The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-10-11
GOV. OsBORN'S
ANNOUNCEMENT


Gov Osborn's announcement reln-
tive 10 second term Is a political
document OF unprecedented character
In Michigan's political history.
II Ia, frst OF all the announcement
or q real sacrifice. The friends OF the
governor. who know him most inti-
mately, and are familiar with his
plans for his own personal future will
recognize that In yielding TO the de-
mand that he remain In public service
two years longer. the governor post
PONIES the fulnllment OF plans which
are very dear 10 his heart. and for
the frmtion OF which his entire life
has been preparatory -
Secondly, the governors statement
Is an acknowledgment OF the duty
which the governor owes to the state.
Gov Osborn found Michigan In q
political rnt. Its affairs had long
been dominated by men OF mediocre
ability whose strongest characteristic
was selfish ambition for personal
advancement. AS result the vari-
Gus departments OF state activity had
been mismanaged. the tone OF the
state administration was low. and In
the capital spoils were far more
pertinent subject OF discussion than
progressive state management. The
task which confronted the governor
when he assumed once Jan. !. 1911,
was a stupendous one. II Is not sur
prising that thus far be has been
able to achieve but the beginnings
OF the reforms which were so crit
ically needed. The start which mas
been made, important and vital as
II Is, will lose both force and direc
ton II permitted TO pass into weaker
hands. Men all over Michigan who
have recognized keenly the change
which has come over state AFFAIRS
under the Osborn regime have been
insistent that IL continue for at least
four years.
Again the governor has been com
PEELED TO yield to the demand made
upon him because he has become
convinced that the people Of Michi-
gan are insistent that he serve them
a second term as their chiei ehecu'
tive. To a man holding the hign
ideals OF citizenship that Gov. osborn
docs, conviction OF the genuineness OF
such demand makes compliance az
necessary as that OF q soldier In the
ranks shall unquestioningly obey the
command OF his superior ofiicer. ln
no trifiing, demagogic or supernciai
sense do men OF the Osborn stamp
regard themselves as servants OF the
neop.e. 4. u the first duty OF an honest
and faithful public servant IL 70 dis-
charge the duties, high or low, as
they may be, which are put upon MIN.
Further. Gov. Osborn Is q Repno-
ucan. He believes sincerely In the
principles OF that party and beiiev-
ing in the principles Of Republican
ism. perforce he Is vitality interested
in seeing the Republican party re-
main the dominant party In state and
nation. Like other Republican lead
ers he Ii compelled to recognize that
his withdrawal from state Affairs NJ
thu termination OF his present term
would Instantly embroil the Repub-
lican party In another bitter factional
fight for the gubernatorial nomina'
ton, thus materially improving the
chances for success OF the opposition
marty. With Gov Osborn candidate
on the Republican tickets Democracy
IN Michigan Will remain demoralized.
without efficient, or effective leader
ship, and would enter the state cam
paign with no hope for victory. With
Osborn out OF the race following o.
bitter fight in the primary between
Republican candidates for governor
the Democratic party would enter the
lists with high hopes OF success and
the most militant spirit displayed In
more than a generation. So that in
yielding to the insistent demand that
he serve a second term, Gov. Osborn
is not only demonstrating himself a
good citizen, and faithful public
servant, but good Republican as
well.
The announcement will be greeted
in every section of Michigan with
qualification and pleasure. Outside
of the Offices OF the Stair newspapers
in Detroit. and excepting a small Coz
terie OF politicians, the remnant OF a
thoroughly discredited political ma
chine, Gov. Osborn's consent to ac-
cept q second nomination Will be re-
.garded as definitely settling the name
OF the man who will head the Repub-
lican state ticket in Michigan next
year--Frank Knox, in Sault Ste. Ma.
rie Evening News.