The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1908-01-31
Pr Ii T &c A L
Hughes Ready to Run.


The first written word from Govern
or Hughes OF New York defining his
attitude toward the Republican nomi-
nation for president was contained in
his reply to letter Of inquiry from Il
member of the New York City Repub-
lican club. In 1t the governor says he
is not seeking Office, but will respond
to the call Of his party should the vot-
ers with deliberation and harmony
decide to present his name. He re-
iterates that he Will not attempt to
influence the selection. or vote of any
delegate and that the state admins
tration must continue to be impartial
and not tributary to any candidacy.
He says the matter Is one for the party
to decide and that, whatever its deci-
sion, he will be content. He agrees
to meet the club on Jan. 81.
Taft Surrenders New York
The next day after the formal an
nouncement of Governor Hughes that
he would not object to unanimous
expression of the Republican party in
New York favorable to his nomination
for the presidency Secretary of War
Taft made public his letter to Chair
man Parsons of the New York county
committee, in which he said that
friends of his should not attempt TO
divide in his interest the delegation
from any state which has n candidate
Of its own He said, further that he
would greatly dcprecate n contest
which might imperil Republican vic
tory in New York and was anxious TO
do anything he could to avoid it. This
letter is generally regarded as q clever
Stroke on the part of Taft, as it is like
~ to make him the second choice of
the New York delegation. 1t is cX-
pectcd to end disscnsion in the Repub-
lican ranks in that state.
5iyan Challenges Foes.
In reply to the opposition OF some
Democratic leaders through the east
and south to the candidacy of w. j..
Bryan for the presidential nomination
Mr.. Bryan is reported as having sent
word TO prominent Democrats at Wash
ington that if they can show him that
any considerable number of earnest,
real and reliable Democrats believe
that his candidacy will prove detrl-
mental TO the best interests Of the par
ty he will refuse to accept the nomina-
ton. He has further said that he will
give his support to any one of these
three emocrats-Governor Johnson OF
Minnesota, Governor Hoke Smith Of
Georgia and Senator Culberson of Tex
as-but he has declared with emphasis
that he cannot be expected to stand
for another campaign such as was
made for Alton b. Parker. He will
not relinQuish his own ambitions in
order TO turn the Democratic party
over to the conservative element
Appeal to Southern Republicans.
Ex-senator William e. Chandler of
New Hampshire and William Pitt Kel-
logg. former Republican governor Of
Louisiana. have issued from Washing
ton IN appeal to the Republican voters
of the south. First they ask that the
southern delegates to the presidential
convention be not massed in favor of
any one candidate, expressing their
belief that any candidate nominated
as q result of The united action of
the southern delegates would be de-
feated at the polls. They urge that
the delegates be, If possible, free and
nninstructcd. who from the beginning
10 the end will act with prudence, dis
,retion and wisdom, according TO their
pest Judgment formed only at the time
and place of the convention. They
also issue q warning against allowing
the delegates to be named or con-
trolled by federal officeholders. and,
above all, they protest against exclud-
| ing colored Republicans from taking
active part in the election of delegates.
Foraker Sees No Harmony.
In view of the remarks made by
Secretary Taft at semipolitical gath
ering lately IN which he refused to
agree TO the harmony arrangements
proposed by Senator Crane, Senator
Foraker Unsurpassed himself as very
doubtful hbout any adjustment OF the
political rivalry between the two Ohio