Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1922-03-30

The dormant and uninteresting
political activities of the past few
weeks were forcefully and decidedly
accelerated and rejuvinated by the
eVentful and unusual statement of
Governor Harry L. Davis, declining
to become a candidate for a second
term for Governor.
This action of Governor Davis is
epochal in the political annals of the
State. Not since Governor r. M.
Bishop of Cincinnati who served as
the States Chief Executi re from 1877
to 1879 declined to be i candidate for
a second term, has a Governor Of Ohio
failed to ask for what mas become
precedent in each oi the political
parties, second nomination and the
resultant opportunity Of serving at
least two terms.
But the action of Governor Davis
does not stand out alone, as unusual
and extraordinary, because of the
lack of precedent on the part Of his
distinguished predecessors, but it will
for years remain the peak of impor-
tant executive determination. The
ultra example Of careful and perfect
analysis of a public situation, ex-
traordinary self abnegation and un-
selfish elimination from the glamor
and glory of public position, to care
for home and family and an unselfish
determination to devote to the states
interest one hundred percent of his
time and energy.
Out of the multitude of cross poll
tical currents there is coming fixed
conviction among the people of Ohio
that Governor Davis came to the capi-
tai with a mission, that of reforming
our Cox much-commissioned form of
State Government, reducing expendi-
lures, affecting economies and putting
the States government on business
basis.
Necessary to the accomplishment
Of this herculean task, Governor
Davis possessed, to a marked degree,
courage and determination rare in
public officials. His effort has been
painstaking, sincere and honest. His
handiwork may bear the marks OF
changes and improvements suggested
by time and impossible to be seer at
the time of enactment, but the prin-
ciple will stand for years as a monu-
Inent to his breadth of vision, force
of character and devotion to duty.
Commendation is general for he
Governors unselfish determination to
devote the remainder of his term to
the perfecting of the work he has in
hand and an effort to render to the
state maximum service of which he
is capable, rather than give eight
months of the states time to CAM
paigning for second term.
Governor Davis reached his con-
clusion not to seek a second term
without the aid and assistance of
others, without suggestion of pres
sure or duress. He was adamant to
the pleadings of interested friends
:. and defiant of the aunts and heckling
advice of Democratic opponents.
His statement is accompanied by a
forceful and logical defense Of i'm
portant administration measures. His
party is in the strongest strategical
position and will proceed in an order
ly and intelligent manner to nominate
a successor to Governor Davis who
will bring the maximum strength to
the Republican ticket in November
and carry to their fulfillment the prin-
ciples of the party in state and ma
ton.
The Democrats are dismayed and
discomforted by the gold, clean-cut
statement of the Governor and be-
cause of the prospects of a depend
able, intelligent Republican program,
Democratic leaders are also alarmed
at the report of dissatisfaction and
open rebellion because of the Durbln-
Donahey slate which the Bourson
bosses are preparing for the party.