The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-01-11
a CHANGE oF sTArE.

by the inauguration Of w. Roscoe
Stubs as its governor. It is probably
epochal in the history of Kansas. 1t
sings the swan song of political ma
chimes" for the time being and in their
stead a spirit of independence pre-
walls. It undoubtedly augurs much in
the way of progressiveness in the COM
monwealth, which, it may be said, has
never been backward to any great de-
| gree in this particular. But the times
are ripe now throughout the nation for
| a progression in new things, things
1 which have been, agitated during the
! past few years and which have now
reached the point where their develop
ment will be undertaken by the fed
eral government and the states, but by
the latter in varying degrees. That
Mr. Stubs, the new governor, will do
his part for the accomplishment or
many of these things, good roads,
forest preservation and development,
and a variety of other matters, which
| will mean much toward the betterment
of Kansas. goes without saying. His
record in public life during the past
six years makes this certain. He stands
for the new and progressive things in
civic life in pre- eminent position
as a fighter for valuable reforms, those
which are extremely popular with the
people, has been one of brilliant
achievement. Much may be expected
of him, therefore, and there are few so
pessimistic as to think that he will be
found wanting.
Mr.. Stubs, as governor, however, re-
CARELESS. of his desires in the premises
cannot bring all things about through
his individual efforts although his pow
ers to this end will be great. The legis-
Iature will have a large part to play.
1t may well be styled as a new legis-
1ature, a state assemblage made up for
the most part of men who are novices
in the matter of lawmaking. They are
not strangers, though, to the people
who have elevated them to legislative
levels. 1t is, therefore, safe to say that
they are men who are keenly alive to
the needs OF Kansas, men who are in
sympathy with the up-to-date ques-
tions of government and regulation in
all things that are pressing to the front
in these times. They, too, can be re-
lied upon to do their share of the work
and do it well. If they are found de-
ficient they will be substituted by
others in the short course of time who
will do what their constituents expect
of them. This is inevitable.
Besides the activities of the governor
and the legislature there are others upon
whom will fall heavy burdens In guiding
the ship of state along its prosperous
and progressives way. In fact they are
as essential in their spheres for a pro-
per conduct of the affairs Of state as
are the governor and the legislature.
u - r[3
GERS, the attorney general, the state SUI
perintendent of education, the secretary
of state, the treasurer, the auditor, the
insurance commissioner, the state print
en- And the people of the state are
particularly fortunate in the knowing
to a certainty that the men in these po-
sitions are most capable and efficient
public servants. They have served in
their respective places with distinction
for term of two years and their rec
ords are such that any men might be
proud to have them. They have been
perfect steel 1t can be taken for grant
ed that they, one and ALL will admins
ter in the best possible ways such mat
tiers as fall into their hands as a re-
suit of the combined efforts of the gov
ernor and the legislature.
The same may be said to be true of
the various appointive commissions and
officers who have charge of the hand
ling of other details of the state gov
eminent. These gentlemen have generally
proven themselves to have been most
efficient. In fact the one notable fea-
ture of the administration of the re-
firing governor, Edward w. Hoch, was
the strong and capable men whom
he appointed to office. Governor Stubs
will undoubtedly make changes in the
personnel of the states appointive Off
GERS but there is little reason to believe
with men of inferior abilities.
1t must be said, however, that he will
have a hard task in finding equals or
superiors for them.
Beyond and above these arms of the
state government, the governor, the leg
isIature, the state officers, elective and
appointive are the courts of the state
which will be called upon TO interpret
many of their acts. These courts are
already established on a firm basis and
the regulations of the superior ones for
their adequacy and excellence are we'll
known.
the people of the state have reason to
been installed today, with pardonable
expectancy that much will be accom-
plished by it for their good and for the
of the state during the
time that it prevails.