Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-04-18
NEsTos FOR GOVERNOR.

The Herald has no interest in promoting the
political fortunes of any individuaI or in pressing
the personal claims of anyone on the jamestown
convention. On the subject of one office, however,
its opinions are very definite and very pronounced.
Beyond all peradventure R. A. Nestos should be re-
elected governor of North Dakota.
By virtue of the duties which have been attach
ed to his officesince the state was created the gov
ernor has always been the most CONSPICUOUS and
most important member of the state administration
litical and business work of the state, and upon him
have rested decisions, of fine utmost Importance
to its citizens.
In recent years, since the assumption by the
state of large business responsibilities, theimport-
ance of the office of governor has been very greatly
increased. He is a member of AN industrial commits
sion of three men whose power for good or i'll is
supreme, and which, if not absolute, extends over all
immense territory.
The Improvement in hefinances and the credit
of the state during these past few months is due to
no change in legislation. The laws of the state have
not been changed in any way to limit the powers of
the industrial commission. The former administra-
ton, violating, some laws, it is true, but acting gen
orally within the law, wasted the substance of the
state, wrecked its financial credit, and placed a blot
on its reputation. The new administration could
under the law revert to the former practices, with
like results.
The improved condition of the state today is
due to the fact that the new administration adopted
a course to which it was pledged, but to which it
was not legally bound. Our safety lies in the sound
judgment, the courage and the integrity of the men,
bcrs of the industrial commission, and not in any re-
straints thus far imposed on that body by law.
The present commission has pursued a course
thoroughly and solely in the public interest. Be-
cause of the powers vested in him the governor is
the most influential member of that body, in addi-
ton to being the most important member of the
state administration at large. Governor Nestos has
been some five months in office. He has occupied
his position long enough to get fairly started on the
work of reformation and rebuilding which the state
needs and desires. The task is a tremendous one,
and the governor has tackled it vigorously and man
fully. The state cannot afford to waste the informa-
ton and experience which lie has accumulated by
changing officials with a big job half done. MI.
Nestos has accomplished excellent results in these
few months. The state needs him in his present DO
sition, not only until the close of the present wear.
but for another two years, at least.
There has been no difference of opinion. any,
where, except among the few who desire to revert
to the status of extreme radicalism, as to the excel
lence of the record which Governor Nestos has
made, or as to his fitness to continue the work But
there have been occasional suggestions that in rec
ognltion of his abilities he should be endorsed for
the United States senatorship.
Promotion is the appropriate reward for faith
tul service. But for the next three wears and more
the state of North Dakota is going to need Governor
Nestos right where he is. Under the peculiar con-
dltions which exist he can perform more valuable
service for the state in his present position than he
could perform in any other, and, while it is decidedly
that the state be properly represented in
Washington, the supreme interest of the people of
North Dakota just now lies in cleaning I'D the un-
godly mess that Mr.. Frazier and his. associates
have left us.