The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1915-05-27
THE GUBERNATORIAL SITUATION,

The time is rapidly approaching when
the gubernatorial situation should earn
estly engage the attention of those who
are sincerely interested in the States
welfare. While the politicians are
playing their various hands in what
they regard as simply political
game" the thoughtful citizen of this
State realizes that the time has come
when it is of imperative Importance that
Maryland should secure a ChieFExec-
utive of sound business judgment, of
some considerable experience in hand
ling public affairs, and of sufficient in
tellectual acumen and moral courage to
grapple man-wise with the enlarging
problems and diversified interests of
our commonwealth. We are facing some
pretty serious problems in this State;
we are being called upon to handle some
pretty delicate situations. 1t is a mans
job to be Governor of Maryland today
that is to be a Governor that counts.
the little schemes of the politicians
seem nothing short of disgusting might
we say traitorous?) when compared
with the vital Importance of the States
securing capable and efficient Execu-
tive. Indeed, we are prepared to go
further and aver that party loyalty and
zeal must take second place in the
thought of every good citizen as COM
pared with the determination to do all
that in him lies toward securing for The
State the best possible Executive. This
position seems to US so sound and pa
triotic that we have no hesitancy in
'proclaiming it from the house top. "
We want especially to lay it upon the
heart of our own party in Maryland.
1t is not essential that the next Cover
nor OF Maryland should be Republican
or Democrat. But it is essential that
he should be equipped for the job; and
while our fellow Republicans are pros
pecting for a candidate, let them re-
member that their high duty to their
party, aye their higher duty to their
State, demands the nomination of a
man whose undoubted fitness would
properly command support.
We do not anticipate primary contest
for the Republican nomination, In fact,
the very situation of the party in this
State makes, in our judgment, such
contest unwise and undesirable. What
we rather anticipate is that the senti-
ment of the party will so evidently
crystalline about some possible candidate
as to make his nomination assured.
Hence our belief that now, right now,
is the time to sound no uncertain note;
the time to talk straight out and to say
flat-footedly that no make shift nomina-
ton will do. This State needs at this
time an eminently capable Executive.
He need not be gifted with oratory or
endowed with brilliant parts. But
he must be capable and courageous, if
he is to adequately meet the situation.
And he must be that if he is to deserve
and receive the support of those citizens
who set the welfare of the State above
tie cry of party loyalty.
Now is the time for US to fnQ out
whether the Republican party in this
State is, or is not, blessed with the right
sort of leadership. If it is, it can, we
believe, be at this time of great service
both to the State and the party. If it
is not, it is not going thereby to injure
the State, because it can't. But it can
and will make the party an almost
negligible quantity in State affairs for
years to come.