New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-01
GOVERNOR ROOSEVELT.

Rarely has n Governor Of New-York entered
upon the discharge of his duties amid conditions
more suspicious than those which surround
Colonel Roosevelt He has youth. Astounding
health various talents, experience Of public life,
a large acquaintance with men and affairs, the
admiration of the people, the confidence OF
many who arc not his political adherents and
competency which relieves his mind Of financial
worry. He is singularly fortunate, moreover.
In his freedom from obligations which 1t might
be difficult TO avoid and costly TO fulfil. He
owed his nomination not to the political Organ-
zation which put his name at the head of the
Republican ticket but to public sentiment
which it was virtually impossible to disregard.
He was the choice Of the machine because the
machine possessed unmistakable evidence that
he the choice Of the party and strong
favorite outside of party lines. This Is nearly
equivalent 10 aging that he owed his nonna
ton to himself. and there Is even less reason TO
qualify the statement that he owed his election
to himself Against obstacles which 1t is COM
monty believed would have been insuperabe to
any other candidate he won victory that was
as credtable to him as it was to the voters who,
not without hesitation due to causes for which
he was not responsible. gave him a sufficient
majority ut the polls.
Colonel Rooscvelts election was certificate
Of faith that the Governor would redeem the
pledges Of the candidate II was the man be-
hind the promise that gave the promise weight
The value of established character was never
more impressvcly illustrated in political cam
paign. And for this reason Colonel Roosevelt
has incurred extraordinary obligations TO him
self and to the people far larger majority
than that by which he was elected firmly be-
lieves in his sincerity and his moral courage
Those qualities in him have stood many hard
strain hitherto. and thus far there is no evil
dence of their impairment. But the particular
acts and general course Of conduct which have
given him the reputation he enjoys have estab-
lished in the public mind with respect to him n
standard that no man occupying conspicuous
and commanding station can easily live up TO-
He will be constantly subjected 10 a searching
scrutiny and strictly measured by the measure
which he himself has furnished
But we do not anticipate that ColOuel Roose-
welt Will be unfairly and unsympathetcally
Judged. II he makes mistakes the presumption
will be that they are not nfidelties. and he will
be cheerfully permitted TO console himself with
Mr. Phelpss famous epigram that the man who
does not make mistakes seldom makes anything.
He is fortunate also in the possession of tenn
permanent which not only renders hard work and
serious cares congena but prevents censure
from being too depressing. Thus he begins his
career in great Office with all the conditions
favorable to prosperous and useful admins
tration. We hope and believe that he will
achieve a solid success, amply justfying the
trust which has been reposed In him and caus-
ing as high an estimate to be placed upon his
sacacity and discretion as that which his fell
low-citizens have already placed upon his
bravery aud rectitude.