The Washington herald., 1909-02-14

Columbus. Feb. 1S-Gov. Harmon is run /
ing Gov. Hughes a close race for un- /
popularity with the party bosses. He has
been in Office a month now, and in that
short tine he has set the machine lead
ers wondering whether a Democratic vic I
tory was worth while after all In every
important step taken by the aew COVER
nor thus far. their counsel has been ig-
nored entirely. This strange executive
seems to make up his own mind and to
act accordingly.
In Ohio the state board OF agriculture.
controlled by the Republicans for many
years. has become a powerful political or
ganization. with very large appropria-
tons and a great deal OF nuch-sought
patronage al its disposal. When the op-
portunlty came to Gov. Harmon. BY the
expiration OF the terms Of two Repubii-
can members, 20 recognize this board. be
proceeded. 10 every ones surprise, on the
theory that there should be no politics
in the direction Of the States agricultural
interests. he appointed one Republican
and one Democrat 10 MI the vacancies.
making the board strictly nonparusan.
and saw 10 il that the patronage vas ap-
portioned on the nonpartisan idea. The
bosses were furious, but everybody else
seemed 70 Ike this novel way OF doing
the public business.
Railway Commission Chosen.
Again. when it came TO naming a new
member Of the state railroad commission
"a well-paid and very important office
| the governor gave absolutely no atten-
tion TO the frantic demands Of the party
managers. the chief OF whom was a con-
hdent applicant for the Job himself but
| quietly picked out a man whom he had
| long known personally and in whose ht-
ness FOR the place be had confidence.
1 This man the bosses did not even know
by name. and. when the appointment was
announced. they lacked the Wit 90 keep
their surprise and chagrin 20 themselves.
And again the man Ia the street appeared
20 Ike this unwonted style Of proceed
ure in the governors Office.
More examples Of Gov. Harmon's In6e-
pendenee might be cited, but these two
are typical of his FIRST months admins
tration. lie seems 20 accept Mr. Cleve-
land view OF the meaning II public Of
OF small Importance the effect which his
action IN any given premises may have
on the party organization
Tact with Opposition Legislature.
Nor Is he lacking In tact. Already he
has forced through a Republican and 20
itentially beIligerent legislature a measurs
which promises to assure an honest, non
partisan probing OF the municipal govern
meuts OF Cincinnati and Cleveland The
Legislature came 10 Columbus expecting
TO fight every inch OF the way with th'
governor for party advantage. Up t
date Il has found itself yielding 70 hi
wishes IN every matter Of real import
ance.
II Is many years since Ohio had gov
ernOr whose course in Office won hiH
, such early and wide popularity as IA
; Gov. Harmon's. His most active politl
cal opponents concsde him ability ant
, honesty and earnestuess OF purpose
These include even the Anti-SaloO'
, League OF course, MS fool friends. a
J ! he calls them. are talking about him 70
| the Presidency in 1872. They overlooi
, ! the fact that he has served but on
month OF two-year term. that he mus
: be reelected 20 his present Office in 1sl
? to be in the limelgiht il the next Pres
dental year