Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-11-12

AA~SA AuA4 Vic 1tcpuUuCdu party IN LnlS
boss-ridden State.
Governor" said the spokesman af-
fably. II thought we ought to tell you
that we have man you'll want to ap-
point to regulate the public utilities"
Gentlemen" the Governor replied
quietly, I have my own man for that
ONCE and expect to appoint my own
man."
The shocked silence with which this
unique declaration of independence was
received was quickly followed by a good
old-fashioned row. But the Governor
stuck to his guns and ignored the COM
mand-it was no less than that-of the
party bosses, as he has done in most of
his appointments. What is more, when
added revenue was necessary to sustain
relief and at the same time balance the
budget, the Governor increased the tax
on utilities.
This is one Of the extraordinary politi-
cal phenomena Of our time-to have q
Vanderbilt in public Office and Vander-
bilt who has nberalized the Republican
party in this rock-bound conservative
State. Only those who know the back
ground Of Rhode Island politics can I'M
derstand what a difficult task 1t has
been.
Fell Heir to Myriad Troubles.
In ONCE for nearly year, Vanderbilt,
who will be SO years old next month, has
been beset by the myriad troubles that
fall to governor who takes over when
his party has known long series of de-
feats. There were 10000 applicants for
fewer than 1000 patronage jobs waiting
on the doorstep last January. Asked how
1t happened that he developed an interest
in politics. Vanderbilt replies little
YEARLY but with good-natured smile:
Gosh. sometimes don't know why!"
Seriously he explains his belief that
those who enjoy exceptional privileges
in our society should be ready to accept
responsibility for government. It is his
earnest conviction that unless the privi-
legged class takes more active part in
public life, the privileges Of that class
will very shortly be shorn away. The
ownership Of wealth, In the view of this
member Of the enormously wealthy
Vanderbilt clan, entails certain very real
responsibilities to the community.
II this makes Gov. Vanderbilt sound a
little on the solemn and pontifical side,
1t is entirely unfair There is about his
manner, and 1t is part of his attractive
ness. very real modesty. He is fast
learning what 1t takes to run a modern
State, even q small State like Rhode
Island. He's serious and Woodworking
but he has clear realization of the limi-
tations Of any one individual in an ex-
ecutive post.
Work Often Tiresome.
It's boring often, tiresome often. If he
followed only his own inclination he'd be
doing the things he was brought up to
do. He'd ride and hunt . great deal.
He is devoted to the interests Of his
farm at Portsmouth. He'd be with his
family great deal more than he is now.
Or he might spend more time with
boats, as do his cousins Harold and
William K.
But it comes back to that highly de-
veloped sense Of responsibility. That
and the political partnership he has
formed with his charming wife, the for
mer Anne Colby. From her father,
Everett Colby, who led Teddy Roose-
velt's Progressives in New Jersey, Mrs.
Vanderbilt inherited flair for politics.
In addition she has q warm liking for
human beings as such and a good sense
Of humor, two invaluable political assets.
Add to this three attractive small daugh-
tiers who photograph very well.
Mrs. Vanderbilt stumped the State
with her husband In last years cam.
paign. IN say she's good" tho Gov
ernor replies when asked about his wifes
high reputation as q campaigner.
Vanderbilt served in the State Senate
for six years, beginning In 1928. He was
little heard from, which is not surprising,
since both Democrats and Republicans
adhere strictly to party caucus. To vote
against the party, an unheard Of thing,
would mean absolute accommodation.
They've kept . lot Of quaint institutions
here in Rhode Island long after other
States. It was not until the middle of
the last century and the so-called Door
rebellion that the charter granted by q
British king to this crown colony was
discarded and Q constitution adopted.
Until 1928 only freeholders had the priv.
lege Of the franchise in municipal cleo.
tons.
Lost 1886 Nomination.
In 1885 Vanderbilt sought the Repub-
lican nomination for Governor. There Is
no direct primary in Rhode Island, can
didates being chosen at State conven-
tons. Vanderbilt had agreed to abide by
cept Japan's olive branch-it may con-
ceal too many thorns.
Diplomats are frequently mistaken
these days. In this instance, however.
they maintain that the internal situa-
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