The Irish standard., 1907-12-14
THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION.

| Not many months since we stated
that Governor Hughes, of New York,
was sure to be a commanding figure
in the next Republican National con-
vention. AS the months go by, it be-
comes apparent to everyone that the
Governor of New York has more posi-
tive strength of his own than any. other
Republican, the President of the Unit
ed States excepted. Several booms
have been started and have apparently
died away. Several more will surely
be started and will as surely die in
the making. In the meanwhile, Gov
ernor Hughes, man without political
experience, Is playing the political
game to perfection. He is attending to
the duties of his office and refusing to
take part either with the friends Of the
President or with his enemies.
Secretary Taft and Governor Hughes
present a striking contrast. Secre-
tary Taft was forced into the pfesi-
Dental fight against what were his
own wishes at first. The ambition of
the Secretary of War was to be a
Judge of the Supreme Court of the
United States. His training, except
during the time that he has been in the
Cabinet, has been along judicial lines.
His earliest political acts show an in
dependence which is admirable His
administration of the Philippines was
directed by purpose and desire to
benefit a dependent people. Not long
ago. but before he became the heir
apparent of the administration, he
struck out boldly for independence in
politics in the state of Ohio He went
to Ohio during the last gubernatorial
campaign and denounced Cox. the Re-
publican boss of Ohio and had much
to do with causing the defeat of the
Republican candidate for Governor At
that time he said that the conduct of
| municipal affairs has no national rela-
tion to the conduct of national affairs.
A few months past and the political
standards of the Secretary of State
have changed. He is a candidate for
the presidential nomination. He APP
pealed to the good people of Oklahoma,
who had suffered for many years UNI
der a Federal carpet bag government
to vote against statehood. He appealed
10 the Republicans of Cleveland to
vote against the best Mayor the city
ever had in order that the national
Republican party might he stronger In
the state of Ohio. The early acts of
Secretary Taft gave him strength with
the people. His recent conduct char
acterizes him as man willing to sup
port unworthy candidates and UNI
worthy movements in order to bolster
up a political party. 1t is noteworthy
that the end of the Taft movement
commenced with the change of his at
titude.
On the other hand, Governor Hughes
has attended to the duties of his office,
apparently paying no attention to
presidential politics. His conduct re-
sembles that of Grover Cleveland in
1883. 1t is true. he has made trouble
for himself in the vetoing of a. rate
bill, but by that very act he has gained
strength in very influential quarters
In Republican politics. He has made
himself strong with the people of his
own state by his fight for the public
utilities law. and above all, he has
maintained his own availability by re-
!fusing to mix with either side In the
Republican party. There will be many
new candidates put forward BY states
and by the press. They will enjoy a
little prominence for time, but when
the national Republican convention
meets. watch Hughes in New York.