New-York tribune., 1901-05-08
TIE ErcLsE commLSsLoNERSHIP.

iHE fAt fNE tOM IbNHII.
The death of Colonel Henry II. Lyman has
evoked a general expression Of respect for his
character and appreciation of his services as
State Commissioner of Excise. but the highest
tribute 10 the value of his work during the last
Ire years is found in the records of his office.
The law which he was appointed TO administer
was regarded with suspicion by a large proper
ton Of the people of the State who believed
that IL was designed rot to take the saloon out
of politics. but, having converted the saloon
into a more effective political instrument than
IL had ever heeu before. 10 make il subject TO
the control Of the Republican machine for parti-
san purposes. II that was an erroneous opinion
there was much TO sustain il in the law itself
and in the incidents attending its passage
through The legislature. There is no doubt
that il was crude and experimental measure,
we'll adapted 10 base uses and dependent in an
unusual degree for It's Justification upon the
manner OF its enforcement. Under a bad COM
missioner its operation could not have been
comparatively harmless. but must have been
productive of deplOrable and scandalOus cOnse-
quences
These conditions were widely recognized, and
the satisfaction with which Colonel Lyman's
appointment was received was therefore a
strong testimonial 10 the confidence with which
lt WIS EtEdIAtl II - S'dINti. TOO lnuti 10
say that from the moment when Governor Nor
toms choice Of an Excise Commissioner was
made known the general apprehension aroused
by the new law began 10 decline and its useful
possibilities 10 be recognized. Colonel I.yman's
administration fully justified this change of
feeling II would be unsafe TO assert that he
vindicated the sincerity and intelligence of
those who framed and enacted the law. for IL
has since been considerably modified and Is
still capable Of being rendered singularly mis-
chievOus by corrupt or incompetent men; hut
IL is universally acknowledged TO have worked
well under his direction. He has evinced n
high order Of oNecutve ability. and his recti-
tude has been b.yond suspicion The pressure
10 which he has been subjected Is probably
comprehended only by those who have applied
il. IL Colonel Lyman has occasionally yielded
10 political opportunity against his better judg-
ment. OF which so far we are aware no proof
exists. the fact unqueStionahly remains that he
has permitted no excise ring with political at
tachments To grow up around his department.
but has devoted his large powers with fidelity,
sagacity and success 10 the ends for which they
were bestowed upon him. He has collected an
enormous revenue revenue even larger we
believe. than the highest original estimate
and frcm first 70 last no scandal of any sort
has touched his office while minor complaints
OF it's management have steadily diminished.
Public appreciation of these facts which
happily found cordial expression before his
premature death, and indeed, led 10 his recent
reappontment. inevitably makes the succession
a question of great concern. Tneasiness lest tho
standard should he lowered has already been
manifested. and would he prevalent except for
general confidence in Governor Odell. We have
no doubt that the Governor realizes not only
The duty of appointing TO the Excise Commits
slonerShip an able, upright. firm and indepen-
dent man. hut also the difficulty of finding n
man who fully answers 10 that description and
is willing 10 take the place. II Is earnestly TO
be hoped that his selection will prove as fortu-
nate as that which Governor Morton made five
years ago.