New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-05-14
HUGHES STRENGTHFELT
THE HANDWRITING SEEN.
Politicians Feel That Leaders Must
Soon Declare Themselves.
TBy Telegraph to The Tribune. ]


Albany. May 13.-As a result Of Governor
Hughess victory in the Wallace campaign on the
nti-gambling question conviction Is growing
among far-sighted politicians that the Repubii-
leaders must declare themselves either
for or against Governor Hughes and his policies
and speedily bring the present situation TO Crisis
1t apparent to-day that, depreciate IL ana
depreciate It much they would, they realized
the Governors strength with the voters and the
efficacy Of his appeals to them to shake on boss
misrue. Signs not lacking that the bosses
seeing the handwriting on the wall
Republicans of the inner circle have not deceived
themselves for long time about the critical po-
litical situation in this state and the growing ad-
vantages of the Democrats. They not even
under the deluson that the Conners-Murphy strong
methods at the state convention created any
irreparabIe breach in the ranks of the opposition
The Republican leaders are beginning TO see that
they have a choice of two evils-surrender to the
Governor destruction by the Democrats In the
fall campaign the issues Governor Hughes and
misguided Republicans opposing him have pre-
scented to them II he declines to come TO the rescue
of the Republican party.
1t is difficult position for the bosses who have
derided and opposed the Governor to go to him
to the Republican party from defeat at the
polls In the Judgment of politicians who foresee
that situation approaching II will involve first
surrender the policies the Governor now is ad
vocating, and then general adoption OF the view
put forth by The Tribune and since voiced
by Herbert Parsons-that Governor Hughes should
carry his policy in a second term. The most
trying part of it is that surrender the racing
and direct nominations measures will go far tow
ard celebrating misrepresentation bosses.
Nevertheless, this thing is being discussed
neStly among organization leaders in all It's bear
ings. Some of them still are Republican enough to
believe personal surrender-which they promise
themselves shall be merely temporary-is better
than bad defeat in this state, which might even
endanger the national ticket. And it is significant
that for the first time whispers of apprehension
being heard less continued opposition to the Gov
ernor ALLEVIATE him to the point of refusing to take
a second term, even to the party from down
fall.
Outwardly all the feeling here Is as bitter
Efforts have been made every side to-day to
minimize the effect of Wallace's election. The IA
vorite argument is that the Governors speeches
had effect since the Republican candidate got
SO small q margin in a district ordinarily Repub-
lican. Yet the men who advance this theory know
that in some instances they were betting before
the Governors stumping trip that Mcmahon would
be elected. and that no other force than the Gov
at work to change the result in the
slightest degree. Some few admit that the result
was most significant and must produce change
in the situation, but they do 1t grudgingly.
Warm Hughes men alone willing to admit the
possibility of harmony between the Governor and
the party bosses, and they do this because they
believe the bosses must eventually come to the
own folly.
IF these fellows want to present the state on
gold platter to the Democrats they'll continue along
their present course" said one Hughes man or
much political experience. They must know no"
that the Governor has entered the fight TO say and
that every time he speaks at a meeting on the
gambling bills and the anti-boss issue he makes
good Democratic votes unless the Republican or
ganzation is big enough and decent enough to raise
itself the standard he is setting 1t II come hard
of course, but they thinking Some of them
seeing the handwriting all right enough. You
ming and
squeang The message isn't pleasant for them
An editorial in the newspaper owned by William
Barnes jr., tonight though in general tenor
against the Governor went far to bear out this
view It was notable its mildness of tone after
of its recent utterances against Governor
Hughes indeed. il almost solicitous. 1t said:
Although those who desire the enactment of the
anti-racing bills jubilant over the result of the
election, those who will be in charge Of the cam
pagn elect Republican President and a Re-
publican Governor this fall cannot look at it except
with great apprehension. How insignificant and
petty appears this agitation. and how grievous. If
il sets Republican against another and creates
hesitancy where there should be confidence
Still there is not the slightest evidence OF any
change in the legislative situation the Governors
bills now Senator Raines to-day declared the spe-
cal election indicated that the farmers cared more
bout ploughng than racetrack betting.
Eve shall be able 20 do nothing now until Senator
Foelker can come back" he said. LAS find no re-
crut for the Governors bills. think there is no
chance OF passing them until then"
Senator Grady declared there would be no effort
to prevent Wallace from being seated 1t is quite
possible though that action may be taken
in the 18th District to prevent the issuance of a
certificate of election Grady said the election GER
tainv was illegal and should be contested in the
courts.
Speaker Wadsworth indicated his belief that the
direct nominations, public service amendments and
the Wall Street investigation measures would fail
passage in the Assembly.
II have talked with many members, and find no
change in their position, said he. They have
been home to talk with their constituents but
seem still to be of the opinion He said the
special election must without doubt strengthen the
Governors position with the Legislature on the
racing bills He thought also that if the bills
defeated again it would add greatly to the pressure
on Governor Hughes TO take second term.