. Under the most favorable
circumstances, no man can serve the
people i'm this great Office without spend
from 81 900 to $1,000 of his own money
each year, besides his whole salary.
In the legislature of 1873, we became
personally acquainted with Hon. John
L. Rich, representative from Lapeer
county, and chairman of the committee
on the agricultural college. He was
then only 30 years of age; modest and
unObtruSiye, very attentive to current
legislation, and always voted right, or
from right motives. He gained the con-
fidence and respect OF all his fellow men,
bers, and the warm attachment of many.
He has since been reelected three times
10y an admiring constituencies very
unusual honor in this state.-and twice
elected to the speakers chair, filling it
with urbanity, dignity, impartiality,
and decision. Only single appeal was
ever taken from his decisions, and the
man who took that appeal voted not to
sustain It'll Having had under his direct
all the legislation of the past four years,
with time and opportunity to cOmpre-
bend its scope, and with taste for care
full research and solid facts, we believe
Mr.. Rich possesses such qualifications
in very few men.
farmer, owning 80 acres of finely cul-
tivated land, employing several men the
year round, and leading them himself
in the field. He received good academ-
ic education, and early and readily Crap
pied with business affairs. He was re-
peatedly elected supervisor on the Re-
publican ticket in the township of Elba,
which usually casts a Democratic ma
jOrity for state officers. He was reelected
last fall against the Democracy and
Greenbackers combined on single can
didate, and his majority was above that
given him at two preceding elections.
Mr.. Rich is an economist, but not mar
row or penuriOus in his views of public
expenditure. We know that he will &C
cept the nomination for governor if ten
dered him without his personal efforts.
Northwestern Michigan is satisfactO-
rily represented in the state administra-
ton by Auditor General Latimer, one of
the best of her public officers, repeated
Iy tried and never found wanting. We
therefore suggest as a candidate for gov
ernOr, the Hon. John T. Rich,-a true
son of Michigan, a radical and earnest
thoroughly consistent and
fearless, yet always courteous officer
and we feel confident that his nOmina-
ton for governor would please all, Of
fend none, evoke an enthusiastic sup
port in the great battle of 1880, and in
sure us another able executive to con-
tinue the long line of Republican sue
ceSsiOn.