Evening journal., 1908-08-22
Selecting a Ticket.

Editor THE EVENING JOURNAL.
With due respect to those who are
now filling state offices. a careful read
ing of history and a close scrutiny of
the services that each has rendered do
not point irresistably to denomination.
In many respects Preston Lea has
made good governor, but Mr.. Lea
never received "a nomination for the
Office at the hands of any party. He
was a compromise candidate. chosen
by ten men, representing the sub-com-
mittees of the respective State commit
tees. He has given us a decent BUSH
ness administration. which shows well
IN contrast with some other admins
trations. but which is only ordinary in
comparison with administrations we
might easily have. There are a thou
sand or two men in Delaware, any one
Of whom would make a good governor.
Surely Mr.. Lea's friends will not argue
that the party is so poor in men that
il can find no new candidate. All of
which is said without the slightest in
tention OF rejecting upon the good
qualities Of Governor Lea.
Then when we consider the case of
DR.. Hiram r. Burton, is there any com
manding reason for setting aside the
custom Of giving a congressman two
terms2 Were DR. Burton a Statesman
who carried force IN national affairs.
were he a Reed. a Payne or a Dalzell,
State pride and consideration of ma
tional interests would inevitably lead to
the making of a new rule and compel
his denomination.
But DR.. Burton has been just a plain
fltf ft4I
seize upon appropriations for Delaware.
Any intelligent, forceful man. in har-
mony with his party could have done
as well. Great stress has been laid on
his work towards a ship canal across
Delaware Well. he is the only con-
gressman Delaware has, and under a
proposition to cut a canal clear across
our state. he would have to be an in
significant congressman, indeed, to be
ignored. Dr. Burton has not been too
modest IN pressing his own claims, but
il may be doubted whether his fear that
Congress would resent his non-election
by refusing Delaware appropriations is
well grounded.
There is a strong feeling in a part
of Sussex that DR.. Burton has neglect
ed TO urge improvements such as the
the more spectacular work Of the Della
ware and Chesapeake canal Whether
this feeling is justified it will have its
weight.
DIR. Marshall has enjoyed his Office
for eight years. During that time his
son has been his deputy. The emolu-
ments of the Office have been increased
at every session of the Legislature until
1t is very comfortable berth. He has
made a good officer, but any decent
system Of rotation in Office would re-
quire his retirement. There are many
men who would serve the public inter
ests just as faithfully. DR.. Marshall's
friends argue that his knowledge Of the
affairs Of his department is such that
he should be continued. but the same
argument would. if final, operate to
keep any incumbent in Office indefi-
nitely
There is another objection TO the old
ticket that might occasion much un-
pleasant comment during a stirring
campaign. IL is railroad administra-
ton. The governor is a director. The
ieutenant-governor an employe; the
congressman and the insurance com
missioner are medical officers. The
president pro TEN. and the speaker of
the House at the last session were both
railroad men, and its agents sit in the
Legislature while the third house" is
controlled by railroad enthusiasts
1t may have just happened" that
these men secured executive and legis-
lative control Of the state. but IL this
state OF affairs continues some day
there viii be a rumpus and the party in