The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1908-02-01
GOVERNOR HAS
REFORM IDEAS
Hughes in Favor of Correcting
Abuses Which Have Grown
Up Under RepubliCaniSm.
FINALLY BREAKS SILENCE
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE NOW
IN THE OPEN.

New York, Jan. Ex-Governor Charles
E. Hughes. whose nomination for the
presidency by the Republican national
convention is being urged by the New
York county committee and other Re
publican county committees in New
York state, today made open declara-
ton of his views on national issues and
principles.
Until tonight, when he was welcomed
by scores of well known Republicans
with a reception rendered him at the
Republican club, Governor Hughes has
maintained silence on all questions af-
fecting the country, and 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"
Ovation Given the Governor.
The governor was given an ovation
when he concluded his speech. DecIar-
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 I'M
paralleled, had impressed the popular
imagination and won the confidence of
the people
The country, he said, was under last
ing obligation 10 President Roosevelt
for his vigorous opposition to abuses
and for the strong impulse he has Civ
en- to movements for the correction.
Governor Hughes asserted his un-
qualified opposition to government
ownership of railroads, but said that
regulation of interstate transportation
is essential TO protect the people from
unjust determinations. As a means of
railroad supervision, the governor sug-
gested an administrative board The
governor declared that the Sherman
antitrust act should be clarified and
be made more explicit; that the law
may be made stronger and more effec-
tive by being more more definite.
Stripes for MaIefactors.
4 am not in favor of punishment in
the shape of fines upon corporations,
except for minor offenses. The burden
of fines imposed upon such corpora
tons is either transferred TO the public
or is borne by the stockholders" de-
clared Governor Hughes.
Revision of the tariff is advised by
Governor Hughes, who suggested that
the readjustment of schedules be eff
fected by an expert commission, so that
the facts be ascertained without delay
and that congress may dispose of the
matter iii the fairest possible manner.
Governor 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
thorough; investigation must precede
action; good viii must displace pas
sion, and the sole motive must be to
seek the truth and do the right" said
Governor Hughes.
Governor Hughes Address.
Since 1 took office I have sought to
make it clear that 7 would not become
involved in factional strife or use the
powers of office to further any personal
interest. / am, and have been con-
stantly, solicitous that the administra-
ton of the affairs of this state should
not be embarrassed by collateral con-
siderations, and that every question
shall be presented and decided upon its
merits. unaffected by suggestion of Ill
terror motives. For this reason l have
avoided gratuitous discussion of ques-
lions foreign to my official duty. But
when, in justice to those who have hon
ored me with their confidence and to
the party which, as we all desire should
act freely and with full information, it
becomes a duty to speak, have no de-
sire to remain silent. Nor should I
in any event care to preserve availa-
bility at the expense of candor.
Praise for Roosevelt.
I'VE are contemplating a new admin
istration at the close of one which to
degree almost unparalleled has ex-
pressed the popular imagination and
won the confidence of the people. The
country is under lasting obligation to
President Roosevelt for vigorous oppo-
sition to abuses and for the strong i'm
pulse he has given to movements for
their correction. Differences of opinion