New-York tribune., 1912-01-04
TILE GnTERNOR,S MESSAGE.


In spite of its inordinate length, which
makes its publication in full out OF the
question. Governor DiX's annual message
is interesting and, all in all, distinctly
the ablest state paper that has come
from his pen. There are no recon-
mendations in it Of overshadowing I'M
portance. but there are several that SHOW
the Governors increasing mastery, OF
that of his advisers, over the details of
the states business. AS usual, what the
Governor has to say about direct pri-
marieS leaves good deal to be desired
He seems to See that the law passed last
year was a makeshift. but he Is content
to leave it one except in some OF the less
important particulars. In recommends
ing changes with regard To these how
ever he runs counter to the plans OF
Tammany Hall But in the situation
that now exists at Albany he is COM
paratively independent of Tammany,
and had he only perceived his opportu-
nifty and made the most Of it he might
have taken the lead in movement to
give the state real direct primary law
Upon the kindred matter of protecting
the purity of the ballot the Governor
writes with unusual vigor and makes
some drastic recommendations, while on
the subject which is said to interest him
more than any Other-conservatlon OF
the states resources, and especially the
development of its water pOwer-he Is
wordy and vague. No well thought out
plan is submitted to the Legislature.
Real constructive work seems to be he
yond the Governors range, as was
shown last year by the lamentable weak
ness of his vaunted design to remodel
the administration of the state on the
lines that he conceived to be those Of a
great business corporation. The possi-
bilities in the development of the states
water power he sees more clearly than
any of his predecessors, for his business
experience has brought them home TO
him. and he perceives equally well where
the interests of the public lie; but 1t Is
unlikely that he will have succeeded by
the end of his term in much advancing
the project which is said to be his chief
interest.
The Governor urges amending the con-
stitution to permit the passage of a
workingmens compensation law and
recommends an extension of the present
investigation Of factory conditions for a
year. AS a whole. his message contains
many recommendations as to matters
affecting the public welfare which are
sensible and will be generally approved.
On the subject of home rule for cities he
speaks with q good deal Of vigor, In
spite of what his party associates, with
out any objection from him, attempted to
do to this city at the last session of the
Legislature.
This brings to mind the essential
weakness of Governor Dix. 1t Is almost
always possible to applaud his declared
purposes. 1t is the way he goes about
their accomplishment that has made his
administration the object of public dis
content He has been too faint hearted.
He has been so much impressed with
the necessity Of compromise that he has
been ready TO surrender everything TO
get nothing. lie is fortunate this year
in that no one remains for him to bar
gain with in the old sickening fashion of
last year. For there is no one left big
enough to deliver" anything.