Page:The autobiography of a Pennsylvanian.djvu/459



T must be conceded that nearly the whole of what at the outset I had planned to do as governor had been accomplished and in addition the beneficial legislation of the special session and the completion of the capitol. This success was largely due to the fact that, subordinate to the interests of the state, the duties to the party, to the legislature, to those who were working with me in the administration, and to individuals were not forgotten. It is a regrettable fact that the chief obstacle in the accomplishment of effective public work is the modern newspaper. This is not because the editor is any lower in ethics or in intelligence naturally than the politician, but because the journals represent a great money-making power entirely irresponsible and without any kind of control or supervision. They ought to be and might be a great help to a man trying to work out correct results, but he is compelled to do without their assistance and generally to overcome their opposition.

The succeeding administration soon gave evidence of what was destined to be its chief characteristics.

1. The divorce congress called by Pennsylvania to endeavor to secure a system of uniformity in divorce legislation, participated in by leading lawyers and divines from all over the country, after long and careful consideration reported a statute proposed to the different states. It was adopted in New Jersey, Delaware and some other states. The attorney general of Pennsylvania declared that there was “no divorce evil” and this serious effort to improve our morals and our lives was killed in the house of its friends and originators.

2. The act making newspapers responsible for negligence Rh