Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-04
BELIEVES IN REFORMS
But Woodruff Hopes Hughes
Ideas Will Be Modified.
CONFERENCE AT ALBANY
Indirect Assurance of Republican Or
ganiation Support.
PLEASED WITH THE MESSAGE
New Governor Says He Has Clear
Idea of His Responsibilities and
Hopes Legislature Has
CONFERENCE AT ALBANY
PLEASED WITH THE MESSAGE

ALBANY, January 4-State Chairman
Woodruff had interview with Gov.
Hughes yesterday, the first since he has
been at Albany. He talked over several
affairs with the governor and indirectly as
sured him of the support of the republican
organization in accomplishing the recon-
mendations of his message to the legis-
lature.
When Gov Hughes was asked about the
visit of Chairman Woodruff he said that
several things bad been under discussion,
but nothing of especial moment.
Did Chairman Woodruff assure you of
the support of the republican organization
in carrying out the reforms recommended
by your message?" was asked.
There was some talk about that re-
piled the governor, land Mr.. Woodruff said
to me about what he said along that line to
the newspaper men yesterday. l shouldn't
like to be understood as using his words,
but l gathered the impression that he was
pleased with the message and expected the
republican organization to help
In reply to a query whether he expected
leaders of the legislature to consult him
about committee places or questions of
policy. the governor said that he had made
no appointments, but could not tell who
might call to see him.
Harmony Should Prevail.
Il can say though" he added that
have a clear idea of my responsibilities, and
l think the leaders of the legislature realize
their responsibilities. OF course, there
should be harmony and cooperation between
the governor and the branches of the legis-
lature; but, beyond that, each has RESPONSE
bilities and must live up to them
State Chairman Woodruff said he had not
assured the governor directly of the sup
port of the republican organization in his
reforms, because their conversation on that
subject had been limited.
Il told him l was much pleased with the
message said he, land that l had told
the newspapers So"
Chairman Woodruff again affirmed his
form were good ones and that even where
the abolition of the railroad and lighting
commissions would involve personal sacri
fees on the parts of the officeholders, it
should be carried out He asked if
he thought Assemblyman Bowling of
Brooklyn, who may be head Of the assem-
ter supply. would be likely to try to hold
up such legislation to aid Gas Commission
er Gunnison. He said he thought it un-
likely He added that he had heard of
some opposition to the commission suggest
ed by Governor Hughes to handle the rail-
road and lighting questions in the state
because of the magnitude of the interests
| involved There might be some justice in
might be modified somewhat before they
became enacted into law.
Hope for Modification.
Some of the politicians and a few of the
legislators here hope sincerely that the
governors recommendations will be "modi-
| fed" A realization has set in that unless
such modification is obtained many polit-
ical places will be empty and party pa
tronage at a discount. These men real
ize, also, that this fact will not weigh in
the least with Gov. Hughes Dissatisfied
ton, criticism and apprehension are to be
found in several quarters. But these are
not open. Few of the legislators care to
critcSe the recommendations of the mes
sage openly, and, however deep the dis
satisfaction with it's stringent recon-
mendations may be, there seems little
| likelihood of immediate opposition to
| whatever bills are introduced to carry out
! these suggestions.
There may be considerable danger, how
ever. to be feared from amendments to
| these bills. offered, perchance to make
| the scheme practical" Such modification
was attempted last year with the carefully
planned scheme of insurance reform which
| Mr.. Hughes had effected. An amendment
| passed the Legislature by a vote taken
equally from republicans and democrats,
and the original structure was saved only
by the prompt Intervention of Gov. Hig-
gins Whatever criticism of Gov. Hughes
| message is voiced openly is that the sug-
gestons somewhat visionary" or
''theoretical," and therefore would need to
be adapted" to meet practical conditions.