Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-01-09
of The Evening Star.

ulr r. puplCan Councu! mat Is rrobabll the
most important political question in Massschu-
sets at this juncture. The gravest political
consequences hang on the character OF Gov.
Russell's appointments and the attitude OF the
executive council toward them. The republi-
can party has the most in jeopardy in
case of warfare in the executive
chambers. Ordinarily the governors council
has been a perfunctory BODY in whose action
the public had not the slightest interest. Police
Commissioner Osborne was the cause Of the
first 'onplcasantness" two wears ago. when
Gov. Russell removed him. and the council re-
fused to approve the appointment OF his sue
cessor. On this tenure Mr.. Osborne still holds
his position. Other appointments have been
made and met similar fate, notably that of
Irving b. Sayles to succeed Warren E. Locke as
savings bank commissioner. Gov. Russell
has sought to convey the impression
that his council has no purpose but
obstruction. and the democrats think
he has succeeded. At any rate they saw that il
he again removes Mr. Osborne. a. IL is believed
he soon will do, the council will not dare again
to oppose his wishes. A good many republicans
who hold that the Osborne issue was mainly
responsible for the big vote given Russell don't
care to go into another campaign with that a. a
KEYNOTE.
In other words, IL Gov Russell presses the
either to refuse concurrence in Mr.. Osbornes
removal and face the charge of being obstruc-
uonists. or bv admitting the appointment Of
his successor yield to the democrats the first
point in their scheme to secure control in the
state by rolling up insuperable majorities in
Boston. Republicans do not fancy either
alternative, and some have expressed hope that
Mr.. Osborne might relieve the dilemma by
resigning.
Mr.. OSBORNE WILL NOT RESIGN.
This, SO Mr.. Osborne tells The STAR CORE
spondent, he has no intention of doing-cer-
tainly not before his term expires next July. A
majority of republicans il is safe TO say, hope
Gov. Russell will allow Mr.. Osborne to serve
his term out and then trust the police commits
sloners will be good enough republicans to re-
fuse further service.
But there is everv indication that this peace
full solution of the difficulty will not be allowed.
Gov. Russells inaugural is aggressive in every
sentence. 1t takes some nerve for young
/ executive TO stand before his incom-
ing and outgoing boards OF constitu-
tional advisers on Inauguration dav and
recommend that they be wiped off the face Of
the earth as worse than useless but that is what
Gov. Russell did. In recommending the aboli-
tion Of the executive council he ssys: Another
! year OF public discussion Of this important
state question has upon a direct appeal TO the
people shown distinctly. / believe. their dis
satisfaction and demand for a change.
There are no such peculiar conditions OF
executive work in this commonwealth as require
the continued existence Of this non-anomalous
institution III, however. Its powers were prop
erly limited to its constitutional duties If might
perhaps remain as a harmless concession to
conservative antiquarian sentiment"
THE Police COMMISSIONERS.
Passing on 10 the police commission he SAYS:
The board Of police by its acts has de-
servedly lost the confidence of the citizens of
Boston and of the people Of the commonwealth.
II again earnestly recommend the separation
of fbe Of this haard. hat the central Of
her police, which is purely administrative
function. be restored to the city of Boston:
that the control of licenses. which judicial in
its nature. be placed in board OF such charac-
ter, appointment and tenure as to be Judicial in
its action.
1T is within your power thus to correct a
| rious evil, do justice 20 the city of Boston and
a service to the whole community.
II shall endeavor by executive sction to lift
| this board out of politics and to give assurance
to the public that the administration of the inn
portant interests under its control shall be eff
cIent, upright and free from partisan perver-
sion"
This is interpreted to mean immediate war
| upon Commissioner Osborne, whom Gov.
Russell painted during all the last campaign
the embodiment Of everything which was not
efficient, upright and free from partisanship.
THE GOVERNOR OPENS THE FIGHT.
The faces Of the council were study as the
speaker blazed out the paths of reform which
no proposed to follow, and when lac recon-
mended that the executive and council no
longer be required TO appoint the historic Fast
day as religious holiday, thew looked at one
another as much as to say: What next"
The answer came in the suggestion that
instead April Is. the anniversary of the battle
Of Lexington. be made spring holiday.
The governor and council went directly
from the Inauguration services to the executive
chamber, where they literally confronted each
other in a twenty-foot ring. IL any doubt had
existed as TO whether the governor really
meant business il was at once dispelled. To
borrow the figure of speech of the prize ring
Gov. Russell LANDED safely with his right by
sending in the name of Frank j. Sayles for
savings bank commissioner. a name that had
been the chief bone of contention last wear.
Councillor David Hall Rice ''cross countered'
with motion TO take from the governor the
appointment of all special committees of the
council and vesting that power in the board
itself.
Both the name Of Mr.. Sayles and the motion
to limit the governors powers were tabled for
future consideration. and this preliminary
bout conceded TO be a draw.
The governor and council will meet again
Tuesday afternoon and an interested public
avail: the result Of another round with a good
deal OF interest.
THE GOVERNORS CHIEF OPPONENT.
Councillor Rice is a new member of the board
and is president of the Norfolk Club, the most
aggressive republican organization in Boston.
At dinner shortly after election he referred
to Gov. Russell His Accidency," and
claimed that since he owed his election 10 |
the biunders of voters, the governor could not |
hold that the people had sustained him in max |
ing his attack on Mr.. Osborne and the police |
commission. He predicted, and as il proves, |
correctly. that Gov. Russell would interpret his |
election to be q vindication Of his course in |
all his differences with the executive council |
Mr.. Rice regards this as an unwarranted as \
sumption. and will shape his course ss coun-
cillor on that basis. This means that Police |
Commissioner Osborne will have at leas. one |
friend at court when his case comes up.
There is q good deal OF speculation as to what |
Lieut.. Gov Walcot; will do in the council He |
is the logical candidate for governor on the re-
publican ticket next fall and neither he nor the |
party can afford to have many mistakes laid Mt |
his door. Those who remember tina; he |
voted for Cleveland in 1884 think |
he may slip the party halter 4
and support Russell in some measures. at least |
in the Osborne matter. On the other hand The \
STAR representative knows that Walcott was the /
police commissioners first last and only choice /
for lieutenant governor Mr.. Osborne in CONVEX
sation recommended Mr.. Walcott for the |
second place on the ticket because he was not |
hide-bound partisan and would attract indie
pendent votes. Has be raised up a power for
his own undoing?
PROPOSED DEMOLITION OF THE STATE HOUSE