New-York tribune., 1908-06-15
THE UNFINISHED WORK.

Some time ago The Tribune expressed the
opinion that even if the snti-gambling bills were
passed at the special session, SO much OF Gov
ernor Hughes's work must necessarily remain
unfinished that the public would demand his ser
vices for another term. II is now possible to
consider lust how much of the Governors work
remains unfinished ana to arpraise the impor-
Office would delay.
The largest thing that the Governor stands for
in the public mind is what he has called get
ting the people top" and how much of that
remains TO be done Only beginning has been
made. Only the direction toward fuller DEM
ocracy has been pointed out through the legfs-
lation which he has succeeded in getting enacted,
and through the influence of his practice or call
ing upon the people to make themselves heard in
the government of the state His public service
legislation gave the people control of the regula-
tion of the public service corporations and ended
situation at which the conscience of the state
revolted. and his appeals TO the people this
year and last year have aroused as nothing has
in years the publics sense of its right to officials
who represent it and not the will of few men
But the possession of the machinery is un-
changed and unless Mr.. Hughes continues his
fight for the people to a successful issue, the
bosses. not the people, will remain on top. The
ordinary man in office will continue 10 do the
will of those who have in their hands the giving
or withholding of nominations. and who may.
therefore. reward obedience and punish disobe-
dience. So long as the bosses have this power
the people viii rot be Oh top IN the parties or IN
the state.
Governor Hughes's ideal is to put the people
in control of the parties. so that every elected
official will feel that he owes his nomination to
the enrolled voters of his party and not TO some
individual He has made repeated reeommenda-
tionS for changes in the election and primary
laws 10 bring this reform about. but none Of his
suggestions has been enacted into law. The op-
tional direct primaries measure would introduce
in this state reform which in other states has
tended TO create a pure democracy in party gov
ernment The regulation of party conventions,
covered by the McCarren bill. recently defeated,
takes ii out of the power Of the boss to override
the will of the party voters expressed at the
primaries Governor Hughes believes that
shall have better government if the sense of re-
sponsibility TO the people is Quickened among
officeholders and that the parties will be better
and animated by higher ideals if the system
which puts premium upon talent for manipula
ton gives place TO one which opens the way to
real leadership. Take away the power to con-
troll nominations by dickering in delegates. and
make necessary in its place a direct appeal 10
the people and obviously different qualifications
from the present will be needed in the leader"
of a party But not practical step has been
taken TO accomplish these important reforms
Not a bill has been passed aimed at getting the
people on top in the parties. and. so far as we
can see there is no one 10 take hold of this
cause but the Governor himself.
We have spoken of the Governors ideas for
the Improvement of city government by changing
the relations of the cities to the state. He be
leves with much show of reason. that one potent
factor in the decentralization of municipal gov
ernment is the excessive dependence of the mu-
inequalities upon the state Legislature. With
greater independence, simple and general char
ter which would serve as a sort Of municipal
constitution. considerable powers of local law
making. complete home rule within the limits of
capital. he believes great improvement in city
government would take place. The present re
vision commission is drawing up charter upon
these lines for this city. Every one who has the
interest of municipal government at heart must
feel the importance of keeping Governor Hughes
in Office. where he may lead in the formation Of
public opinion when this important departure in
the states policy toward the cities is up for
discussion.
Mr. Hughes stands for constructive policies
which are not merely unfinished, but hardly yet
begun He also emhodies ideals of efficiency in
office and unselfish service the influence of which
on public life would be fortified by his con
tinuance for another term. The attorney for
the people" has not Yet won their case.