The morning journal-courier., 1908-07-07
Tuesday, July :, 1908.
POWER OF TRADITION.


 We find the following interesting statement in the gossip column of the esteemed Hartford Courant, which speaks with authority. and lucldity for the republican party of the state Of Connecticut. "The political situation in this state grows more interesting as the days go by. It Is evident that the contest for the republican governorshlp nomination, which is admittedly equiv alent to an election. lies between Lilley and Lake. Governor Woodruff stands high in the respect of the people, but the old tradition (of withholding sec ond term from q deserving goyernor) is too strong. The state Is not ready for q second term. although some day IL win be-"
 With all respect for the earnestness with which our esteemed contemporary protects hallowed traditions, we are a bit curious to know more about why the state is not yet ready to reward faithful public servant, whose task is but half completed with a second term. It is not enough to say that the state" is not yet ready to introduce n change of practice, but that it will be some day. This is equivalent to assert- ing that "the state" is ready to turn It's Jack upon its own best interests in or der that substitute may be found for the experienced governor, substitute. who, in the person of Mir. Lilley has provoked an intelligent doubt as to his tenperamental fitness for an office de- mandng great reserve powers. Ia there not a possibility that the ex- pression the state" as used in this connection, really means the organIza- ton of the republican party in the state, ,bf Connecticut, which has for over a year been committed to the DO. litical aspirations of the congressman ht large? Without intending to reflect at all .upon the Courant's sincerity oi statement, we think the answer should be given in the affirmative.
 There Is no reason at all to believe that the republican voters of Connecti- cut would resent the activity of the leaders of their party, if 1t were put forth in behalf of the renomination of the entire list of state officials. No criticism has been made of the charac. ter and achievements of the Woodruff administration. The press of all parties mas approved 1t, and one has but to move among the people to hear words of commendation. It Is seldom that a word is heard In opposition, except up- on the ground of the overpowering in- nuence of tradition. That this is not a serious obstacle Is at once proved by the fact that there Is no objection made by the supporters of MT. Lilley 10 the deliberate elimination of another tradition, quite as old and respectable which has hitherto advanced 10 first place the incumbent of the lieutenant gopernorship, provided his conduct has been satisfactory. The conclusion is IT. 'eslstible that the power of tradition grows as 1t fits in with the purposes oi party leaders.
 If tradition is to be allowed to "tra- dish" to coin word, Governor Wood ruff, with all of his good works and better counsel, should be hustled out oi he back door and LIeutenant-Gove nor Lake brought in by the front. Upof no theory of tradition, which may bl said to be worth the paper 1t is writer on, can both Governor Woodruff ant lJieutenant-G Governor Lake be tumbleC over the brink into the waters of ob. livion and the nomination be giver Congressman Lllley He is disquallhe, upon that ground alone, not to mention illh more serious objections to his can. di1acy in the judgment Of many seri cls-minded and Connecticut lovlns men. IL is possible that the slate WI be approved as it stands, but 1t will b. because the organization wills it an, not because "the state" is unready tt introduce new order nor because tht power of tradition is at work, with it ndescrlbabe but effective influence What the state" needs is not the pro lection of a tradition. It Is informa .ion. Tie people will do the rest.
 .::.-. ... ..',,.--.@.s-. .. @ @ ...-:...:..-- -:.--
 l'ha horrors of the terrible Russian nina accident in which 214 miners