New-York tribune., 1907-03-01
TIE GoTERyoR's WISE ADVICE.


In these days Of great independence of voting
a new conception is needed of political organ
izations and their policies, and Governor Hughes
has given clear timely and effective expression
to It in his speech before the Albany Republi-
cans. The Governor may be no politician, but
he talked exceedingly practical politics, the
only kind Of politics. indeed, any longer prac-
teal In this state To try to win on any other
principle than by deserving to win is to trust
to the elemy's unwisdOm IN deserving still
less to win. No organization can succeed in
this state without the independent vote, and
independent support cannot be gained on any
other principle than that laid down by Gov
ernor Hughes, who says:
Give the people the idea that the main pur-
pose OF organization is to secure control for
personal advantage or for favored interests, and
sooner or later they viii bring to grief the best
laid plans Of the most astute leaders. But, on
the other hand, convince them that organiza-
ton is directed to the purpose OF maintaining
an honorable party policy and OF promoting an
administration of government in the interest OF
the people. and they will rally to its support.
That Is practical politics of the new sort, the
kind demanded by the conditions of today.
What is needed to make q winning party Gov
eTnor Hughes understands all the better for his
entrance into public life under present day con-
dtions. He is not blinded by old traditions
and a faith in outwOrn methods. He under
stands the people, where many bosses of the
old school were never able to understand any
thing but the organization. The Governor IS
no dreamer of the sort whose ideal Is the end
Of parties. He believes thoroughly in Organi-
zatlon, but he knows that an organization which
has not the people behind it is a hollow she'll.
THE success Of political organization" he
says, important as Is practical management
will depend upon its ideals" The organization
which stands for the better things, the better
policies, more efficient administration. will win,
and In a state as close as this is there is no
other way Of counting on victory. Mr.. Hughes
believes firmly In organization as the most
practicable way to carry out policies and[to
provide efficient government. He has strong
faith In the Republican party and he points
out the party's duty and its opportunity. There
is no political organization in this country"
he says, (which at this time has such an oppOr-
'tunity Of serving the people by efficient ad-
"ministration ana by wise constructive effort
"in the correction OF known evils. The party
has its future in its own keeping. and If it
will measure up to its traditions and meet
'its opportunities, it will for many years be
"invincibls both in state and nation"
Does anybody doubt this? Does anybody
doubt that If the Republican party is imbued
with these ideals Of service to the state, Of
seeking, simply as a matter Of practical policy,
to give an efficient administration and to cor
rect evils OF which there IS public complaint
It will continue in office? If this is so, then,
why should any Republican leaders be shy Of
becoming imbued with these ideals?
If you want a strong party organization then
let II be insisted upon that man can expect
the support OF the organization who does not
make good. Make II a point Of honor TO de-
mand the best service for the state. Let US
devote ourselves TO meeting the need OF the
hour by providing just and effective measures
for the correction OF abuses. The Republican
tunity; there is no reason why it should yield Il
to its opponents.
Governor Hughes's advice to the professional
politicians might have seemed ideaIlstlc years
ago, but the conception of what IS practical
politics has to be revised TO meet the change
OF time. All political conditions have greatly
altered. We have already referred to the
growing habit Of Independent voting. The Re
publican party has changed There is now no
state boss Many Of the local organizations
have been transformed in their purposes. their
ideals and the character OF the leadership. We
need only TO contrast the Republican organiza-
ton Of this city upIer Congressman Herbert
Parsons with the same organization in any re-
cent period Of its history to understand what
change has come over the conception Of prac-
teal politics. Not only is there rs Governor
Hughes points out, a great opportunity before
the Republican party, but that party is in q
better position than ever before to enter into
the paths Of political wisdom rs the Governor
sees them. His words are WISE timely. patri-
otic and practical.