The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1893-01-13
THE OLD AND THE NEW.

yHE OlO ANU INc"s
The REPUBLICAN has not always
agreed with the public policy of Gov. Mel
lette during his discharge of the duties of
his office, but in what criticisms it has
presumed to offerit has never impugned
his motives nor questioned his desire to
do what he thought to be best accord
ing to the circumstances then surround
ing him. And in looking back over his
official career as he steps out of the
governorship, we feel free to say that
whatever faults it may have been
charged with were merely incidental,
and are more than outweighed by the
general excellence of his administra-
tion. During his term as the last terri
torial governor as we'll as the first gov
ernor after statehood no scandal tainted
his administration, although it has
been subjected to the fiercest sort of
partisan attack, and has had to pass un-
der the scrutiny of at least one politi-
cally hostile legislature. If anything,
Gov. Mellette's second term since state
hood has drawn out less criticism than
his first, and the united and harmonious
condition OF the Republican party as
shown. by the recent election proves
that he has made no political mistakes
worthy the name. Perhaps no more
sincere endorsement of the retiring
governor can be found than the follow
ing from the Democratic Argus-Leader,
which from it's position as state s'or-
gan" might be expected tomake capital
if it could find a pretext. This organ
says:
Gov. Mellette retires from the guber-
Material chair of the state with q clear
record, and with the confidence and
best wishes of the people.
What is true of Gov. Mellette applies
equally we'll to his official associates
who retire with him. Secretary Rings
rud goes out with reputation unsul-
lied and with record for the faithful
performance of his official duties of
which he may we'll be proud. Auditor
Taylor has established a precedent that
ought to we'll serve for his successors
without material change. He has
shown regard for the interests of the
state in the face sometimes of strong
and bitter prejudice that entities him
to high credit, and the methods OF his
office can not we'll be improved. At
torney-general Dollard and Labor Com
missioner Smith have also proved to be
efficient and faithful public servants in
all their relations to the administration.
OF the new regime we have already
expressed our opinion so far as it can
be expressed in advance. The reflect
ed officers-Treasurer Taylor, Supt. Sal
mon, Commissioner Ruth-enter upon
their second terms with the hearty
endorsement OF their constituents,
which probably does not need any en-
comiu.4., ..s..4 US to adj - signii-
canoe. Their annual reports Just sub
lnitted show with what thoroughness
they have discharged their respective
duties. OF Messrs. Thorson, Ripple
and Crawford the most complimentary
thing we can say Of them is that they
are in every way fitted to take up the
work laid down by their predecessors
and keep it up to the high standard es-
tablished.
Gov. Sheldon in his inaugural address
fully sustains the favorable impression
which he made from the first, and
which has grown ever since, as prac-
tical, levelheaded, thoroughly honest
man, free from small political trickery
and having at heart the best interests
of the people, but course subject to the
human liability to err in Judgment.
OF one thing he may be assured, that as
he stands on the Threshold of his admin
istration he has behind him commun-
ity prepared to give him all possible en-
couragement in the right direction, re-
gardless OF any political prejudice that
may have been excited during the cam
paign just closed. With q legislature
thoroughly in harmony with his views,
Gov. Sheldon has an opportunity sell
dom vouchsated to an executive and one
which we firmly believe he will prove
equal to.