New-York tribune., 1905-01-03
GOVERNOR HIGGINS.
treated.

The conduct Of Governor Higgins in taking
office completely justifes everything said in his
behalf during the recent campaign and already
signs may be seen OF the satisfaction Of many
who voted against him that their prejudiced
Views did not prevail and that in spite of them
the people chose an Executive so able. so
straightforward, so independent and so trans
parently honest. There will be little disposition
anywhere to question the truth of Governor
Odell's remark in welcoming his successor: In
selecting you to continue the work Of progress
"and advancement, the people OF our State have
made no mistake" Mr.. Higgins has already
demonstrated that. so far as it can be demon
strated at this time. His work is only begin
ming, but his every word and action, without
exception harmonic with his ante-electiOn
promises and are clearly the result, not of cal
culation, but OF character.
The inaugural address of the new Governor is
extremely brief, but by no means perfunctory.
It reveals convictions aud clear thinking. He
pays a tribute which is no more than just, and
evidently sincere, TO the good work accom-
plished by Governor OdeIi in the last four years.
In spite Of the bitterness of partisan and per-
sonal enmity and honest differences about some
particular measures, such as the hospital and
charities laws, Governor Odell will be remenl-
bered for having faithfully guarded the interests
Of the people and greatly promoted adminis-
almost uniformly been forced to commend his
action on bills placed before him. No franchise
steal has gone by him, whether it was a Niagara
Power bill, West-st grab" or a Remsen Gas
bill. BE has given US tenement house reform,
greatly improved the tax laws and promoted
municipal home rule, while at the same time he
perfected the central machinery of administra-
ton. As Governor Higgins says if his acts
have not always won for him popularity. no
one can gainsay his power of initiative, untiring
energy and sense Of personal responsibility.
Governor Higgins has an equal sense OF per-
sonal responsibility and Independent views of
what is best for the State, which he has already
made manifest. He reiterates with added So
lennity his campaign pledges, and says: Al shall
welcome suggestions of all citizens. Ultimate
"ly, however, with Gods help l shall jealously
guard my prerogative of personal indepen-
"dence, and, whether for good or for evil shall
assume responsibility for all my official acts"
The overwhelming Republican victory at the
polls suggests TO him no license for partisan
excess, but a more sacred duty to the whole peo.
pie. He gives warning against extrava gance,
and his first conspicuous appointment shows
that he is in earnest about the proper conduct
OF the canal Improvement the most important
and critical work of his administration He Sc
Iects for Superintendent Of Public Works NOT
merely man Of high character and reputation
whose name assures the honest expenditure OF
every dollar of the taxpayers money, but one
Of his closest friends as If he felt the canal en-
terprise to be personal trust which he could
delegate only to man in whom, after long ex-
perience he had absolute confidence
For ten years the Republican party has held
unbroken sway at Albany and has accomplished
much OF good for the people In those ten
years no Governor has taken office with a bet
ter equipment for his work and a more noble
spirit and purpose than Governor Higgins evI.
IDENTIFY possesses.