New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-12-21
vp MERRITT AND THE G0TERNOR

/
/ 1t is not surprising that in the irritation of
! tbs moment Mr. Merritt should make some
rather eytrayagant statements at finding the
favor of the Governor given TO another candl-
date for Speaker. He will probably think bet
ter of il in 3 few days ana be ready TO see that
the Governor has acted with entire proprleC
and done nothing in behalf of Mr. Wadsworh
which Mr.. Merritt would not have been glad
TO have had done in his own behalf
AR Merritt talks about adherence to con
st;tutional forms in the selection of Speak
or and apnears TO resent the expression OF
choice bv the Governor who has no standing
as . member of the Assembly. Yet Mr. Merritt
has been equally ready TO invade that sacreu
prerogative of the Assemblynen. Far Irom
treating the Assembly a Roman ConcaNe
walled I'D from outside influence. he mas peeh
focusing upon the members every outslde III
duence which he could command, whether III
the political or business world. None OF those
agencies had better excuse for interference
if its activity was interference-than the GOV
ernor Certainly none of them had a more
legitimate interest in the wise solution OF the
problem. Mr. Odell himself had acknowledged
this. saving publicly and emphaucaily that as
Governor Higgins was responsible TOT the re-
suits of the legislative session all other party
leaders should bow to his Judgment concerning
the Speakership.
mort of politicians who not members OF the
4 Assembly hut who are supposed to control
members of the Assembly. Foremost among
them his friends count Mr.. Odell- Others are
Mr. Malby member of the Senate, ike the
Governor a coordinate branch of the laWmak-
ing power and equally forbidden. according 10
Mr. Merritt TO take an interest in the Assem-
bly's affairs and Mr. Payn, of Columbia VINO
does not at present hold office. Mr. John
,ior1 lin NJ IL
cox of Cayuga also members of the Senate are
nlored nv some in this company but we know
not with how much truth. We are far from
sewing that the hunt for and use of such
assistance by Mr. Merritt were not entirely prop
or The filling of office OF great lhnu-
ence on party policy and fortunes ike the
Sneakership cannot but be a matter OF general |
rarity concern. in which party leaders ana
workers whether in out of the Assembly, VIII
take practical interest and Mr.. Merritt quite
properIv. has been reaching out for all the aid
tbot he could secure. But in reaching out for
it and in asking the state chairman to MAKE
him Speaker through his power as party
manager he forfets the right 10 complain when
Governor Higgins who has at least an equal
title to influence as a responsible party leader
steaks in favor of another candidate
\ great deal of nonsense is in the air about
executive dictation. Many solemn statesmen OF
the press are weeping over tne ueSlIucIloh Vi
the sacred principles of our government VINO,
whenever they want anything done by legls-
latne are always the first to cry out loudly
for the Governor to come forward, take MS le-
eitir1rste place as the leader of the party and |
the government and read the riot act TO recall
citrant lawmakers When a Governor does
what YOU want him to do in the exercise of
executive influence he is "a courageous leader,
A very man at last" When his view does not
agree with yours his acting upon it makes him |
"a dangerous usurper All well Wishers OF
the Republican party and all persons, regardless
Of party, who have hoped TO see the coming SEES
sion do good work for the moral uplifting Of
both politics and business the low state or
which has been startlngly revealed TO long !
apathetic people, have been thoroughly con
WINGED OF the need of new forces and a new |
spirit In the Republican party of this State. |
They have looked to the Governor to supply |
these and he has responded. Not one of his
critics for an instant doubts his disinterested-
ness He is concerned to have the legislature |
ruled by men who will command the confidence
of an aroused and critical public and secure the |
reforms which that public demands.
We do not believe that Mr.. Merritt or Mr.. |
Odell really wants to block such reforms or |
of AdulIamites the lobby and its committee al
lies who foresee that Mr. Wadsworth's election |
would mean new alignments anu a breakdown (
of their peculiar methods of legislation. We
think rather that in due time they will be
glad to toin the Governor in his work and that |
Mr. Merritt will be found using his unques- |
toned ability TO put through the reforms which |
the people demand.