And among the books that lined the shelves of the library were the philosophers, ancient and modern; the masters of art, science, and letters, and a miscellany of authorities on kindred subjects.
When his father had insisted that he be educated he had studied the political history of his state; he had kept a serious eye upon the activities of all the politicians of note; he had kept his mind open and free from party prejudice.

He knew that the present governor of the state was incapable, or swayed by invisible and malign influences.

He was aware that the state railroad commissioner lacked aggressiveness, or that he had been directed to keep in the background.

And he was also aware that for a year or more the people of the state had regretted electing the present governor; the dissatisfaction manifesting itself in various ways, though chiefly in the tone of the editorials published by the newspapers in the towns.
As the average newspaper editor endeavors to anticipate public opinion he invariably keeps himself well informed concerning the activities of an office-holder, that he may be prepared to campaign against him at the instant he detects dissatisfaction among his subscribers.

And the present governor was being scathingly arraigned by the newspapers of the state, while he sat in smug complacence in his office at the capital.