The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-02-01
HUGHES BREAKS
. SILENCE WITH
STRONG SPEECH
Governor of New York Takes
Stand on Questions of
National Import
Praises Roosevelt for Success in
Winning Confidence of
All People
People Pay Trusts Fines, He
Says, and Urges Other
Legislation

NEW YORK, Jan. 31.-Governo
Charles E. Hughes, whose nomination
for the presidency by the republican
national committee is being urged BY
the New York county committee ane
other republican county committees
in New York state, made open dec.
1aration of his views on national is
sues and principals
Until tonight, when he was wei.
coined by scores of well known repub-
licans with reception rendered him
at the Republican club, Governor
Hughes has maintained silence on al
questions affecting the country. anc
the definition of his position on federal
issues has consequently been eagerly
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 be-
stow
The governor was given an ovation
when he concluded his speech. Declar-
ing the republican party was a party
of progress and stability. Governor
Hughes in his speech commended the
administration of President Roosevelt
as one which Ito a degree almost un-
paralleled has impressed the popular
imagination and won the confidence of
the people"
OBLIGATIONS TO R0DsESELT
The country. he said. was under last
ing obligations to President Roosevelt
for his vigorous opposition to abuses
and for the strong impulse he has given
to movements for their correction. Gov
ernor Hughes asserted his unqualified
opposition to government ownership of
railroads, but said that regulation of
interstate transportation is essential to
protect the people from unjust dis
As means OF railroad
supervision the governor suggested an
administrative board. The governor
declared that the Sherman antitrust act
should be clarified and made more ex-
plicit; that the law may be made
stronger and more effective by being
made more definite.
II am not in favor of punishment in
the shape of fines upon corporations.
except for minor offenses. The burden
is either transferred to the public or
Is borne by the stock holders" declared
Governor Hughes.
Revision of the tariff is advised by
readjustment of schedules be effected
by an expert commission. so that the
facts be ascertained without delay and
that congress may dispose of the mat
ter in the fairest possible manner.
Hughes declared that he did not believe
in arbitrary action and that the rule of
the people must be a rule of reason
and every effort must be dominated by
a sense of Justice.
I'VE must be patient, impartial and
investigation must precede
action; good will must displace passion
and the sole motive must be to seek the
truth and do the right" said Governor
Hughes.
The speech of declaration was fre-
quently punctuated by applause and
cheers from the large gathering of club
members and their guests. who stood
packed in an immovable body on the
floor of the reception hall for more
than an hour A reception followed the
address.
Governor Hughes said in part:
REASONS FOR SILENCE
Since I took office / have sought to
make it clear that l would not become
involved in factional strife or use the
powers of Office to further any personal
interest. l am and have been constant
ly solicitous that the administrator. of
the affairs of this state should not be en-
barrassed by collateral considerations,
and that every question shall be pre-
sented upon its merits, unaffected by
of ulterior motives. For
this reason I have avoided gretuitous
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 information, 1t becomes a
duty to speak, / have no desire to re-
main silent. Nor should in any event
care to preserve availability at the ex-
pense of candor.
I'VE are contemplating a new ad-
at the close of one which
10 a degree almost unparalleled has
expressed the popular imagination and