The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1921-07-28
THE GOVERNOR

~
~ refrained from taking part in
the gubernatorial controversy be-
cause it has had proof neither of the
truth nor of the falsity of the charg-
es of maladministration against Gov
ernor Hart.
Some of the accusations have been
admitted by the governor and some
of his critics say the irregularities of
which they complained have been cor
rected and will not be repeated.
Undoubtedly much of the criticism
eminating from within the party, has
been due to the fact that the critics
have permitted the wish to father the
thought. Republicans realize if there
ever was a time when it was up to
the party to make good in state gov
eminent it is now; they realize there
never was a greater need for strong,
virile man at the head of the admin
istration. Knowing this, and wishing
that it might be so, they have lost
sight of the fact that Louis F. Hart
is not that type of man. 4
They have expected too much. They
expected for one thing that Governor
Hart would call as his aides the states
strongest men. In so doing they mis-
judged mediocrity, which like water,
seeks it's own level and does not rise
higher than its source except under
pressure. When mediocrity associates
itself with vigor it loses its identity
and becomes nonexistent. t+
This paper does not share the view
that the present row has been stirred
up by professional muckrakers from
without, and disgruntled politicians
from within the party. Dissension in
the ranks, it is true, has arisen in
measure because of political appoint
ments, but the offense charged by the
dissenters is not so much that the
governor has appointed this man or
refused to discharge that man, as it
is that he has lacked the stamina to
shake himself loose from the profess
sional patronage pinchers who bear the
same relation to the states politics as
does a codling moth to an apple or
chard. -a1 @ Fss
The republicans, who thus early in
the term, have publicly proclaimed
what they believe to be weaknesses
and misdeeds of the new administra-
ton, have displayed superior vision
to those whose only defense of the ad-
ministration is to counsel hush-up
methods. ,. z-s-a ..-- ..s..-
At the recent meeting of the repub-
lican editors in Rainier National park,
Governor Hart had few defenders save
those who warned that to criticize the
administration now is to fill the farm
er-labor band wagon. If the future
of the republican party rests upon
no surer foundation than the hope
that it may err in secrecy it is time
that the farmer-labor, or some other
band wagon is filled. The most eff
fective means of filling the farmer
labor or any other minority band wag-
on is for the majority party to soft
pedal its way, persisting in its mis-
takes and condoning its own mis-
deeds.
The voters and taxpayers of the
state are more interested in good gov
eminent for the next three and half
years than in the political complex
ion of the next administration.
The enemies of the governor might
recall him, his personal friends might
induce him to resign, but far better ]
that those who helped to elect him
force him to be good governor. The
so-called boilers have made start in
this direction and if they can continue
to supply the pressure necessary to
propel Mr.. Hart above his mediocrity
they will render a distinct service to
the party and to the state.