New-York tribune., 1908-02-10
GEN. WOODFORD CHOSEN.
HE4DSU. S. HUGHES WORK
VIII Push Increment of National
I,eaguc an EUery State.

c.erera, Stewart L. Woodford former United
States Minister to Spain. has been chosen president
of the Hughes League Of the United States he
will be formally notified Of his selection at the
Manhattan Hotel on February II. at which time
full list Of yIce-presidents and advisory COM
mittee will be named
Some preliminary work has already been done
toward csystalizing Hughes sentiment outside 9k
New York State. but after the complete organic
ton Of the national league the work VIII oe oe-
veloped and carried with vgor in every state IN
the Union.
The New York state branch of the league. under
the leadership of ex-senator Edgar t. BracKett'
opened headquarters IL the Bristol Building NO
500 Fifth avenue, several weeks ago, since WHICH
time il has outlined and put foot thorough
canvass of every county in the state. The work
throughout the United States will be organized III
the same thorough manner. 1t Is expected Ihat oy
March l It will be well under and that before
the state conventions steps will have been taken 10
arouse sentiment looking for instructed delegations
for Hughes
General woodford is an experienced campaigner
At his home, No 13 West 18th street, he SAID last
night had agreed to ACCEPT the presidency OF the
league, but decline TO talk about his plans or
discuss the Hughes boom until he had made his
speech OF acceptance.
General Woodford has been connected with state
and national politics for than half a century
He was the messenger of the New York electoral
delegation of 1860 He took active part In the
Civil War, becoming chief of staff TO the Depart
ment of the South. and being mustered out win
the rank of brevet- brigader general He was
elected Lieutenant Governor of New York In 1853
and IN 1870 defeated for the Governorsh1p he
has always given his services the stump in ma
tonai and state campaigns. His satisfaction at
the election of Mr. Hughes to the Governorship
particularly keen and from the first ne has
been IN favor of the selection of the Governor as
the Republican Presidential nominee.
1t is understood that 1t is the purposeN OF the
Hughes League of the United States. after organ
izng branch In each state, to select men In every
county of each state to manage Hughes canvass.
A speaking bureau will probably be organized. and
speakers from New York State will be sent to
states where their work is most needed.
1t is said that already Of national reputation
in various parts of the country have consented to
assist in the work of the Hughes League. Their
names will not be made public however. until after
the meeting at the Hotel Manhattan.
The managers of the Hughes campaign of the
opinion that will be possible to get the votes Of
the delegates of those states which have favorte
sons after few ballots have shown that the
chances OF these various sons are not such as to
make voting for them further OF any avail. Re-
marks made by Senator Foraker at the dinner Of
the Amen Corner a few weeks ago gave the Hughes
supporters to believe that the entire
strength of the Senator would be thrown Hughes
If 1t should come to a straight fight between
Hughes and Secretary Taft
General Woodford has always been a close friend
and political adviser OF Timothy l.. Woodruff, Re
publican leader In Kings County. and it is possible
that his influence may result in more pronounced
stand for Hughes on the part of Mr.. Woodruff.
The latter has already expressed his willingness
to have the district organization in Brooklyn in
dorse the Governor, but has strenuously opposed
calling the general committee together in special
meeting to pass resolution of Endorsement.
1t is understood that Mr.. Ward, national COM
mitteeman, Of Westchester is about ready to take
out-and-out stand for the Governor and that
the county committee of westchester County will
soon pass formal resolutions Of Endorsement.
Ex-Governor Odell is expected to return to the
city on Thursday when the conferences with the
anti-Parsons leaders will be resumed On the
ground that Mr.. Parsonss original opposition to
Hughes will not make it safe to allow him to
troll all the delegates from this county, the Odel
leaders propose to put up fight for Hughes dele
gates of their selection. Their fight will be
made at the primaries. according to present plans.