Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-10-19


 engaging frankness. Governor Hughes in an address which he delivered ir the Republican club in this city gave an intimate view of the purposes anC policies of the present state admins tratiOn. This was not the least inter i eSting phase of a speech which dealt with broad principles of government as well as with things more personal to the governor as a man and an off cial.
 | The address was appreciated by the several hundred Republicans who were present and who cheered enthusiastic ally when one of the other speakers l referred to Governor Hughes as 'the next president of the United States
 Refers to Criticism.
 The governor took up, for example, the question of the election of dele gates from New York to the next Re i publican national convention and as sured his hearers that he was not seek ing the support of any delegation for an office.
 He was not seeking public office. he informed them. and no part of the state administration would be used to further ambitions which had no hold on him.
 Reference also was made by the gov ernor to his attitude toward the party organization. He spoke of criticism directed at him because, as it was al legged, he failed in appreciation of po- litical activity and was not quick to reward it with office.
 On this point Governor Hughes made 1t clear that he had no quarrel with political and partisan activity. being q partisan himself and that. on the con trary, he regarded it as one of the citi zen's highest duties to interest himself in political work
 Isn't an Office Seeker.
 But the first and paramount duty of every public official. he asserted, was the public welfare, and it ought not to be subordinated to any interest what ever
 TO avoid any possibility of misap- prchension regarding my own course" he said, "I may say this further word: I do not seek any public office. The ajority of people doubtless think that the distinction and power of office are an irresistible attraction. To me pub bt,r nf vi hility, a burden of incessant toll at times almost intOerable, which under honorable conditions and at the con- mand of the people it may be duty and even pleasure to assume, but is far from being an object of ambition. I have not sought nor shall seek di- rectly or indirectly to influence the SC lection or the vote of any delegate to any convention. and with reference to the action of any delegate to any con ventiOn there will he no suggestion or thought of influence. protest or reprisal in the executive chamber.
 Favored Direct Nominations.
 Tt has been said that I regard DO. litical activity as disqualification for public office. Political activity, by virtue of the experience and knowl- edge of affairs gained in 1t, so far from being disqualification, may be a most important qualification for of flee. But want that political activity to he of such character as to leave man free and independent in the dignity of his manhood to perform the duties of office, if appointed. unemhar- raSscd by improper influences and un- affected by accumulated obligations.
 "I desire to see party activities con ducted honorably. the freest express sion of popular choice and to have party organization represent the un- trammeled wish of the members of the party without any interference on the part of the executive. To this end I have favored the adoption of a plan for direct nominations and have fa- vored q pernisSive bill so that the plan could have a fair trial in the communities where it has the support of public sentiment The executive should not interfere with the details of party management.
 Lets Party Management Alone.
 ''T am frequently asked to express approval or disapproyal of party ac- tion or of particular candidates. Should do so it would fairly he incumbent upon me to pronounce upon such ac- ton or canhidacics In advance and thus tO attempt tO determine the course to be pursued If this were duEe in one case it would be inevita- blp that it should hc done in many cases with consequent responsibility. If such responsibility be assumed 1t must be accompanied hy action-hy such attention to matters nf manage mcnt as would be commensurate with the responsibility and would justify its assumption.
 Now. do not aim tO hp q narty boSS want simply to Ie governor during my term The only alterna- tive to the course that I have criticised iS to divorce the gOveruOrShip from political entanglements. 10 keep it's influence free from controversies that do not concern the office IL is not my province to attempt to Curtail the privileges of the legislature or to seek tO cuntroI its action. excppt as if may be influenced by the expression of sound opinion and hy rec0mmenda- tious supported by the people Of the state-