The Monroe journal. [volume] (Monroe, N.C.) 189?-1965, 1911-04-04
Two Governors:
A Contrast.
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Governor Dix Of New York and
Governor vi son Of the neighboring
State Of New jersey presen; a con
trast that is not merely entertaining
to students Of politics, but is also
instructive 10 the voter. Both Gov
ernors belong TO the same party; but
in every other respect they are an
lipOdal. Governor Dix is a 'busi.
ness man" Of the practical" type,
not given to saying much. not able
10 express himself very clearly ex-
cept on matters Of finance and in
yestment. not a student of social
problems; a man whose ability was
supposed to be in the direction Of
the management Of administrative
affairs. Governor Wilson, on the
other hand, is the prorerbial scholar
in politics, a ready. witty, and force
full speaker, equipped with knowl-
edge on wide range OF historical
and political topics, and accustomed
to draw upon that knowledge for
the purposes Of instruction - en-
phaucally student, man whose
administrative capacity has been
tested principally in an academic
environment. What is most inter-
esting and significant is that he
scholar" ayogs his belief that a
Governor should be a leader, and is
showing his faith By his works
while the practical man" is basinc
his acts on q theory, q doctrine, Of
non-interfcrence, and is showing his
disbelief by his pasS!veness. Several
weeks ago DR.. Wilson brough, about
a settlement q the tangled Senate
RAJ issue in Ills State. Last week
b. appeared before a conference 4
tic Democratic members Of the New
Jersey legislature, told them what
he expected them to do with regard
to a measure to which he was con-
WINGED the party was pledged, ana
announced that il they did not act
IN accord with his recommendation
he would take the stump and lay the
case before the people. The confer
ence voted TO support the measure.
Governor Dix has pursued the OPP
posite course il indeed anything 50
stationary can be called course at
all As in New Jersey, so in New
York there has been a tangled Sen
atorial situation, Governor Dix, be-
seiged or all sides, urged 10 exert
his influence, declined for weeks TO
interfere in what lie regards as the
prerogatiyes Of the Legislature So
serious did the deadlock become as
an obstruction to legislation that
Governor Dix, long after sides had
been taken, animosities stirred up,
and the wills Of the Legislators and
their bosses hardened into obsti-
macy, attempted in an apologize let
ter TO express his disapprova! of the
candidate Of his party's caucus.
This letter was as effective as a peb-
BILE thrown against a cliff Cover
nor Dix has ayowed his belief that
he should not interfere with legisla
ton. lie has, however, had an ac-
ouaintance at work drafting meas
ures which have not apparently had
the approval Of some Of his own cho-
sen official advisers His theories
regarding non interference with the
courts are like his theories regard
inc non interference with the legis.
lature; yet he sent au unsealed letter
to the District Attorney Of New York
county requesting him, on the eve
of the highly important inyestiga-
ton into alleged financial Irregular
ties in the Carnegie Trust Company
to consult the Attorney General.
This letter from the Governor was
delivered to the District Attorney by
counsel for the defendants Cover
nor Dix has explained that this let,
ter was not intended to call of the
District Attorney from his prosecu
ton. Furthermore, Governor Dix
invited the Tammany boss to Alba
: ny, with the Mayor Of New York, II
order to receive their advice on the
5 Senatorial situation. just what gooc
it can do to a Governor whose the
: DRY is that he can do nothing w
n cannot surmise. The people Of New
d York had ample opportunity TO learI
d what kind Of Governor Mr.. Di,
r. would make by his passive ante
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