Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-16
DEFEAT OF THE BOSSLETS
Some Delegates Avow Intention to
Vote Against Hughes.
PRENDERGAsT's STOUT DEFENSE
Strikes a Blow Under Woodruff g
Fifth Rib-Skillful Work by Root.
Campaign of 80 Recalled.
Special From a Staf Correspondent.

SARAIOGA, y. Y, september ID he
most notable victory of public sentiment
over party machine organization in the
history of American politics was witness
ed yesterday afternoon in the renomina-
ton by the republicans of Gov. Hughes.
Mr.. Bryan's question, Shall the people
ruler" received a vociferous affirmative
answer in the councils of his enemies. The
fact that the answer given went against
the inclination of majority of the dele
gates adds to the significance of the &C.
casion.
No man can say exactly what proper
ton of the convention preferred another
candidate than Gov. Hughes, from per-
sonal choice, but it is a reasonable GER
tainty that the number was in excess
of a ma jority. The reason for its action
has been set forth at length in these dis
patches and need not be reviewed here.
Misgivings Of Delegates.
The bulk of the membership Of the con-
vention went away from the hall with
many misgivings for the ides Of Novem-
Der. Some Of the delegates openly avow-
ed their present intention Of voting at the
polls against the man they were obliged
by force of circumstances to nominate.
election Is In grave doubt.
1t Is an unusual occurrence in republic
can conventions to have the prospective
candidate of the party handicapped in
the house Of his supporters before his
nomination, when that nomination is IN
evitable: to have the alleged elements OF
his weakness as candidate displayed
and animadverted upon. That Is what
happened when William Barnes comment
the g0vnrnOr'S course and C0ar-
acteristicS.
Prendergact's Vigorous Defense.
Some of the sting of Mr.. Barnes criti-
cism was removed when Mr.. Prendergast,
In his seconding speech, caustically point
ed out that the objections to the gov
ernor found by his critics seemed to be
virtues in the eyes of the people. Mr..
Prendergast also gave the critics who had
complained Of the governor as being a
"mugwump' food for reflection when he
called attention to the fact that Candi-
date Taft considered Gov. Hughes a good
enough republican, of the most approved
standard, to open the national campaign
in Ohio.
That held them for a while and brought
roars of delight from the Hughes men.
Mr.. Prendergast got under the fifth rib
OF Chairman Woodruff, the leader of the
insurgents. when he pointed out that 1t
was Mr.. Woodruff himself who last spring
introduced in the Kings county conven-
ton Endorsement of the governors plan
for direct primaries.
Probably the keenest exhibition of the
irony of circumstances was the necessity
of the Saratoga county delegation having
to vote for Hughes. The fact Is that the
delegation was instructed last spring, be-
fore the governor put the lid on racing.
and the men from the town which prob
ably has greatest material reason to OPP
pose the governor had to meekly an
nounce their accord In his nomination.
Secretary Roots Skillful Work.
Two men are responsible more than
others for forcing the nomination Of Gov.
Hughes upon the convention, President
Roosevelt and Secretary Root. The work
of Secretary Root in bringing 1t about
cannot be overestimated. His diplomacy,
logic and skillful handling of a dangerous
and ugly situation in the interest of the
national ticket Is recognized by all who
were in sympathy with his efforts.
Speak softly and carry a big stick and
you will GO far" was the original remark
of the President. In this case Secretary
Root did the soft speaking and the big
stick did its timely and appropr,at stunt.
And now for the task of electing the
candidate so unwillingly nominated. There
are many vague threats of knitting by the
leaders. The state committee which will
handle the campaign Is unfriendly: but
there are few practical points to be
taken into consideration. 1t happens that
each of these insurgent leaders has a
stake IN the ticket. IN the nomination of
minor officers of the state ticket Now,
cutting a ticket Is a two-edged PROPOSE
ton always, and especially in these cir
cumstances The Hughes men will be
watchful of the suspected indictments
and if there is any cutting OF the head of
the ticket there will be some knife play
on names lower down.
Concerted Treachery Unlikely.
But it is altogether unlikely that the
big men will attempt treachery. The cut
ting will be done by individuals and will
not be concerted nor under direction. 1t
is too early to estimate what gains Gov.
Hughes will get from the independent
vote, in sympathy with his contest with
the bosses, to offset the loss of republic
cans That will have to be considered
later.
One patent fact stands out very clearly,
however, even at this stage of the cam
paign, and that is that the republican
party Is facing the most dangerous stua-
ton II has encountered since 1882. when
President Arthur forced the nomination
of Folger, who was beaten by Grover
Cleveland n. o. NJ.