Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1906-11-22
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OPPORTUNITY FOR STATESMAN
SHIP.

If Governor Burke and his fol-
lowers are really sincere and if those
who opposed his candidacy because
they believe it unnecessary to turn
the state over to the democrats-if
the spokesman of the people and the
press of the state are honest in their
protestations that all the people want
is good government, then an oppor-
tnnity is presented to the forthcom-
ing legislature for real statesman
ship. If measures for the public
good are introduced and championed
to the exclusion of those of a narrow
and selfish nature; if conservatism
and fairness characterizes the pro-
ceedings of the law-making and exc
cutive departments instead of vim
dictiveness, greed and revenge; if
party advantage or blind partizan-
ship is subordinated to reason and
elaboration; if a spirit of federation
and due regard for the rights and
opinions of all factions prevails: if
the attempt to punish enemies and
reward friends is kept in the back
ground: if the real wishes Of the peo-
pie are carried out as they have
been or may be expressed through
proper forms: if true craftsmanship
be the first aim of the members of
j the tenth legislative assembly then:
the final results of the campaign of
1906 need not be feared by those who
naturally look upon the condition of
a democratic executive with a re-
publican legislature with some mis-
giyings -some fear of wrangle and
turmoil resulting in little good for
the people and waning influence of
party leaders.
1t 5isSa foregone conclusion that
the primary election law will be re-
vised and extended, on such lines as
due regard for party pledges and the
experience of other communities may
Z suggest. ~ .ss a. .5 ss.z4-,, g,+a..,s.
The rapid growth of the state
q makes imperitive the further extern
sion of the states public institutions
and conservatism, economy and a
more perfect government argues in
\ favor of the adoption of a board Of
control for the penal and charitable
& institutions of this state. This sys-
tenn is no longer an experiment in
other states. Experience has led to
its popularity and :. North Dakota's
progressive spirit must be shown in
this as well as other governmental
problems. ~ g.. F. q ~. 4.
Coming in as Governor Burke does,
democrat, elected under the
peculiar conditions Of a public senti-
ment that defeated the republican
3 nominee for governor by a majority
of about 5000, while at the same
time e1ecting the lieutenant governor
and all other republican nominees
for state officers by pluralities OF
5000 to $1,000, and with legisla-
q ture overwhelmingly republican it is
. not likely. that the attempt will be
made to change the political com
+ plexion of the boards of administra
ton Of the various state institutions
1t must be evident to him that really
it was not democratic victory and
radical changes are not demanded
Minority representation on the
various boards has been defensable
convention all along. There are
those, and many of them, who be.
lieve that no matter what the com
plexion of the state administration
may be minority representation at
fords a check, the restraining in
Il fiuenee of which possibly operates ii
furtherance of good administration
Il of affairs, g II b l.s 5 u # \
And then there is the further re
straining influences against radica
# action on the part OF the executive
y The senate is a part of the appointing
power. Failure OF the senate to con
.s firm the governors appointments
operates to retain in office those al
ready holding under last appoint
ment Notwithstanding the expiration
OF the term for which they, were ap,
pointed Thus It Is likely-at least
It IS to be hoped-that a spirit 81
fairness Will prevail and that there
b & VIII be frankness and fair conces
stems all around IA willingness te
give and take as It weres and ID
fhe application Of this principle tbs
republicans have more TO gain than
file democrats.
The Grand Forks Press very close
puts It chat the reason the other