The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-02-01
HUGHES MAKES
STRONG SPEECH
Ns
Long Silence Is BrptssT ! CIV
ing Views : sSldic
STRENUOUS BATTLE AHEAD
Governor Addresses Fellow Republl-
cans on National Issues, Pralslng
Roosevelt and Declaring
Harmony Necessary.

New York. January S1-Gov. Charles E.
Hughes, who nomination for the presi-
dency by the republican national conven-
tion in Chicago next June is being urged
by the New York county committee and
other republican county committees In
New York state today made open declar-
alton of his views on national issues
and principles.
Until tonight, when he was welcomed by
scores of well known republicans at a
reception rendered him at the republi-
can club, Governor Hughes has main
tanned silence on all questions affect
ing the country and the definition of his
position on federal issues has conse-
quently been expectantly awaited
Governor Hughes told his hearers to-
night that he did not come before them
in any spirit of rivalry or self-seeking
and that there are many republicans
who by virtue of their character and
distinguished services are worthy of the
highest honor the party can bestow"
The governor was given an ovation when
ne concluded MS speech.
National Issues.
In his address Governor Hughes made
his first statement respecting national
issues. This was done in response to res
olutions recently adopted committing the
clup to ths .sd oiBey of Governor Hughes
the United States.
In the course of his speech Governor
Hughes said:
'Since I took office, have sought to
make 1t clear that I would not become
Involved in fractional strife or use the
powers of office to further any personal
interest. am, and have been, constantly
solicitous that the administration of the
affairs of this state shall not be en-
barrassed by collateral considerations,
and that every question shall be pre-
sented and decided upon its merits, un-
affected by ulteror motives For this
reason, l have avoided gratuitous dis
cussion of questions foreign to my Of
fetal duty, but when in justice to those
who have honored me with their conf
dence and to the party which, as we
all desire, should act freely and with full
information, 1t becomes duty to speak,
l have no desire to remain silent nor
should l in any event care to preserve
silence at the expense of candor.
Praise For Roosevelt.
1.-THE country is under a lasting obli-
cation to President Roosevelt for his
vigorous opposition to abuses and strong
efforts he has given toward offenders for
their conviction. Difference of opinion,
M q Itxyox avtct xuif orI 30 fI,A
best means of solving some of the ex-
tremely difficult problems that are pre-
sented, but those who earnestly desire
progress and the establishment of our
security on its necessary foundations Of
fair dealing and recognition of equal
rights, appreciate the great service he
has rendered and the Importance of the
purpose he has In view.
1--WE shall have in the next campaign.
notable vantage ground, gained through
the general admiration of his strong
personality and the popular appreciation
of the intensity of his desire to promote
the righteous conduct of affairs and the
welfare of his fellowmen.
Battle For Freedom.
1.-THE battle for free institutions has al
ways been a struggle against special
privilege. 1t Is not won merely by the
creation of new forms of government.
Against every attempt to make govern
ment the instrument of selfish purpose a
free people must constantly be on the
alert Every franchise granted by the
people, is a privilege justified only by
the considerations of its exercise and
should be such as to insure the perform
ance of public obligation. There must
be no encroachment on the common right
for the purpose of serving the interests
of the few at the expense of the
many.
"I approve the Roosevelt extension of
authority of the interstate commerce
commission by what is known as the
rate BILL and I believe that the COM
mission should have the most ample
powers for purposes of investigation and
supervision and for making rules and
orders, which will enable it to deal to
the fullest extent possible within con-
| sstitutional limits with interstate trans
portaton in all its phases
ssThe Sherman antitrust law should
be classified and made more explicit.
Sweeping condemnations of uncertain
meaning do not aid, but rather embar-
rass the prosecution of those who are
guilty of pernicious practices. Combina-
tions and practices in unreasonable re-
straint of trade and which menace the
freedom of interstate commerce, should
be condemned in decided terms. At the
same time provisions may we'll be made
for joint agreements. under proper cir
cumstances as to railroad rates, which
should be subject to the approval of
the interstate commerce commission.
Enforcement of Law.
"Various means have been suggested
-of doubtful validity and still more
doubtful utlity-to prevent oppression
through the conduct of large enterprises
and to secure the enforcement of the
law against all attempts to monopolize
and the various devices resorted to In
unlawful restraint of trade. In my judg-
ment the most effective course is explicit
definition of what Is wrong and adequate
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