New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-02
THE GOrERyoR,s ADDRESS.

Governor Hughess inaugural ADDRESS pro
claims the purpose which will inspire ms az
ministration. He understands the desire ol
the people expressed in his election, and he
does not shrink from the responsibilities when
they laid upon him. His administration VIII
meet the new problems of to-day with absolute
fairnindedness Where he finds a wrong be
will endeavor to right It, but he will not make
any demagogc appeal by finding and rightng
imaginary wrongs. His is not TO be an anti
corporation adminlstraton-tor the votes theFe
are in it. He never has been an agftator ana
he is not going TO begin now. But he VIII not
be blind or compaisant toward injustice from
which the public suffers. Where inequality has
grown up with the aid of the law he will try
to use the law to restore equality.
Secretary Root called attention short time
ago to the failure of the states to do the duties
which modern conditions exacted of them. Mr.
Hughes's administration will be an attempt to
catch up with neglected work of this sort and
bring the government of the state into har-
mony with the spirit of the time He intends
10 give US what the people OF to-day demand,
q government which governs. Modern cOnd-
tons, he believes, lead us TO a constant ex-
tension of government activity from which we
'can not and would not seek escape"
He recognizes the same condition in the state
which Mr.. Root pointed out in the nation, and
and adequately. His conception of the prob
lem Of corporations IN their relation TO the state
and TO the public Is put with great clearness
and force. His own experience in the gas and
insurance investigations has taught him that
many evils of which complain have their
source IN the law itself" Corporations have
been created and rights have been granted
with little conception Of their subsequent de-
velopment- 1t was impossible to foresee the
s-rfN1tr Nfo 4 -.s-,~g
grants were made. Creatures of the law which
were not merely harmless but wholly benefi-
cent in their origin have grown to exercise
powers which are the subject of Just complaint
Recklessness and carelessness in granting rights
and privileges have multiplied the evils For
the correction OF these abuses which have their
source In legislative action the new Governors
programme is this:
Wherever the law gives unjust advantage,
Wherever 1t fails by suitable prohibition or reg
ulauon 10 protect the interests OF the people
wherever the power derived from the state IS
turned against the state there Is not only room
but urgent necessity for the assertion OF the
authority of the state TO enforce the common
right
Power derived from the state is not to be
used against the state. but. on the contrary
the state will restrain the misuse OF any power
which it has granted. That is Just and tenn
perate position.
MI. hugnes recognizes that the extension OF
governmental activity" demands the highest
standard OF administrative efficiency. If we are
10 have more government it must be OF the
very best kind Mr.. Hughes is exceptionally
qualified 10 live mp to this high standard He
declares
assume the Office OF Governor without other
ambition than to serve the people of the state
nave not coveted its powers nor do permit
myself TO shrink from its responsibilities Sen
O nv Iiy,oir
uons, undertake the task of administration
without illusion.
Many men have made similar professions upon
assuming Office, but we doubt if any man has
ever been more sincere In so doing than the
Governor. He was taken by the people, unex.
pectedly to himself. from the practice Of a
private profession in which centred all Of his
ambition, to administer his present high Office.
He represents the best type Of American pub
Tic servant His character, bis attainments and
his rare disinterestedness fit him for the worthy
fulfilment OF lofty purpose