The Washington times., 1915-04-25

Ttated. VIZ Inherent. TKenmg
thought of Whitman for President was
rather popular with Republicans In this
state From other States came news
that indicated their voters. too, looked
expectantly to the man who. alter
distinguished career as district attorney,
had been elected governor by u vote
which was f1atterins in Its dimensions.
Among Republicans of an independent
type, particularly, Governor Whitman's
Presidential boom was reale thing.
The old guard were less enthusiastic.
They suspended judgment, not know
ing yet whether they wished whitman
to succeed or fail 1t would all depend
The old guard did recognize. however,
that Whitman might prove to be
force that would have to be reckoned
with. And in the event of his develop.
ing unexpected strength they prepared
themselves to get behind him and cheer.
Why Sentiment Changed.
That all that has changed and not in
Governor Whitman's favor, is due to 4
variety of causes. The principal one,
perhaps, Is the governors attempt to
effect important reforms in State ad-
'mnistration under adverse conditions
and with the help of a party organiza-
ton that cared next to nothing for re-
forms, but a great deal for the spoils
of office.
Making his campaign for governor,
Whitman repeatedly declared his pur-
pose. IL elected, to clean house In the
capitol, Kidding the departments of the
dead weight of Tammany rule and ep-
pointing to Office men on whom he could
rely Tor efficient and honest service.
No campaign pledge Whitman made
a., lat leo
I" turn Tammany out of tie state Of
tiices. On the strength Of 1t, as he had
reason to believe, whitman was swept
into the governorship. and NJ the same
time the voters took pains to elect
Legislature Republican in both houses to
assist the governor in his work.
1t ~ the legislature so elected that.
more than any other cause. has con-
tributed to loss Of popularity by Gov
ernor whitman which may be only tenn
porary, but which for the time being
Is too marked to be gainsaid.
Record for Ripper" Bills.
The legislature. not thoroughly re-
sponsive to the governor. but ruled by
the organization leaders. went at the
work of wedding out Tammany office
holders with will; 1t showed less zeal
when It was a case Of enacting legisla-
ton suggested by Whitman along con-
struotive lines
The record for ripper" bills of the
session just ended exceeds anything in
the past history Of New York legislation.
With this result, that the public, nau-
seated by the spectacle Of daily office
grabbing on tho part of Republicans.
has forgotten that the men forced ont
of office were the same Tammany Of
hcials whom the voters repudiated at
the polls and whose removal they de-
manded. A revulsion of feeling set in
and the policy which won applause for
Whitman when promised in the cam
paign Is made the basis of an indict-
ment against his administration.
The bungling methods by which the
legislature carried out the wishes of
the governor is largely responsible for
the creation of a hostile atmosphere.
In addition the legislature ignored the
governors recommendation for strict
economy and by its failure to keep
down expenditures precipitated public
censure on the whole outfit.
The governor, though only Indirectly
responsible in a majority of cases, has
shared the blame attaching to the mis-
takes of the Republican legislature.
He might. by timely action. have di-
vorced his administration from the acts
of the legislature, but he did not do
so. 1t Is a matter of lasting regret to
his friends that he felt impelled to re-
frain. first. from debating the course of
legislation as his predecessors often
did. and. second. to accept responsible
ity for the work OF the legislature and
defend 1t.