New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-09-24
At SARATOGA.
tay.

The Republican State Convention which meets
tomorrow will have simple task If Governor
Higgins can be persuaded that his duty TO his
party outweighs his desire for retirement. Not
merely can he have the nomination IL he wants
IT, but he cannot escape il. except by a positive
refusal 10 stand. In spite Of the disadvantages
under which any man in Office labOrs, and not
withstanding a bitter campaign of personal de-
probation waged against him, especially in this
city. which he has taken no pains 10 cOunteract
by playing 10 the galleries he is probably the
strongest man who could be named.
In the last few weeks there has been a great
enlightenment Of the public concerning not only
the strength but also the wisdom OF Governor
Higgins What the impatient called inactivity
is seen 10 have been Sef-restrant. Governor
Higgins might have reorganized the state COM
mittee last winter and made himself boss. But
he did not want TO be boss He wanted TO
restore popular rule in the Republican party.
So he bided his time. endured misrepresentation,
and now has accomplished what his hasty critics
demanded not by a theatrical tour de force but
through the expression Of the free will of the
party. The regeneration thus coming from the
people is much more effective than reOrganiZa-
ton imposed by a Governor could have been 1t
has come 10 be widely realized, also, that his
fight was not for himself. but for principle: that
he has not wanted TO be a candidate but has
been anxious 70 put the party in harmony with
the best sentiment OF the state. lie is a quiet
man. He does not know how TO advertise or do
striking things in way 10 make him acclaimed
a popular hero. On the contrary. he often does
what he thinks is his duty when every considera-
ton OF popularity would prompt another course.
On this account some politicians and some writ
ers for the press thought they had him elm
mated from the field. only 10 find that the Re
publican voters had not been deceived. that they
like this steadfast. patient. conscientious man.
who does not know how 10 make himself an in
spring figure by clapuap. but who has given
them a clean government secured a legislative
session acknowledged to be the best in years
and finally freed his party from the control of
the lobbyist and the boss. A majority of the
people OF this state are not yellow" though
yellow cloud sometimes hides them for a moment
from view. and if Governor Higgins consents TO
run. the party will have reason TO enter the
campaign with confidence.
IL the Governor feels that his health will not
permit the sacrifice. the two most obvious posi-
bilties are Lieutenant Governor Bruce and Mr..
Hughes. Mr.. Hughes. we think. would be the
stronger candidate in this city. at least on the
day OF the nomination. His work as On investi-
gator has given him great prestige. On the
other hand, he is not 50 well known i'm the coun-
try, where the bulk of the Republican vote is
found. II he should not be named no doubt
much would be said about the refusal Of Repub-
lican politicians to accept a man Of such indie
pendenoe. That possibility must be considered.
The critics on the other hand, should. in fairness
realize that the problem Of the convention is TO
please Republican voters, as well as Democrats
disguised with their own party, and they may
in perfect honesty Of purpose think II necessary
TO name candidate who will appeal to the 10y
atty and enthusiasm of the interior counties,
as well as command the respect of the metrop-
oils.
Lieutenant Governor Bruce has not OF late
been much I'm the public eye here but he is pop
ular in the country As campaign speaker he
has made deep impression all over the state.
His career as Lieutenant Governor has won for
him the respect OF Democrats as well as Re
publicans He has been able and absolutely I'M
partial He started 10 do the work I'm the county
committee which has fallen to Mr.. Parsons IN a
later day, but when Governor Odell secured con-
trol OF the organization he vas displaced. This
city owes him its good will for assistance in Sc
curing the repeal Of the mortgage tax. He has
been in thorough sympathy with the reform
policy Of the Higgins administration.
Other men might be mentioned who would
run we'll but the present indications are that II
Governor Higgins retires the choice will fall on
Mr.. Hughes or Mr. Bruce. Either one wouid be
a strong candidate, entitled 10 the support Of
high minded voters
SKYSCRAPERS OF ANCIENT AMERICA.