The Washington herald., 1908-01-24


William i. Taft wrote a letter. yester-
day TO Representative Herbert Parsons,
OF New York, in which he absolved Par
sons and all other Taft men in New
york STATE from allegiance TO Mr. aft's
candidaoy II they felt that Gov. Hughes
/ entrance ito the race for the Presidential
nomination placed a superior obligation
upon them.
Mr. Taft even went further than this.
He made his advice applicable TO everl
state that had a fsvoriJe son for the Re-.
publican nomination To emphasize his
position, Mr.. Taft declared that he would
deprecate any contest which might inn
/ peril Republican success in New York on
next election day.
Tafts letter was made public by Par
sons last night.
The Secretary. in his letter. tmpresses
upon his friends the duty Of not dividing
State delegations where the state has its
own candidate. This he particularly ap-
plies IN the interest Of Gov. Hug es. who
has now avowed his candidacy. Taft saws
he would deprecate a contest which might
impsrl Republican victory in New York
election day. and he is anxious to do his
part to avert such catastrophe
state for Hughes, Says Parsons.
Representative Parsons said tonight:
Il am going at midnight 10 New York.
I shall probably call a special meeting
Of the county committee to take action
on the candidacy OF Gov Hughes. / an
now in favor OF an instructed delegation
from tie State TO the Chicago convention
for Gov. Hughes.
THAT IS all I care TO say about it. The
letter Of Secretary Taft to ME speaks for
itself
The state viii be for Hughes. and that
IS all there is TO be said about that. We
will be for him In good faith which iz
perhaps, more than can be said about
others who have been for the governor
previous 10 his entering the contest.
Secretary Tafts letter was written pri-
marily for effect in New York. II was
Inspired, no doubt, by purpose 90 pre-
vent the development of condition Of
affairs in that State that might have seri-
ously endangered the success Of the ma
tional ticket I'm November.
Gov OdeH and certain other discredited
leaders in New York had tied up to the
Hughes movement. They were not want
ed. it appears. but they tied up iust the
same. They were not inspired any
particular love for the governor. they
hated him less than they did II Presi-
dent or any candidate IN which latter
might be interested.
Field Left for FavorIte Sons.
It was felt by Secretary Taft that
Gov Hughes, as a candidate for
the Presidency. was entitled tbs
delegates from his own State had
been part of the policy OF l.s man
ayers not to invade the territory OF ia
vorite sons.
There was another cOnsiderat tion that
was given due weight. The most act
i've supporters Of the Hughes move
mept mp 10 this time were men like
former Gov. Odeu men who had
long ago Joined the down-and-out club,
undesirable in many ways, but capable
Of making mischief if they were given
half a chance. Hughes Endorsement
by The New York County committee, or
by the State convention, in the absence
of such Dronouncement as Secretary
Tafts. would have been hailed by them
as a victory.
This. it was believed here. would nave
had a bad effect upon the party in the
state, and resulted in ill-feeling among
Continued on Page =, Column (