The morning journal-courier., 1908-02-01

fired the first shot in his unique cam paign for the republican nomination for the presidency by defining at length his position on national ques- tions The address in full is as fol- lows:
 Mir. Hughes Address.
 Fellow Members of the Republican
 Club:
 Tn the adoption of the resolutions which preceded the call of this meet ing, you have conferred upon me an honor of which I cannot express ade- quately my appreciation It is enhanc- ed by the fact that it comesi from cd friends and associates-the fellow members of an organization with which it has been my privilege to be identified for twenty years, and from body of loyal and earnest Republi- cans whose zeal for the welfare of the Republican party and unselfish devotion to its interests are known thr .ughout the country I cher- ish your friendship. I esteem your con fldence And in recognition of both, and of the obligation imposed upon me by your action, I shall define my position
 Sine. l took office I have sought to make it clear that I would not become involved in factional strife or use the power of office to further any personal interest. I am, and have been con- stantly, solicitous that the administra- tion of the affairs of this State shall not be embarrassed by collateral con- alterations, and that every question shall be presented and decided upon its merits, unaffected by suggestion of ulterior motives For this reason have avoided gratuitous discussion of questions foreign to my official duty, But when, in justice to those who have honored me with their confidence and to the party which, as we all desire, should act freely and with full in formation. it becomes a duty to speak. l have no desire to remain silent Nor should 1 in any event care to preserve availability at the expense of candor President Rooscvelt's Administration.
 We are contemplating new ad- ministration at the close of one which " of dC6iCc dlliicSt IdS impressed the popular imagination and won the confidence of the people The country is under lasting obligation to President Roosevelt for his vigorous opposition to abuses and for tta Strong impulse he has given to move ments for their correction. Differences of opinion now as always exist with regard to the best means If solving some of the extremely difficult prob lens that are presented. But these who earnestly desire progress and The establishment of our security on it's necessary foundations Of fair dealinC and recognition of equal rights ap- preciate the great service he has ren- dered and the fundamental importance of siie purposes he has had in view We shall have in the next campaign notable vantage ground. gained through the general admiration of his strong personality and the popular ap- preciation of the intensity of his de- sire to promote the righteous conduct of affairs and the welfare of his fellow men.
 The Historic Struggle For Popular
 Rights
 The most impressive revelation of modern history is the picture it af- lords of the widespread struggle against every form of oppression and exploitation, and the onward march of the people toward the realization of the ideals of self-government This
 
 bitrary power, sometimes impeded by ignorance, sometimes suffering from the perversions of selfish ambition. sometimes suffering from the perver- sions of selfish ambitions, sometimes under the urgings of passion running Into wanton excesses with their inev- liable reactions. nevertheless broadly viewed is an irresistible movement against which in the long run the opposition of class or of privilege will be powerless to prevail. There is no rest in human affairs The watchword of humanity is progress. And the ad- ministration of government, in pro- portion to the enlightenment of the people, will reflect in ever-increasine degree their insistence upon the elim- 1nation of all evils which threaten equality of opportunity.
 Socialism Un-Amcrican.
 Our government is based upon the principles of individualsm and not upon those of socialism. It was not es- tablished to substitute one form of de spotism for another It was founded 10 attain the aims of liberty. of liberty under law, but wherein each individ- ual for the development and the ex- ercise of his individual powers might have the freest opportunity consistent with the equal right of all others. and wherein the rewards of industry and thrift-the gains of honest effort might be secure.
 We do not seek 10 multiply the act ivities of government so as to bring about vexatious interference with Iib- erty or to restrict legitimate enter prise We deprecate all unnecessary governmental action. But our individ- ualism does not justify unbridled H censes Its aims may demand, and frequently do demand, the interven- ticn of government with necessary re strictions and regulations not to cur tail the liberty of the people. but to protect it. Wherever. in order to maintain civil rights. to secure the public from aggression. or to compel the performance of public obligation the action of the government as the organ of the popular will is necessary there its power should be firmly. ade- uuately. and impartially exercised.
 Fundamental Principles.
 Now I do not profess to be able to speak the last word with regard to the questions which confront us. Many of