New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-01-04
GOVERNOR HILL


A Governor of this great State who holds his
exalted Office by the popular will, as expressed at
the ballot box, very likely thinks more highly
OF his position than Governor who is In the
Executive chair by accident. And therefore
it is to be presumed that Mr.. Hill takes more
pride and satisfaction out OF the Go7crnorshlp
TO which he was elected last fall than he took
out of the G0vernorsbip to which he succeeded
when the Presidential lightning struck Grover
Cleveland. The assumption that this is so
it Is by no means violent One-furnlshes
ground for hoping that the administration OF
Governor Hill which lies ahead will be an inn
prOvement upon the administration OF Gov
ernOr Hill which lies behind.
He began well New Years morning. His in-
augural address included a number OF admir-
able, patriotic sentiments. After reviewing
New York's long line of Goyemors-a line
shining with many illustrious names-he de-
clared that the exercise deepcned hisown sense
of responsibility. Then lie added that he had
no other ambition except the faithful and con-
scientious discharge OF his official duties !; that
he should devote himself to the great work of
administrative reform that in the cause oil the
people he would lead where any would follow.
or follow where any should lead. These are
fair-sounding words. No Governor could
promise better than Mr.. Hill promised. But is
there reason to place implicit faith in what he
said in this address I Does his career f0rtlty
or weaken the declaration of his patriotic ln-
tentiOns TO answer these questions candidly
is to resolve the portion of the inaugural
address in question INTO IN emphatic Illustration
of the inability of fine words to butter parsnips.
Mr.. Hill by no means did himself credit last
wear. He used his Office to further his
own personal ends. He was distinctly a
partisan Governor as distinguished from a
Governor for the people. Demagogism and not
public spirit prompted his course i'll regard to the
census. A desire to stand well with powerful
Democratic 8" boss" aud the ring of which that
"bossr is the centre, and not a desire for ad-
ministratiye reform, was the secret of his veto
of the Brooklyn reform bills. Anxiety to snub
Civil Service reform, aud not regard for tho
public service, accurately accounts for his ap-
pointment of Sterling TO the Port Wardenship.
A good many of Mr.. Hills fellow citizens had
these and some related things in mind as they
read his address. The unfortunate result was
that they were unable to receive his golden
promises at par. The TRIBUNE does not
submit these considerations in an un-
friendly spirit. 1t opposed Mr.. Hill to the
best of its ability during the can
vass but In common with all those who
take an active interest in the prosperity of the
State, it desires that his administration may be
successful-may be characterized by good and
faithful service for the whole people So de-
string, we assure Governor Hill that if he really
nourishes a laudabe ambition to make an ad-
mnistration which shall give him place
among the Governors 10 whom New-York
proudly points when asked for her jewels, he
must turn over new leaf.