The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1901-12-31
THE cEER ADMINISTRATION

interested is whether Governor Geer
will be renominated by the next Repub-
lIcan state contention. II the rank and
Gle Of she Republican party we're TO be
consulted on direct vote, no one doubts
but that the present entire state admin-
iutration would be given second term.
But the way the nominating business ia
managed there must be an aroused pub.
lie sentiment TO do justice 70 any ad-
Manifestation upon it's merits. For the
purpose Of arousinR public intesest In
the matter, The JOURNAL has taken the
trouble 70 presenta review Of the Geer
administration in the various depart
ments Of our state government from an
entirely independent standpoint. It 10
assumed that there is large body OF
citizens who are primarily interested in
seeing the state we'll governed, who are
not interested in purely personal con-
troversies between aspirants to office,
and who are willing 10 see fair treat
ment Of any man in public Office who
has sought to do his duty without fear
or favor, and who has upheld the good
name Of his state, advanced the cause Of
good government to the best Of his abil-
ities. Political managers cannot al
ways be trusted to deal fairly even with
those who strive hardest 10 meet their
demands. An official who shows high
sense Of responsibility TO the people and
decent regard for the welfare Of the
state as the best means of serving his
party, is not apt to be found an univer-
sal tavorite among those who follow the
party flag solely from the. standpoint OF
unrestrnined party plumber. 1t Gun be
fairly claimed for Governor Geer that he
Was nominated against the wish OF the
machine managers in Oregon and that
he has conducted his administration
not solely for their benefit. II Gamble
safely assumed that in standing for q
denomination he does so without con-
sulting the bosses who declared that his
nomination in 1905 was sn accident, and
that such thing as any man succeeding
himself on the merits Of his administra-
tion is an impossibility. The Geer ad-
ministration will go before the people
squarelv upon its record.
= q .
When discussing the Geer adminls-
trRtion as a whole, II cannot be claimed
that the governor is entitled to any more
than bis share Of what has been ac-
complished for the improvement Of the
state government, or that he is 10 blame
for any more than his share Of what has
not been accomplished. While three
state institutions have been placed solely
in his care and keeping, he is member
ofthe boards that have five other insti'
tutions under their control. As the
head Of the state government a larger
degree Of responsibility attaches to the
governor than to any other one state
official. II ia upon him that most praise
or blame will be bestowed. II is the
governor who must 90 before the people
and mako the canvass and defend the
administration Of the state government
under himself and his colleagues in thu
ensuing campaign. 1t can be said TO tn,
credit Of the Geer administration that |
has been free from all clashinR and strif
between Ihe officials who have had con
troll Of the states affairs for the pas
three years. Governor Gesr and his col
lenguel on the state boards have worke'
~ an unit They have conducted al
public business In q spir Z Of harmoniou
corporation. II can be claimed with
out fear Of contradiction that they hav
labored in the public interest and to im
prove the public service in every respec
that II might not be said Of them, the
had been obstacles 10 the development
Of the commonwealth. They have faith
fully tried to do what was exactly righ
and what was required OF them by th
law In every instance to the best Of thei
ability. Il would be the height Of foil
20 proclaim that they have made n
mistakes. But It is doubtful II the stat
has ever had more faithful and intel
ligent set Of men In control VI lie affair
The governor and his associates are me
ulill In the early prime Of life. men bre
10 public careers and taking the natuu
pride In public affairs that distinguish,
every true American. These men bs
lieve that soli-governmsnt by the peOpl
IL best carried on when public oficla
show high-minded discrimination
aueceed for the sole purpose OF lssseniE
tho burdens OF the taxpavare A wall