Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-28
URGES FAIR DEALING
Gov. Hughes an Advocate of
Purity in Politics.
HE WOULD ROOT OUT GRAFT
Loyal to Party, but Will Not Condone
Wrong.
ORGANIZATION Is NECESSARY
Has No Ambition Beyond Serving His
State and Safeguarding the In
terests Of the People.
ORGANIZATION Is NECESSARY

ALBANY, February 2S-Gov. Hughes, in
the most pretentious political speech he has
made since he became governor. declared
himself last night to be an Organization re-
publican" urged republicans to continue the
war on graft" as a necessary step toward
saving their organizations, asserted that he
has no ambitions beyond serving the state
as governor. with a preference for his pro-
fession of the law, and expressed the opin-
ion that the real republican interests Of the
country are being benefited by the trend Of
current events rather than being injured.
He made his speech before the Albany
county republican organization, the leading
spirit Of which is William Barnes, jr.. the
republican boss of the county. The gov
ernor concluded his speech as follows:
Would Stop Graft.
"Let US put an end to graft and to favors
to special interests. Let organization be
skillful and leaders be masterful but let all
seek to secure an administration Of which
all the people may be proud, and the party
which has given the nation Lincoln, Grant.
Mckinley and Roosevelt need not fear de-
feat"
Before that he evoked hearty cheers by
the following statements:
II have been a republican from the time
came Of age. I am grateful for the splen-
did services the party has rendered to the
country and for the memories of the noble
men under whose leadership in repeated
crises the party has proved itself equal to
the task of preserving and administering
government.
Il do not condone any public wrong be-
cause 1t Is committed by republican any
more than I should were it committed by a
democrat. Nor do I think that loyalty to
party requires support Of anything wrong.
OF in in, cd OF xxybi oh
we would feel free to condemn II the wrong
doing could be charged to those of differ
ent political faith. No one can convince
me that he is a loyal republican, with the
misuse official position or will be content
with anything short Of the best service to
the people.
Essential to Success.
Reorganization lie essential to successful
work, and no man would expect any polit-
ical undertaking to be successful which is
not skillful1y organized and wisely man
aged. But the success of political organ
ization, important as Is practical manage
ment, will depend upon its ideals. No mat
ter how skillfully constructed or astutely
led. the people will smash any organization
that is devoted to selfish interests
Now, I do not profess to be versed in
the wisdom Of politics. and I make no
claim to knowledge of political strategy.
But do know this: That il the republican
party expects to succeed in this state it
must support every effort to give efficient
administration. No man is a friend Of the
republican party who asks me or any one
in authority to appoint man or to retain
man who is not equal to his job. If you
want a strong party organization then let
1t be insisted upon that no man can expect
the support Of the organization who does
not make good. Make 1t a point of honor
to demand the best service for the state.
Wants No Favors.
Il make no request for personal support.
So far as am personally concerned my in
terests lie in profession to which 1 should
be glad to devote myself. But 1 am de-
sirous that the republican party should
take advantage of its opportunity to con-
vince the people that it can be trusted to
meet their demand in furnishing competent
administration of every department Of gov
eminent and in the enforcement of the
laws and in the enactment of legislation
that is required to protect the people
against the misuse of the privileges they
have bestowed For that policy I do desire
support. 1 desire the support of the re-
publican organization.
Let there be demonstration that we
are party of the people, and that the in
terest of all citizens is safe in our keep
ing"