The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1913-01-15
GOVERNORS.

Thus far in its statehood experience
Montana has been fortuna ate in the
selection of its governors. One and
all. they have served we'll; In it's turn
each sdministr alton has had iss dis.
tincttve problems to deal with.
Our ship of state sailed out OF port
straighwsy into a stormy sea. Trou.
bles of q character so serious that they
soon attracted national notice started
on the very day when Governor Toole,
Montana's first chief executive, enter.
ed upon his duties. Those were the
days OF Precinct Thirty four and q
double-header legislature and Two sets
of federal senator's and q hot time
generally. Later on. there was q good
deal Of disturbance Of one sort or an.
other during the administration of the
late Gov. Robert B. Smith. He was
the product of d combine of democrats
and populists. At that time the states
industrial conditions were not at their
best-the free-coina age controversy was
progressing, and come OF the phases
Of the federalism atorship quarrel dis
turbed the state. Governor Smith
served we'll.
Governor Norris, during the sue.
ces-ful administration now ended,
gave attention ia greater degree than
any predecessor. to Of increasing
number OF subjects that relate to the
domain, to the states rapid growth in
pnl.,l ttion, to the agricultural con-
Germs OF sections where settlers have
poured 10, to irrigation Problems, to
the public institutions and to many |
other matters that have made demands
for attention which, in instances, were
urgent. The Norris admiuistra alton
was busy. 1t covered the period which
witnessed a distinct transition In Mon.
tana's industrial status; during these
four years there has been an awaken.
Ing to the appreciation Of the states
agricultural endowment.
OF course, there has been, mean.
while, DO dispsragement of the CON-
monwealth's glorious mineral re-
sources, but the gratifying fact has
been brought to knowledge, practically
during the Norris term, that Montana
has more than one industrial iron in
the fire. Then, too, the Norris period
witnessed . country wide movement In
the direction Of q series Of civic and
political and legislative changes.
Respecting these, there is prevailing
recognition of the fact that the gov
ernor was consistent aud discerning
and intelligent, loyal, for his part,
to that which was promised on his and
his party's behalf, and progressive In
the best sense of the word.
Passing OUT OF the ~governorship,
Mr.. Norris may feel assured that he
enjoys the pleasant companionship of
Montans's respect and good willard
t hat is the best of all possessions for
ouc who puts aside the cares and
of high official station. His
citizens heartily wish him we'll.
Speed the parting. hail the coming
chief executive. Governor Stewart
has been pursued even since the official
closed, so it is said, by those
who have schemes Or want q place on
the payroll. He is good natured-that
Is fortunate. He is robustin health-he
will need every pound OF it. BE is
just beginning to realize what the
weight is of the cares of state, espec-
tally when it ia a state about seven
hundred miles long and wide in pro.
portion.-Butte Post.