The Washington herald., 1907-05-13
MONDAY, MAY 70, 1907.
The Development of Hughes.

II is quite obvious that Gov Charles
Z. Hughes is growing in the estimation
of the public Practically unknown
prior to his sudden rise 10 prominence by
reason OF the insurance Investigations.
he has so conducted himself since that
time as to create the general impression
that he is not only able. but sincere and
square" Now, unbiased observers of
the political situation are beginning TO
see in him a Presidential possibility who
may very easily develop into a proba-
bility without any effort in that direction
on his own part.
Il Is characteristic Of the American peo-
pie to admire and put in high places men
who do things President Roosevelt him
self is a conspicuous proof of this. Mr..
Hughes has been dCing things ever since
he was selected to conduct the proceed
ings against New York's big insurance
concerns. Especially since he became
governor has his propensity for decisive
and effective action manifested itself No
other Republican who is now regarded as
a candidate for the Presidential nomlna-
ton equals Mr.. Hughes in this respect, a
fact which may have very considerable
weight before the party's standard bearer
is named next year.
The situation with reference to the New
York State executive being just as it is,
the dispatches announcing that he is 10
be pushed as a candidate for the nominal
ton are of unusual interest and signlf-
cance. There is no doubt of the govern
or's popularity with the people in his
State, and in the event Of a campaign to
secure a solid Hughes delegation to the
national convention Il is plain that the
politicians, should they desire to prevent
such a ConsummatiOn. would find that
they had an exceedingly difficult task on
their hands. Those politicians-the ones
who have dominated the party hereto
fore, but who now seem TO be aware
that Hughes is master-are not in SYM
pathy with President Roosevelt, and it
is by no means probable that they would
favor Secretary Taft. assuming that that
gentleman continues TO enjoy the sup
port of the Chief Executive. The possi-
bility Of any less fortunate candidate
commanding the strength Of the big New
York delegation. if a serious effort is
made TO instruct it for Hughes, Is hardly
worthy of consideration. In a word. it
now appears that the convention vote OF
the Empire State Is Hughes for the ask
ing, and that nobody will have reason
for surprise if the governor develops into
a most formidable aspirant for the honor
Of leading the party in the fight to be
waged next year.
The circumstance that Gov. Hughes is
no more popular with the old State ma
chine than is President Roosevelt will
not detract from his strength, in our opin-
ion The old-line Republicans gave him
only lukewarm support at best, in the
gubernatorial campaign. but the result
showed that the people were for him.
Perhaps a part of the Democratic vote
cast for him would have been withheld
had the situation with reference to the
Democratic nominee been other than IL
was, but It is none the less a fact that
Mr.. Hughes was highly esteemed by the
better class Of citizens throughout the
State and that he would have made A
highly satisfactory showing under any
circumstances.
Unless all indications are at fault, Mr..
Hughes strength is increasing constantly.
As We see it, candidates for the nomina-
tion-even Secretary Taft. with his ad-
ministration backing-will do we'll 10 keep
their respective eyes on the gentleman
from New York.