New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-16
THE GoVFRNOR'S APPOINTMENTS


Governor Hughess predicted break with the
organization has come, and vet harmony reigns.
The Republican party. which. after having nom
mated and elected the Governor. was going to
thwart his plans. Loyalty follows his leadership.
The Senate. which was seeking cause of quar-
rel with him. unanimously confirms the
ination which TO he the stumbling block in
the path of harmony II is Just as we expected
Governor Hughes elected to pursue an indie
pendent reform policy and he is going about II
with characteristic lf-possession and indepen-
dence. He is picking his own men. not letting
anybody else pick them for him. and not making
himself the heir of past political animoSities
He Is doing just what President Roosevelt has
done In breaking away from traditions of party
prefermeDt, and. like the President. he finds the
party Loyalty supporting him. He has sought men
for important places who. under the routine of
party politics would never have been named
and therein he shows his capacity for true lead
ership and his fitness for the task intrusted to
him of directing the state government in hnr-
mony with the highest ideals of the people and
showing his party how best it may serve itself
and the state. party organization seldom
rises higher than It's leadership. and without
doubt the odime party managers. trained
in the old tradition. would have made other
lections. and somewhat startled by the Gov
ernor's appointments. But party's capacity to
serve the people well is shown when IT will rise
to such leadership and support courageous
and high minded executive in a progressive pol
icy.
Persons who delight in speculation the
turns of political fortune will find much food
for comment in the appointment of Senator
Stevens 10 be Commissioner Of Public Works.
There is not the slightest ground however. TO
suppose that the selection was made for nnv
but personal reasons with view TO the best :
of he hiISiD Mr
Stevens. chairman OF the gas investigating
committee. came into close personal relations
with Governor Hughes and won his deserved
respect as a man Of great business ability and
the highest integrity No officer is more con
fidental" 10 the, Governor in the sense that spe-
cial trust and confidence musr be reposed in him
than the Commissioner of Public Works. and
the Governor is exceedingly fortunate IN per
suadlng Mr. Stevens to join his staff. The
voters Of the Republican party and the people
at large are much more concerned that the great
scheme of public improvements which the
state is embarked should be managed by high
class business man than with any questions of
patronage and party leadership III this or that
county
The appointment of Mr.. Keep to be Superln-
tendent Of Banking which had been previously
announced is unconventional and as excel
lent that of Mr.. Stevens The appointments
of Mr.. Perley to All for full term the Tax
COmmissionership which he held under recess
appointment from Governor Higgins, and of
Benjamin z. Hall. who was for two years presi-
dent of the Board of Assessors in this city under
Mayor Low. 10 succeed William Halpin in the
Tax Commission are everywhere received with
favor. William Leary. who has been named to
succeed Mr.. Swasey as Superintendent of Elec-
tons. is by training and experience well quail
flied for the post. He IS practical politician
who has made n good record IN reform city adj
ministrations. He knows the ways of elections
in New York and should be well fitted TO deal
with schemers trying to evade election laws.
Mr.. Wadhams. who has beer chosen to fiji the
vacancy in the City Court caused by the promo
ton of Judge Seabury 10 the Supreme bench
is q young lawyer whose training as secretary
to Justice Clarke. of the Appellate Division.
should fit him wei! for the duties Of his new
position
Taken altogether the new appointments meas
up to the standard set for the Governor by
public expectation and indicate the exact re-
demption of the promises of the campaign. In
carrying out this policy of faithfulness to his
word and of loyalty to his own Judgment of
and measures, the Governor Will undoubt-
eddy have, he should have, the loyal support
OF the Republican party In the State Legislature
and out of II. His officers and his recommends
lions for the improvement Of the public service
will receive. they already receiving the
support of the responsible lawmaking majority
The Republican party s thoroughly committed
10 the continuation and completion of the work
Of reform which 1t entered two years ago
II wants courageous leader 10 direct ii TO n
wise fulilment Of that aim and it can he trusted
10 follow that leader.