New-York tribune., 1908-03-08
WARNING FROM HUGHES
TALKS At POUGHKEEPSIE.
Says Republican Party Cannot Af-
ford to Dodge Gambling Issue.

Poughkeepsie. N Y. March 7.-Governor
Charles Z. Hughes delivered address to-
night before the Dutchess County Republican
Club assembled In Columbus Institute, in this
city. He spoke extemporaneously and was
warmly applauded, especially in his reference to
the anti-racetrack bill
The Governor was introduced by Francis G.
Landor, president of the club. and said, in part:
We cannot fail to recognize the fact that at
this time the Republican party is the party OF
golden opportunity the party to which clearly is
intrusted the safe keeping of institutions
and the protection of all that we hold most dear
We are opposed by some who represent familiar
and long held Democratic doctrine and by others
who represent the f1eeting fancies OF unqulet
minds.
The Republican party to succeed must repre-
sent the conscience of the American people. 1t
has represented in the past the American con-
science 1t was born as an expression Of the
American conscience Under Lincoln II spoke
for the moral purposes of the people.
1t owed its great progress new party to
the fact that it voiced the intense moral desires
of the people and from that time TO this it has
failed only when it did not measure up TO the
standard which it set for itself at the outset
table spirit of President Roosevelt it still repre-
sents the conscience of the people and their de-
sire for reform and the correction of every
known abuse
The Republican party must stand for the COM
mon sense of the American people. What is to
he done be done in way that be
demonstrated to the intelligence of thinking
men II is 20 time to throw out catchwords
10 please an idle popuiace- 1t is no time to at
tempt to attract votes by any measures which
are i'll considered with reference TO the just de-
mends of honest business enterprise.
1t is time for patient consideration of every
condition which requires remedy, to the end
that may safeguard all that have that is
good, while we fearessly destroy all that
have that is evil. 1t is time for confidence in
our institutions. for confidence future
but because Of that very confidence We must
to II that we devote ourselves seduously to
which ShOul6 att taDt
a citizens that mistakes may be made
that nothing that needs attention may miss at
because orderly.
Now we have been trying to proceed along
those lines in the administration of the govern
1nent of this state 1t has been my ambition as
Governor to settle every question that pre-
sented so far as my Judgment could permit me
10 assist in its settlement, according to its
merits and in a way that could be explained
satisfactorily to every fairminded citizen of
whatever political belief.
Referring 10 the Public Service Commission
the Governor said:
We went upon the principle that you must
provide place where men with grievances could
have a hearing where troubles could be ad just
ed, where evidence could be taken, where you
could get To q Doint and GaCide it-that is the
essential thing in connection with any true
measure of reform. Get to point, see what is
really in issue, what is actually needed. then
attend TO IL and attend to it in an open and
farminded way, So that the people can under
stand what is being done.
One great thing have got TO do is TO under
stand that when il comes TO running this gov
ernment for the benefit Of the people, in execut-
ing the law, things must not go by favor by
pull or baek-door influence They have got
be done their merits, according to a mans
honest convictions and his official oath,
against his best friends.
Now the important idea Is that as a Repub-
lcan il is my business to see things run lust :
right possible. and / do not think much
of any Republican who comes TO me and be-
gins TO talk about any interests of the Repub-
iCan party standing in the way. Why, my dear
friends. If We allowed that to guide us after
a while your Republican party would only be
a name on the ballot. think I know what,the
people Of this state want, and the Republican
if il does give II 10 them II Is invincibe in New
York. We have got a number of matters of
great Importance under consideration this year
in the Legislature We have got that goes
right to the heart of Things and that is the
abolition of this iniquitous racetrack gam
of things because should. Republicans,
We say that sane; say that
safe: say that the credit of the country will
be supported 1t all comes to this. that the gov
eTnment is going 10 be run according to law. and
the fundamental law is the Constitution and /
say that the Republican party of this state can
of gan;blers-to turn down the constitution of
the state stated We have always been
party of moral purpose. If the party does not
practice that Il will go steadily into decline.
Here is of those questions where you
not trying to execute some impossible moral re-
this evil will be the saving OF thousands OF
who are going TO their ruin The Repub-
lican party cannot afford to dodge this issue