The Billings herald. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1882-1885, 1883-01-25
Executive Office, Helena, Jan. 8, 1884.
Montana's Governors, Past and
Present.

Executive Office Helena, Jan. 8, 1854.
Montana's Governors, Past and
Present.
When Montana was organized as
a Territory by act of congress pass
ed May 26, 1894, Sidney Edgertor
was appointed the first governor
During the stormy period which
ensued between that date and July
IL, 1866, he held office. Several
months Immediately preceding the
close of his term he was absent, and
the gubernatorial duties were exer.
cised by Thomas F. Meagher, his
secretary Green Clay Smith was
appointed governor at the last
named date and held office till
April 8, 1869, when he was succeed
ed by J. M. Ashley, July 13, 1870
Ashley resigned the reins of gov
ernment to Benjamin F. Potts, who
was reappointed in 1874 and again
in 1873. Governor Potts term Of
office expired July 18th, of last
year, but he has continued to dis
charge the duties of the office pend
ing the arrival j. Schuyler Crosby,
who arrived in the Territory on the
18th inst, and declining any osten-
tatious display Of welcome, proceed
ed to the Territorial capital. Gov
ernor Crosby was consul at Flor
ence where he received the ap-
pointment, but up to 1872 had seen
long service in the regular army.
He was in California in the early
days, and has done military
service in this Territory as well as
on the frontier. He is a
near relative of the late Gerritt
Smith, of New York, who, during
his lifetime was an earnest and de-
voted champion of slave emancipa-
ton and one of the most liberal and
philanthropic spirits his country
has ever produced. Governor
Crosby is said to be characterized
by many Of the same noble cle-
ments. He is staunch Republi-
can of the stalwart school, but is
believed to be a man who, while
possessing strong convictions, will
not allow political bias to influence
his administration of the execu-
tive duties. He has experienced
Western life in all its phases and
will doubtless enter into the spirit
of the people he has come to gov
ern. He succeeds a man who ad-
Territorial affairs wisely
and firmly throughout a long term
of office and when the political
pathway was beset with many
dangers. BY plain life and man.
ners and courteous treatment of all
Potts endeared himself
to those with whom he was most
closely associated, aud throughout
the Territory seems to be regarded
as a popular official. Governor
Crosby will be sharply contrasted
with his predecessor if by any
false or impolitic move he alienates
from himself the kindly feelings
with which the people are disposed
to regard his advent among them.
1t is his announced intention to re-
main Montanian whether in af-
fetal or a private capacity. The
position Of Territorial governor is
no sinecure and the salary-$2, 600
less than that drawn by many who
are working in subordinate private
positions in the Territory. There
need be no feeling of envy as of a
man who draws princely salary
for the diicharge of nominal duties.
We hope in common with every
true spirited inhabitant of Montana,
including Mr.. Crosby himself, that
he may be the last governor ap-
pointed by federal authority. Ere
his term of Office expires we hope
that Montana may be endowed
with the powers and privileges of a
sovereign State, including the abil-
ity to elect his own chief officer.
Montana.