New-York tribune., 1907-11-28
WADSWORTH FOR SMITH
NO POLITICS." HE SAYS.
Indications Point to Syracusan' 8
Election as assembly Clerk.
LRy telegraph to The Tribune. !


Albany Nov. 27.-Indications tonight point
to the election of Ray B. Smith, of Syracuse for
several years assistant clerk of the Assem- bly
as clerk of that house, to succeed Colonel
Archie f. Baxter. of Elmira. With delegation
from Onondaga County Mr. Smith came to AL
bany to-day and had talk with Speaker James
w Wadsworth. jr., who later issued a statement
declaring that he would give his personal sup
port to Mr. Smith in his candidacy and vote for
him in the caucus Of the Republican members OF
the Assembly. Mr.. Smith and his colleagues de-
clared that they had a sufficient number OF the
ssembymen-elect pledged to his support to
insure his election.
Speaker Wadsworth, however. made it clear
that his support OF Mr.. Smith would not be as
Speaker of the House, but as member of the
Assembly from Livingston County and as a
member of the Republican majority in that
house It is believed the statement of Speaker
Wadsworth will aid Mr. Smiths candidacy to
a large extent and that Colonel Baxter will re-
tire after twelve successive years in the clerk
ship The statement follows:
As member of the Assembly from Livingston
County and as a member of the Republican
party in that House shall support Mr.. smith.
believe Mr Smith is entitled to the promotion
He has served in the subordinate capacity Tor
ten years, has shown himself exceedingly prom
cient in his duties, and is familiar with lhe
routine Of the House and with the personnel
of the clerical force I want ii distinctly under
stood that ] have come to this determination
regardless OF any political considerations wnat-
ever whether as relating to political develop
n,ents in Chemung County. or with reference 10
state politics. I regard the matter as one con-
cerning the Assembly alone, and as having no
Significance whatever with regard to any sort
Of so-called lineup" outside the Assembly
have always had the Warmest friendship TOT
Colonel Baxter, and my decision as to my own
vote in this matter is in no sense 10 oe con
strued as q reflection upon him. simply pc
lieve that Mr.. Smith is now entitled 10 THIS
recognition.
Speaker Wadsworth declared that he had
made no pledges so far as the eighteen vacan-
cies in the committee chairmanships are con-
cerned, including the Ways and Means Com
,mittee. which carries with it the majority lead
ership on the floor of the House
II was said on excellent authority that Assem-
bIyrnan Murphy, of Kings, was almost certain
Of landing the chairmanship Of the Cities Com
nittee, as State Chairman Woodruff was anx-
ious to retain that Office for Kings County. city
Judge-elect Dowling, of Kings, was chairman
during the last session.
Asssemblyman Fred W. Hammond, Of SYRIA
cuse, who was here to-day with Assemblyman-
elect Walters and x-Assemblyman Schoeneck IN
Mr.. Smiths interest, gave out a statement in
the course of which he said that information
from members elect of the Assembly as
sured the election of Mr.. Smith as clerk. He
said also:
Mr.. Smith is chairman of the Republican Cen
eral Committee of county, and IT was
largely through his efforts that the Republican
state ticket in Onondaga County a year ago re-
ceived the largest majority given by any county
in the state.
We believe that Onondaga by reason Of its
record as a Republican county is entitled to this
recognition. II has neither asked for nor re-
ceived any other patronage from the present
state administration.