The morning journal-courier., 1908-12-16
CHARLES, THE RnroRMER.

CHARLES, THE RrFORMER.
 Many times Governor Charles F. Hughes Of New York state has shown his right to such a title as the above. And yet, to say of him that hc is typical reformer, is quite apt to give wrong Impression There are reform CTS we havc all encountered them who obstruct rather than construct who seem out of sorts with existing conditions generally but who prefer rather to seek out some Impossible re- form of comparative lnsignlncancc and to give voice to whining, unhealthy objection Him whom we choose to call Charles. the Roformer, selected as a hobby, but rather against real and con sequentlal evils, wherever and when ever they may be found The world has come to know him not as peev- ish, whining trouhle-maker but rather as the manly man who follows up his convictions whatever the cost
 The worthwhile reforms brought about In the past through tho instru- mentality of Governor Hughes arc too well known to require any lengthy re- view He began with the insurance companies. To obtain certain much needed and wholesome reforms in their management seemed at the time to be well-nigh impossible, as well as d politically ly-dangerous, undertaking. But MT. Hughes laid the foundations of his reputation as governmental executive when he came off with flying colors in his onslaught on the big New York insurance companies, which he found to he quite as rotten as they were strong ly intrenehed.
 Other fights have resulted since Among them have been the fights on the banks and on the pernclous and long-standing practice of racc-track gambling While the reforms at tho race tracks were being brought about, there were no more persistent obiectors than those sporting men who said their occupation should not be singled out as typically conducive to gambling, when down on Wall street, in New York clty every day there is far more gambling going on under the guIse Of speculation, yet against the brokers and the stock exchange the governor either did not dare or did not care to proceed
 Those who have known Mir Hughes and his methods have long asserted their belief that he would not hesitate a moment to proceed against any body of men, no matter what their inside" influence, provided he really deemed conditions warranted his interference Their beliefs have now been substanti.
 
 Mr, Hughes to ferret out stock ex- change evils, If they exist, and to find out what changes, if any, are advis. able in the laws of the state bearini upon speculation in securities and com modities; or relating to the protection of investors or with regard to the in strumentalities and organizations used in dealing in securities and commodi. ties which are the subject of specua- tlon." In view of the uncalled-for tall of the race-track fraternity referred to the action of the governor is partlcu- larly pleasing, whatever the results may be, for 1t shows him to be stll the fearless, unbiased reformer of old The gentlemen whom he has appoint ed to serve without compensation or the commission which will conduct the investigation are all men far above re. proach. Many of them have time and again before this been associated with notable reform movements. l results can be and should be accom- plished, they ought to be able to brnt them about
 There can be little certainty in pro pheslzng what this commission will re commend in the way of new laws. i any Even if no new laws are lncor porated on Che books as a result, th investigation will be far from profit less Those who have been connected with 0agrant speculation evils wilt d once realize the seriousness of thei position on the other hand a pre- disposition should not be developed o chasing the race track betting-rul and the stock exchange together. Evil undoubtedly have existed in Wal