New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-09-20
THE REPUBLIcAN SITUATION.

As the result OF the Republican primaries
throughout the state becomes more clearly
known the more sweeping the victory of the re
form element is seen 10 be. Mr.. ParsOns's OppO-
nents. who on Tuesday night were claiming that
In spite of their defeat over the presidency of
the county committee they would still control
the state convention. are now ready TO cOncede
their complete overthrow.
After last years election, when the question
OF party reorganization being considered
The Tribune urged that the great need of the
Republican party of this county was indepen-
dent leadership. The party had been in the habit
Of putting forward men who we're mere puppets
o. the state organization. Mr.. Parsons has
demonstrated that New York can have such able
and independent leadership. Faced by the OPP
position Of the state chairman and depending
for victory on the rank and file Of the Repub-
lican voters. be wins an overwhelming victory.
He made an appeal TO the intelligence and pub
lie spirit OF Republicans. and they turned out
in Il way which utterly surprised the Opposi-
ton, who would undoubtedly have won If the
question had been left 20 the old line Of habitual
primary workers. He had the powerful aid OF
the Presidents sympathy II is true, but the
federal offices were not permitted to be centres
Of political activity. The people who trust and
believe In Presiden: Roosevelt simply felt that
the leadership which met his approval, as tend
which they wanted. The result is a noteworthy
vindication OF the primary law. which has never
before so clearly shown that the people can
really have the sort of party government which
they want Under the old primary system the
bosses could retain control. even though a ma
Jority Of the party. as In 1897, repudlated them.
II is admitted on all sides that Governor Hig-
ginss friends viii control the state convention
and that he can have denomination if he de
sires. His victory in Erie County where his
critics have been saying without much denial
that he was exceptionally unpopular. adds
greatly to his prestige. Evidently the people
like a quiet man who does his duty and does
not advertise IL IS also clear that a new chair
man Of the state committee will be elected and
the party machinery recognized I'm harmony
with the policy which gave the people such an
admirable session Of the Legislature last winter.
The Governors policy Of silence concerning a
reorganization appears TO be justified. and his
policy concerning the state craftsmanship has
been successful despite the fears Of the i'm
patient Without having attempted 10 rally his
friends 10 his personal support, but leav-
ing them at the disadvantage Of having 10 fight
for an abstract principle rather than a person
ality, he has demonstrated the devotion OF the
Republican party 10 principle If he is nom
mated now, IL will not be because of a fight
made in his own behalf. but because the party
recognizes the worth OF his administration and
his leadership. If, on the other hand he feels
his health unequal TO the strain of the cam
paign, or thinks some other candidate better
suited 10 the needs of the moment. he can re-
tire not only with credit but with great honor.
His administration is vindicated. his principles
have been established. AS Mr.. Horace White,
former Editor OF The Evening Post" said the
other day: Under ordinary circumstances the
people would reelect him" The problem for the
Governor and the party is TO determine how far
present circumstances are Ordinary" Gov
ernOr Higgins has not made this fight for selfish
purposes, and We have not the slightest doubt
that his decision. whether il shall be 10 run or
not 20 run, will be in accord with what the full
est information leads him 10 believe are the
best interests OF the party.
Mr.. Odell's statement yesterday acknowledge
ing his defeat is In good temper and promises
that the bitterness of the primary contest will
not be carried into the campaign We think Mr..
Odell made a serious mistake in his earlier acrid
md contemptuOus references TO his opponents.
He IS however. q good loser, and. while he still
thinks the nOmiration Of Governor Higgins I'M
wise. he viii evidently not seek TO perpetuate
any factiOnal quarrels. He has made his fight
for mastery and lost, and that should, and APP
psrently will, end the matter.