Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1910-03-02

had no lightning rod out. and was
not aware that my name was being
considered for the place. the inquiry
almost took me of my feet or rather
off the judicial wooi-sacK. on which
all judges. By the common law. are
supposed 60 sit when trying either
criminal pr ciN' ensass and was, toi
time at loss what reply to make. but
figuratively speaking, | pulled myself
together and wired that I would ac-
cept that or any other Office or fight
in the ranks as a private. If the prcsi
dent Thought that by SO doing | could
best assist in making his adminisIra-
ton q success.
you know what followed. Tie
president sent my name TO HE senate,
the committee on territories consider
ed II IaVorably al their first meeting
and | was confirmed on December 20,
1908, but ten days after the president
nominated me.
1T goes without saying. that the
prompt action Of tho senate was graft
flying to me- or course. | had no rea-
son TO apprehend that ! would not be
confirmed for during the twelve years
that ] have been chief Justice of the
supreme coun OF New Mexico, it has
been my endeaVor to decide every
~ according to what | believed the
law applicable to ii 10 be. In doing
this. / have been obliged to decide
many cases against my best friends.
Dnt am glad to say that notWith-
standing such adverse decisions, they
IRE still my friends. for they know
that | decided their eases according
to what | believed the law to be- HaN
ing done this | knew in my heart that
nothing Of moment could honestly be
said against me, and | cared not what
was said that was not true, nor do ]
care today.
Aim of Administration.
II am assured that l take up the
duties Of the office of governor under
much more favorable auspices than /
did my hOnored predecessor, GoYer- /
nor Curry, whose record as chief cx- /
eeutive has been most creditable and |
whom | am proud to be able to call I
my friend When he assumed the reins /
of government, the territory was torn |
by factions and feeling ran high, 1
while today, if ! am able to judge by /
the articles which have appeared in (
the newspapers and from the almost /
telegrams and letters /
which l have receiye,- from rich ana |
poor and from high ana low, who live /
In all parts of tn. territory. cOngratu |
lating me on my appointment and pro- (
missing me their support in my efforts /
TO give the territory n conservative
and wise administration the term of
my incumbency of the high office to /
which | have been appointed will be /
q pleasant olS. and when | lay down /
the trust wLleh has been cOnfided 10 |
me, il the people Of the territory as a
Il Is impossible to please
think that / have tried
to do what is right and that the ter
then | shall be satisfied.
and will not regret the care. labor and
which | must give 10
the new anG untried duties which I
have but now entered upon
you, Of course, understand that in
my administration / am governed by
the laws now on the statute
books, and that they cannot be
changed except by act of con-
gress or by the legislature, the
next session of which. IN the ordinary
course of events. will not con
yene until January 1911. ] believe our
Avs might ne bettcrcd by the enact
ment of some new ones which seem
10 me desira BILE. and 80 by The re-
peal of some OF those now III toree.
But whatever the laws are or IuaN
ne during my term Of office. 1t will be
nv aim. insofar as il Is in my power
and incumbent upon me as governor.
10 see that they are enforced honestly,
and without fear or favor.
In this endeavor | hope and expect
20 receive the hearty support of the
good people of New Mexico. regard
ess of party or other affiiiations.
Tribute to Taft.
President Taft. whom | honor and
for his purity Of character and
inright life. has always made mark
ID success in all that he has under
aken-as district attorney Of Ha''''
on county. ohio; as solicitor general
If the United states. rs United states
iid~a MS governor OF The Philipninc
stands: as secretary Of war. and In