Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1883-01-13
The Retiring Governor.

The message Of Governor O. NJ.
RoBERTs to the. Eighteenth Legisla-
ture Of Texas Is comprehensive, bst
concise and able state document,
characteristic Of the patriotic and pro-
found old man who has during fou
years administered the chief executive
Office Of the state, with the single pur-
pose OF promoting her advancement in
the arts OF civilization and shaping
that future destiny Of power and
wealth in the sisterhood Of states,
grander than the human intellect can
now conceive. An estimation
OF Governor RoBERTs official
character naturally suggests the con-
spicuous trait of his distinctive indi-
viduality,--a man OF originality of
thought, resolution of purpose and
frmness Of conviction. Convinced Of
the wisdom and practicability of what
ever line Of policy he decided 10 adopt,
the adverse criticisms of friend or foe
was powerless to alter his determine
ton, yet democratic principles were
so deeply implanted in his nature,
Governor ROBERTS never presumed to
contemn the respectable opinion Of the
people who elevated him to the highest
Office within their bestowal, orarrogated
to himself functions orprerogatiyes not
unequivocally granted by the supreme
power. TO Governor ROBERTS the
pride and glory of Texas was an ever
present sentiment, and bis uncommon
abilities have, since manhood's estate,
been devoted largely TO the accomplish
mcnt OF that desired end. Although a
veteran in public service, it may be
said orc. NJ. ROBERTS, rs Of ALEXAN-
DER STEPHENS, he has not prohted in
pecuniary treasure by his official con-
ncction with public affairs.
A splendid prosperity has
blessed the state since his in
auguration as governor, and her adj
vanccment has been iostered and pro-
NOTED az much IA the influences Of
beneficent government could aid.
The education of her youth and the
preservation of the magnificent endow-
ment Of the state for that purpose, is a
policy which has distinguished his ad-
mistration, aud as much has been Of
fected TO attain efficiency in the edit
eational system of Texas as comes
within the scope Of the executive
power and influence. Retrenchment
and economy in the affairs Of govern
ment found la him "a
fearless advocate, and whatever
has been accomplished in this line is
due in greater degree to Governor
ROBERTS than TO any one else. He
has been suspected Of ambition to rep
resent this state in tue councils OF the
republic, and although assigned to an
other honorable station, there is no
doubt but that in the United States
senate the adrolt old governor would
rank with the foremost members in
craftsmanship and eminence. 1t is y
well-known fact that Governor ROB-
ERra, Notwithstanding the arduous
duties of his Office, would have served
the people II third term had ii
been their overwhelming desire,
not to gra.ifysa mere personal aspira-
ton, but that he might 80 shape the
administration Of the state govern
ment as to devolve upon his successor
a system perfect as possible in detail;
bereft Of those incongruities in the law
incident TO legislation in great and
growing commonwealth. However
he has never manifested discomfort n,
the decision which has summoned
another distinguished citizen of Texas
TO the chief magistmoy, and in after
years the name of 0. NJ. RoBERrs will
he uttered with reverence by Texans
who admire genuine Democracy anc
respect integrity, honesty and reso
luteness in the guberatorial Office.