The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1897-01-21

(News and Observer, 1ith.)
We wrote yesterday IN general
way of the clean, economical and pure
governmnt, free from scandals and
abuses, which the Democratic party
has given to the people Of North Caro-
lima. Many OF the men who were the
chic: instruments in the publication of
State affairs, after the debauChery by
the Republicans, have passed away.
Others who have done the State great
service and who VIII wage battle two
years hence to overthrow the present
regime; still abide with US, enjoying
the confidence and esteem OF all.
The outgoing officers take with them
the plaudit, "Well done, good and
faithful servants" Governor Carr,
who was called from his farm without
any solicitation on his part, returned
yesterday to resume his lifetime occu
patton as planter. AS Governor he
has sought to increase the educational
progress Of the people, never failing to
throw the influence of his high office
TO the Improvement alike of the pub
lie schools and the higher and techni-
cal institutions Of learning. His busi
ness capacity was shown in the selec-
ton of directors of the various public
institutions and the good counsel he
has given them in their practical man
agement. No Governor has demon
strated more knowledge of their needs
and requirements. AS whole his ap-
pointments have been excellent, and
the men he has elevated to positions of
trust have brought credit to his admin
istration and served the State with
great fidelity and ability.
The retiring Lieutenant Governor,
Hon. Rufus y. Doughton, as member
and presiding officer of both houses,
has been leader in all legislation and
in all party councils for ten years.
Modest, honorable, wise, just, discreet,
able, patriotic, he has left his impress
for good for all time upon the leglslA-
ton of the State. He has never been
influenced by any consideration except
the public good, and the time is not
far distant when his services will be
demanded in higher field of public ser
vice.
Though in office but a short time,
theretirement of G. NJ. Cooke is every
where regretted. In devotion to the
highest interests of the people of his
State, in unselhsh and patriotic ser
vice in peace and war, in generous and
manly qualities, in character, capacity
and ability he stands among the 70 re
most men OF the State. During his
term all the land grants have been
lndexed and arranged, and the office
IS turned over to his successor in ex-
Cellent shape.
Frank l. Osborne, Esq, the retiring
Attorney-General, IS easily one of the
first lawyers ofthe State, and both in
the preparation of his cases for the Su-
preme Court and in his arguments
never failed to measure up 10 the
standard Of learned lawer. He lead
the ticket in the late election.
The retiring State Auditor, Mr..
Robert NJ Furman, has been closely
connected with the public concerns Of
the State as principal clerk of Senate
and State Auditor. In personal Cour-
tesy, efficiency, capacity, knowledge OF
legislation anc questions relating TO
taxation, he is easily the equal of any
public official the State has had. His
friends will be glad to know that he
Will remain in Raleigh for while
Mr.. John G. Scarborough, who has
held the Office of Superintendent of
Schools for twelve years, is held in the
highest esteem for bis public and pri
vate virtues. Vance and Saunders
reCkoned him as honest and true
Their estimate will be the estimate Of
the impartial historian. 1t was under
his administration that the school syS
tenn took shape, and It was by his ad
wee that the general law, under which
the schools have been operated for
| twenty wears, was enacted. The State
has never had more courageous or
patriotic citizen. The Biblical Resort
er says of him--and says truly:
"Hon. john c. Scarborough retlres
from the position of Superintendent of
Public Instruction this week after
twelve years Of service. He knows
more than any other man about the
public schools OF North Carolina. He
| has worked with zeal for their better
ment; and his life is lnseperably con-
nected with them. We have talked
with him frequently about them, and
have been amazed that he has acquired
such knowledge of the details OF the
schools and their needs, and the obs;a-
cles in improving them. If he would
write book, or pamphlet, or an ar
/ ,cle, and tell what he knows from his
own experience, it would be a service