The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-01-22
Says He Is Not After Presidency
but Intimates He Would
Not Decline Honor
Expression Comes in Letter to
Republican Club Which
IndOrSes Him
New York Governor Will Con
fer With His Partisans Late
Next Week

ALBANY, N. Y, Jan. z1.-Gov-
ernor Hughes publicly declared to-
night his attitude toward the move
ment in favor of his nomination by
the republicans for the presidency in
. letter to James S. Lehman of New
York, acknowledging notification Of
the resolution of Endorsement
adopted recently by the republican
club. Hughes appointed the evening
of Friday, January 81, for a meeting
with the club at which he intimates
he will still more definitely declare
himselfs
I am deeply sensible of the homer
conferred upon me-" said the governor,
by my fellow members of the Republi-
can club in the passage of the resoiu-
tion to which you refer. and it VIII
give me pleasure to accept the invita-
ton. In accepting it it is proper for
me TO restate my position.
NOT HUNTING OFFICE
1T is my desire that the sentiment
Of the party shall have the freest ex-
preston, and that such action shall be
taken as viii be for its best Interests.
4 do not seek Office, nor shall at
tempt 10 influence the selection or vote
Of any delegate. The state admins ira
tion must continue TO be impartial and
must not be tributary TO any candidacy.
i have no interest in any factional
controversy. and desire above all things
that there shall be deliberation, honest
expression Of the party viii and har-
nlony Of effort
APPRECIATES HONOR
i cannot fail to recognize the great
honor which the nomination would con
fer or the obligation of service which
It would impose. Nor should 1 care TO
be thought lacking in appreciation of
the confidence and esteem which prompt
the efforts OF those who sincerely de-
sire to bring it about. The matter is
one for the party to decide, and what
ever its decision / shall be content
i shall be glad to meet the members
Of the club. as you suggest. and to
make such further statement as may
be appropriate. In view Of the en-
gagements already made I do not see
how it viii be possible TO have such a
meeting before the evening of January
81 And If that date suits your con-
venience arrangements for the meeting
may be made accordingly"
ASKS FOR VIEWS
The letter Of Mr.. Lehmaier. to which
the governor replies as above. is as
follows:
AT a recent meeting of the Repuo-
licsn club Of the city of New York,
very largely attended. a resolution was
adopted with practical unanimity
strongly urging the next republican
national convention 10 nominate you
for the ONCE OF president Of the United
States. and 10 that end inviting the CO.
operation of republicans generally.
The club has appointed a committee
Of % 10 carry out the purpose Of the
resolution.
The committee has entered upon
the duties assigned to II. and its ef-
forts have met with a most gratifying
public response.
In the circumstances it has seemed
10 US that some expression from you
would be timely.
sAs chairman of this committee and
In the hope that this suggestion may
meet with your approval. I write 10
Inquire whether you will meet your fcl-
low members of the Republican club at
it's clubhouse at such time as may suit
your convenience"