Middletown transcript., 1897-01-23
OUR GovERNoR.

OUR GOVERNOR.
Having known Hon. Ebe w. Tun-
nell for twenty-five years and palt of
that time when he was Clerk of the
Peace of Sussex County seeing him al
most every day, we. do not remember
to have heard an unkind word of him.
Naturally of kind and genial dispo-
sition be bas cultivated those charac-
teristics and he has hosts of personal
friends of all parties who wish him and
his administration of affairs the great
est success. His political opponents
were men OF the slme high character
and the campaign for the chief execu-
tive Office of Delaware was unusually
free Of personalities. Mr.. Tunnel en-
ters upon new field, one that tests
mems filmness. 10 Withstand the ap-
peals Of pariisanshi ). He was appoint
ed Clerk OF The Peace upon the death
of Nathaniel Hickman and protested
against the appointment when Cover
nor SiOtklty aid lis fellIw sultties
turEtd to him rs he successor of Mr..
Hickman. il is understood that he has
not sought tte I flee Of Governor
though twice a candidate and not un'
mindful nor uuappreciativ5 of ths hon-
ors it bestows. The office has sought
the man and it is real pleasure to en-
ter ain and to ex yr9ss the opinion Of
the full fitness of a political opponent
for the Office to which the people have
called him. And we believe it vas The
masses rather than The politicians in
his party that nominated Mr.. Tunnel.
It is because of nominations by the
politicians that the TRANSCRIPT feels
called upon so often to offer criticism,
Governor Tunnel commends him
self to the people of the State in his in
augural. So often public men give ut
teranceto p,atitudes which the initiated
fully understand are intended only to
tickle the ear. We believe the Cover
nor means exactly what he advises
since il accords with his past life. pub
lie and private, when he says to the
General Assembly: II advise that you
refrain from what is purely partisan
legislation, if such should be pressed
upon you. Such legislation, in no way
creditable or beneficial to the State,
sheuld not receive favorable considera-
tion by you." While promising to hold
to the Jeffersonian principles in max
ing appointments the Governor says;
"If may be called upon to .fill vacan'
cies, or to make appointments in our
judiciary, shall be governed by my
personal knowledge, information and
belief respecting the ability, integrity,
legal attachments, and fitness of the
person or persons who may be urged
therefor, independent of political con.
sideration." A non-partisan judiciary
would be welcomed by the people Of
this State in the present political con-
dition of affairs. If Governor Tunnel
is called upon to make judicial ap-
pointmenIs we believe his efforts will
be in this direction.
Since the TRANSCRIPT criticised
Governor Watson in the dual capacity
which he undertook to fll at the begin
ing of his term at the solicitation ol
partisans and against his own judg-
ment it is with pleasure that we
commend his administration of the of.
fee to which he was called under try
ing circumstances. We believe now a;
we believed on May 9th, 1895, that
VIM. T Watson was the real Governor
of Delaware and not merely an Acting
Governor, farce kept up by partisan
papers since for. political effect, and
that he was not State Senator with
legislative powers. His administration
has been commendable and his ap-
pointments, especially of the more i'm
portent officers, have been good. In tht
naming Of partisan officials such al
registrars, Sc, he followed the advice
of politicians and named some mer
who were untitled, unfair and unjust
He was independent in great measure
so much SO that the politicians did moi
select for him full term, but his in.
dependence las left him fewer enemies
in his own party than have most gov
ernors.