What would the Governor do?  This was the question on everyone’s lips.  Would he sign or veto the bill?  Public opinion as represented by the newspapers was prompt to point out his duty.  The verdict of a leading party organ was that, in view of all the circumstances, Governor Lyons could scarcely do otherwise than refuse to give his official sanction to a measure which threatened to increase the burdens of the plain people.  The words “in view of all the circumstances” appeared to be an euphemism for “in view of his ambition to become United States Senator.”  Several journals declared unequivocally that it would become the duty of the party to withdraw its support from Governor Lyons in case he allowed this undemocratic measure to become law.  On the other hand, certain party organs questioned the justice of the outcry against the bill, arguing that the merits of the case had been carefully examined in the Legislature and that there was no occasion for the Governor to disturb the result of its action.  On the day after the bill was sent to the chief magistrate, an editorial appeared in the Benham Sentinel presenting an exhaustive analysis of its provisions, and pointing out that, though the petitioners might under certain contingencies reap a reasonable profit, the public could not fail in that event to secure a lower price for gas and more effective service.  This article was quoted extensively throughout the State, and was ridiculed or extolled according to the sympathies of the critics.  Lyons received a marked copy of the Sentinel on the morning when it appeared.  He recognized the argument as that which he had accepted at the time he promised to sign the bill if he were elected Governor.  In the course of the same day a letter sent by messenger was handed to him in the executive chamber.  It contained simply two lines in pencil in Elton’s handwriting—­“It continues to be of vital importance to my affairs that the pending bill should receive your signature.”  That was obviously a polite reminder of their agreement; an intimation that the circumstances had not altered, and that it was incumbent on him to perform his part of their compact.  Obviously, too, Horace Elton took for granted that a reminder was enough, and that he would keep his word.  He had promised to sign the bill.  He had given his word of honor to do so, and Elton was relying on his good faith.

The situation had become suddenly oppressive and disheartening.  Just when his prospects seemed assured this unfortunate obstacle had appeared in his path, and threatened to confound his political career.  He must sign the bill.  And if he signed it, in all probability he would lose the senatorship.  His enemies would claim that the party could not afford to stultify itself by the choice of a candidate who favored monopolies.  He had given his promise, the word of a man of honor, and a business man.  What escape was there from the predicament?  If he vetoed the bill, would