New-York tribune., 1907-01-04
PRICE THREE CENTS.
WOODRUFF SEES HUGHES
ASSURES HIM SUPPORT.
Politicians Hope Governors Recom-
mendations UiU BE Modified.
TRy telegraph to The tribune

BY Telegraph to The Tribune.
Albany. Jan. 3.-State Chairman Woodruff had
an interview with Governor Hughes to-day. the
first since he has been at Albany. He talked
over several affairs with the Governor and indi-
rectly assured him of the support OF the Repub-
lican organization in accomplishing the recorn-
mendations of his message TO the legislature
When Governor Hughes was asked about the
visit of Chairman Woodruff he said that severa
things had been under discussion, but nothing
of especial moment.
Did Chairman Woodruff assure you Of the
support of the Republican organization IN carry-
ing out the reforms recommended by your mess
sage?" was asked
There was some talk about that" replied the
Governor "and Mr. Woodruff said TO me about
what he said along that line TO the newspaper men
yesterday. 1 shouldn't like to be understood as
using mis- words. but 1 gathered the impressions
that he was pleased with the message and ex-
rected the Republican organization to help"
In reply to a query whether he expected leads
ers of the Legislature 10 consult him about CONS
mittee places or questions of policy. the Gov.
ernor said that he had made no appointmentzs
but could not tell who might call TO see him
Il can say. though he added that L have
a clear idea of my responsibilities. and l think
the leaders of the Legislature realize their re-
spOnsibilities. OF course. there should be nar"
mony and cooperation between the Governor
and the branches of the Legislature; but. beyond
that each has responsibilities and must live up
to them
State Chairman Woodruff said he had not as
sured the Governor directly of the support OF
the. Republican organization in his reforms. be-
cause their conversation on that subject had
been limited.
Il told him was much pleased with the mes
sage" said he. and that I had told the news
papers so"
Chairman Woodruff again affirmed his belief
that the suggestions made for reform were good
ones and that even where the abolition of the
railroad and lighting commissions would iu-
volve personal sacrifices on the parts Of the
offceholders. it should be carried out. He was
asked if he thought Assemblyman DoWlns. OF
Brooklyn. who may be head of the Assembly
Committee on Electricity. Gas and Water Sup
ply. would he likely to try to hold up such
legislation to aid Gas Commissioner Gunnison-
He said he thought it unlikely. He added that
he had heard of some opposition to the COM
mission suggested by Governor Hughes to handle
the railroad and lighting questions in the state,
because of the magnitude of the interests IN
volved There might he some justice in this
view Some of the ideas, he said. might he
modified somewhat" before they became en-
acted into law
Some OF the politicians and few Of the leg
recommendations will he modified" \ raaltza-
ton has set in that unless such modification IL
obtained many political places will be empty
and party patronage at q discount. These men
realize. also. that this fact viii not weigh in
the least with Governor Hughes. Dissatisfac-
ton criticism and apprehension are To be found
IN several quarters. But these are not OPEN
Fcv- Of the legislators care to critcise the rec
concentrations of the message openly, and how
ever deep the disSa tisfaCtion with its stringent
recommended tionS may he. there seems little
likelihood of immediate opposition tn whatever
bills are introduced To carry out these sugses-
tiunS
There may be considerable danger. however.
To be feared from amendments to these bills.
offered perchanCe. to make the scheme prac-
ticaI" Such modification was attempted last
year with the carefully planned scheme of in
surance reform which Mr. Hughes had effected
An amendment passed the Legislature by q vote
taken equally from Republicans and Demo-
Gratis. and the original structure was saved only
by the prompt intervention of Governor Hig-
gins. Whatever criticism of Governor Hughes's
message is voiced openly is that the sugges-
tiOnS are somewhat visionary or "JneOretiCal.>
and therefore would need 10 be adapted IN
meet practical conditions.