The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-01
To execute laws Is royal office; to
execute orders is to be king How
ever, political executive mag,straoy'
though merely such, is great trust.
Burke.
Ave Ata,,, Yas.

Ave Atq'', Vas!
After four years of honorable service
Andrew jackson Montague retires from
the governorshp of Virginia In aspiring
TO be United States senator in Congress,
and making hot contest against the
distinguished and influential incumbent,
Governor Montague natural? aroused
smuch political antagonism, and his every
Fact was scrutinzed and criticised. where
criticism was possible. by the opposition
If he had aspred to no other political
office; If upon his Inauguration he had
made public determination to retire
from active politics at the close OF his
term. the case with him would have
been quite different. He would have had
fewer foes: there would have been far
less of criticism; his motives at least
would not have been questioned; political
significance" would not have attached to
his every act and he would have had,
altogether a more comfortable admins
tration.
But in spite of critics; in spite of an
tagonisrns; in spite of obstacles that have
been thrown in his way; in spite of
taunts, and sometimes Misrepresentation
and unjust impeachment OF his motives,
Iii must be conceded by foos, as it is
fairly claimed by friends that his admins
istration, as a whole, has been highly
creditable to himself. honorable to the
State, brilliant and eminently successful.
He has made an industrious Governor,
and. in addition to the routine duties of
his Office, he has responded to we'll nigh
every public call, and has never failed
upon occasion to advocate in his eloquent
way road improvement, popular educa-
ttion. pure politics, honest government,
md the highest standard of public morals
and unselfish patriotism.
He has even been condemned by some
Tor giving so much of his time to business
OF this character. but so far from con
demnation, he is entitled to the thanks
and commentator of the public for being
so liberal with his time and talents In
these directions We have employed the
word business" advisealy, for in our view
1t is the business Of the Governor to so
them by his presence and by his words
of approval and good cheer in their en-
deavors for betterments of whatsoever
character. A Governor may, in the strict
line of his duty devote his entire time
to routine work, and still discharge his
oath of office; but in pursuing such n
selfish course, he Will not have done his
whole duty by the people. Governor Mon
tague has taken the broader view, and in
so doing has rendered u valuable public
service.
He has gone outside the borders of his
State on many occasions; has gained for
himself national reputation, and has
done much by his eloquence to advertise
the resources and progress of old Virginia.
He is also entitled to communication and
thanks for this service.
During his administration the Corpora
ton Commission was created, and it is
10 his everlasting honor that in choosing
men for that important work he laic
aside every consideration save the public
welfare, and made the best selection.
within his reach.
The messages which Governor Mon
tague has sent to the General Assembl,
from time to time have, in the main
been valuable State papers, containing
many practical suggestions for The goo,
OF the State and have been so brief an,
pointed as TO make them models OF thei
kind.
AS executive officer. the Governor ha
endeavored TO see TO 1t that the law
were faithfully administered, that goo
order was preserved, and that outbreak
of mob violence were summarly SUP
pressed. In this regard he has show
patriotic courage that cannot be too higl
~ praised.
We have watched Governor Montague
course with keen interest, and 1t is OF
conviction that In the general administrt
ton of the affairs OF his office, he HI
followed his conscience; that he hs
given to the State the hest service OF d
Intelligent and patriotic citizen. and thu
II has heen his highest aim and ambitic
TO promote the good Of the state. Il
safety. honor and welfare of the peopl
In all OF which he has had gratifyii
success
Governor Montague Is succeeded by Il
Hon. Claude A, Swanson. another disti