The Washington herald., 1907-09-14
SATURDAY. SEPTEMBER IA. 1907
nughes-A Growing National Figure.

1t is apparent TO the most casual OBJ
server that discussion Of the merits Of
Charles Z. Hughes as a Presidential can
didate is growing in volume. Newspaper
comment the country over Is most favor
able to the leyel-hcaded. working gov
ernor Of the Empire State. His public
utterances are widely quoted; his political
opinions well received; his sanity qf judg-
ment and independence of thought and ac-
ton universally approved. A born teacher
of elementary political science one ad-
mirer calls him; and In his plain talks
10 the people of his own State he has laid
down the old principles Of good govern
ment in SO clear and logical a fashion
that they possess all the fascination Of
novelty
Gov Hughes has become national fig
ure. not because of known views on ma
uonal issues, but by reason of substantial
personal qualities that do not usually ap-
peal To the popular fancy. He is much
more than an honest man; ne combines
with his honesty "a calm and sensible
habit Of thought and "a firm and judcious
course Of action. No one knows whether
he is a tarin reviSionist or not. nor has
any one heard of Hughes plan for the
national regulation Of trusts and rail-
roads We do not know whether he ap-
proves the parade OF the battle ships
around the world or his opinion of our
Philippine adventure. Gov Hughes has
made no reckless excursions into the field
of national political issues, has proposed
no striking scheme Of governmental re-
construction. has neither borrowed nor
appropriated anybody else's policy" We
recall but one public utterauce Of his
having any definite bearing on the prob
lens now confronting the nation-his Lin
coin memorial day address at Boston.
wherein he laid down the principles which
should govern the extension OF Federal
power I'm one inCOntrOveTtibIe sentence:
IF it should appear that the powers Of the States
are Inadequate % deal with subject hitherto retained
lu their keeping and that the interests Of the ueo-
Ule as whole mperatiyely demand the assumption
az power by the FedeuI government the people viii
provide fer the assumption Of that power"
Notwithstanding public ignorance as to
the views of this man on many topics
of the day which as governor of a State
he does not feel called upon TO discuss.
many people feel that the sound judgment
and single-minded purpose eviuced in his
handling Of the affairs of a great Com
monwealth are qualities of higher value
than facility IN the delivery Of dogmatic
proHouucements Moreover they see that
be is rightly and firmly grounded i'm that
fundamental principle OF the Declaration
of lndependenCe-that governments exist
for the benefit of the governed. not for
the perpetuaton and glorifcation Of Do
itical parties. not for the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
OF special interests or the promotion of
corporate pOwerS-but for the preserva-
tion Of justice among men and the com
mon welfare Of the people. So believing
he is unable to see what concern pro
fessionaI politicians have with the con-
duct of public business. and proceeds
without their advice and assistance. So
believing, he has made it his chief bus
mess TO extend the just and equitable
sway Of the law over all persons and cor
poratons, to the end that public and pri-
vate wrongs may be redressed and aboi-
ished
But the executive chamber at Albany is
not stage for the production OF grand
effects and spectacular thrills. What may
be seen there is an orderly conduct Of tbs
public business. What may be heard
thence is common sense and straightfor.
ward principle. Withal, those who come
in contact with Gov Hughes detect moth.
ing Of the poseur in his character. He i.
simply acting out the man that is in him
Hughes" says one Of the upstate pa
pers in New York. wears we'll tn,
more intimate the public's acquaintanc,
with his personality the stronger becomes
its respect"
What influence for good, in the poHtca
education Of the American people. might
not such man WELD should he be called
to a higher station? How refreshing
might be a government Of common sense