The sun., 1909-05-19
Hughes At His Best.

There is no one IN this State, we ven
ture to say, who will feel surprise at
Governor HU6HEs's veto Of the veterans
pension hill left him by the recently
adjourned Legislature. In point Of
fant It was recognized by those inspired
statesmen who solemnly approved this
MEASURE that no other course was left
totpy Executive with spark OF intelli-
6ence or minimum OF conscience. The
plain feet was that the colossal intel
k$es Of the party leaders and party
Representatives saw in this absurd and
outrageous proposition chance to en-
bafrass the Governor-'to put HUGHES
In hole, to employ their own elegant
phrase.
Reading Governor HUaHEs's veto,
however, the mere citizen may not
unreasonably inquire whether the mag
nifioent strategy Of the Republican
captains really accomplished it's object.
The bill is vetoed because it fails to COM
ply with constitutional requirement
that tax rate be fixed in its text as the
hasis for raising the funds; but it is
not merely unconstitutional itself, as
the Governor lucidly indicates, it is
also impossible to submit it to the people
because the Constitution specifically
declares that only one revenue PROPOSE
ton shall 60 to the people in any one
year-and the recent Legislature in
it's wisdom had already provided another
revenue proposition.
With a mere exposition of its uncon-
stitutional features Governor HUGHES
night have rested his case against the
pension bill. By such a course he
would have returned to the Legislature
the whole burden Of responsibility and
eAcaped any criticism from disappointed
veterans; but the Governor, with proper
regard for questions Of State policy,
declines to take cover or shirk respon-
sibility. On the contrary he plainly
and with characteristic clarity dis
cusses and demolishes the whole prop
otition Of State pension for national
veterans.
II may be that in adopting a course
at once courageous and conscientious
the Governor has made few enemies.
We doubt this, however. for we believe
that veterans Of real battles are the
frst to recognize courage even in an
opponent. For ourselves, we make
little question that every veteran who
favored this measure will recognize
that the responsibility belongs to
the Republican Legislature and party
leaders; will thoroughly understand
the insult to his intelligence as we'll
as the obvious bad faith in the plan.
The contrast. moreover, between the
Governors frank and honest opposition
and the sneaking, oowardly; dishonest
championship Of the party leaders and
the party legislators will serve to dis
stpate any personal animosity in the
long run. It win also stimulate tho
veterans to teek redress and take re-
vSnge from those really responsible
for the present humiliation. II every
veteran in this State were angry and
reeentful toward the Governor, how
ever, the increased hostility would not
balance the increased respect and ap-
tfoval that the Governor has earned
from the vast majority OF his constitu-
etts by notably fulfilling in this instance
the high expectations Of the people of
the State. HE real nominators.
To differ with Governor HUGHES over
questions of policy and theories of
legislation is the inevitable lot OF many
oitisenS Of this State who are keenly
appfeoiative OF the Governors many
admirable qualities. Nothing so oon-
tributes to make that opposition difficult
a. the fact that it invariably neces-
states association and alignment with
party Leaders and party legislators
who4e highest notions OF decency,
honor and simple honesty are embodied
in such transparent hoax as the pres
ent pension bill.