Digest of World Press Opinion

The re-election of Governor Herbert Lehman is reflected in the editorial opinion of New York’s metropolitan newspapers. The New York Times says:

Though Governor Lehman’s election for another term has long been regarded as foregone, his endorsement by the popular vote yesterday is a wholesome and heartening thing. It shows that the citizens of this State recognize good public service when they get it. They also are prepared to reward and retain it. For throughout the campaign the Governor has stood on his record. It was that which compelled Tammany to abandon all thought of denying him a re-nomination.

And although Governor Lehman cast his net wide in varied appeals for votes, the burden of his speeches was a demand for approval of the manner in which the public affairs of this State have been conducted under his administration. Naturally, he extolled the President and declared himself in favor of the New Deal. That was only what was expected and was incidental. His election turned almost wholly upon State issues.

He will receive many congratulations on his victory at the polls, but no one will envy him the job which will fall to his lot during the next two years. Illusions on that subject are entertained least of all by Governor Lehman himself.

The New York Sun thinks Lehman’s return to office was inevitable, saying:

All the political winds were with Governor Lehman. His old popularity remained. His speeches convinced some radicals that he was their friend but could not convince many conservatives that he was their foe.

The New York World-Telegram believes the Governor’s way is now clear for the completion of his program. It says:

The re-election of Governor Lehman was a foregone conclusion. The significant point was the Democratic sweep which captured both State Senate and Assembly.

With a legislature of his own party, Governor Lehman can now go ahead with his program of further utility regulation and reform, consolidation of county governments, reapportionment, economies for New York City and charter revision.