New-York tribune., 1908-04-11

committee that the rules of the county commit
zee had been followed
The story about the encounter between oIa'e
Chairman Woodruff and the Hughes league peo-
ple did not leak out until last night at the he-
pubiican Club. where the Republican State Edl-
rorfal Association entertained yesterday. 1t
seems that the makeup OF the delegates-aI-
large as arranged by General Woodford ana
state Chairman Woodruff did not suit Messrs
Cragin Milholland and Humphreys ana tleS
told MIR woodruc so They also told him that
they had called meeting for yesterday ai'e'
noon at 4 o'clock to take action.
There was plenty of gossip floating around
during the day but the inside story was not
learned until State Chairman Woodruh walheu
into the room where the editorial brethren were
holding session at the Republican Ciuo aS
guests of John A. Sleicher
Here comes Governor Woodruff and he can
tell ms all about it." said one of the editors
"I don't mind telling you all about it, SAID
Mr. Woodruff, smilngly, and then he Went
ahead and told them about the delegates-at-
large He went over the names and commehteu
on the fact that they were not so-called Repup-
lican organization men, bat We're pre-eInlnenty
friends of Governor Hughes. After he had nm
jshed he told the editors that he had aosolulelS
refused to accede TO the request OF the league
people 10 make a change in the slate. when
asked about il last night at state committee
headquarters he said that he told the protest
ants that if they tried to break the slate Ihe
convention would hold them responsible and
that a new big four would be named WHO
might be instructed to vote for Secretary Taft
Following the meeting of the executive com
rnittee of the league at headquarters, No %"
Fifth avenue at 4 O'Clock, Chairman Craglh ol
the executive committee said that the league
would not attempt to interfere with the work ol
the state convention in the slightest particular
LEAGUES STATEMENT.
The committee issued the following state
ment:
A meeting of the executive committee of the
Hughes League of the State of New York was
held at headquarters on Friday afternoon WIN
a very large attendance IL was uhall4l IIOH'Is Icy
agreed to continue the same policy heretofore
pursued by the league, which Is consistent Win
that of Governor Hughes, viz: To leave tne
whole matter of suggestions in reference to the
selection of delegates-at-large 10 the national
convention in the hands of the Repuollcah or
ganiZation.
Soon after reaching the meeting last night
John A. Merritt of Lockport. member OF the
state committee from the saith District, made
public letter from J. w Wadsworth' srs in
which he said:
NV attention has just been called to an inter
view with Congressman Peter a. Porter, re-
Gently made public through the press, that he
believed | a candidate for the hepuoIicah
nomination for member Of Congress in your
district / have repeatedly stated to yourself
and other friends since the election in 1906 that
i was not and would not be a candidate for such
nomination under any circumstances. IN order
that my position on this matter may be clearly
understood by all, repeat that under no cir
cumstances will i be a candidate for or accept
The Congressional nomination, and ask that you
give this letter to the press, so that it may be
given equal publicity with Mr.. Porters inter
view
wADSWORTHS IN CONFERENCE.
Ex-Congressnan Wadsworth and his son,
Speaker Wadsworth. and the delegates from
Livingston County were in conference at the
state committee rooms last night. Representa-
tive Peter A Porter was there also, but had
nothing 10 say TO the Wadsworths. When asked
if the Republicans would carry the Niagara
Orleans district at the special election ordered
by Governor Hughes yesterday if the racing
bills were an issue Mr. Porter said:
Yes. l think viii elect Republican but
il will be a hot old fight. Niagara County nor