The morning journal-courier., 1908-07-20
WOODRUFF URGED
 ON ALL SIDES
Republicans of State Tired of Effort to Ram Congressman Lilley Down Their
 Threats.
MACHINE GOES RusTILY
Citizenship oaths Lost Sight of, Says Prominent Federal OlIice-Holder George B Martins Plain
 Statement.

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 The stand taken by The Journal Courier for the renominatlon of Gov ernor Rolln s. Woodruff, and the set- ting aside of Congressman George L.. Lilley of Waterbury who is sprnting after the office, is being commended on all sides and communications to this effect are coming daily into the office of this paper
 The feeling against MT Lilley Is widespread and is being more and more spoken of as the days go by. Not only in the cities, but in the farming sec- tions there is strong opposition to MT, Lilley and Mir, Woodruff is becoming more and more openly demanded
 A prominent federal ofliceholdcr of New Haven, who is held in respect by the entire community fayors the re- nomination of Governor Woodruff and scores Mr Lilley for his manner in seeking the office The communication follows:
 To the Editor of The Journal-Courier:
 IL is as true of political work as of public enterprise, that What Is every body's business Is nobody's business. . Under our American political stupor, or laissez faire method of dealing with current politics, few men feel impelled to take an active interest either ment- ally or physically in the affairs of a political campaign, however important the issues involved.
 The men who are personally active in political affairs apparently affiliate with one or the other of the potential ageregations which go to make up what is known in common parlance as "the machine.' These men are busy here and there, by day and by night, buzzing in the ears of one another, spinning threads, connecting the ma chinery at various points, laying pipe, counting noses, fixing things, and mod ulating the condition of fhe political elements to suit their ultimate pur- poses. The people know very little of what is going on. IL Is sub rosa, pri- vate and confidential, but carried on earnestly, continuously, systematically, faehoning strengthening, broadening, ccmenting. creating public senti- ment," selecting delegates in advance whose votes can be counted on at the right time
 The central figures of these clandes- tine combinations are the hubs round which the spokes and tires systemati- eally revolve. The machinery moves as one. If is braced and bound to- gether as with bands of iron. The pub lie has neither lot nor part in it, nor knowledge of It's intricate workings and composition, But the machine is so contrived as 10 lead the public on to do its will
 The men who are the hubs of these organizations are professional politici- ans By this I mean men who make politics a business for the returns they personally receive therefrom. If they are seeking the governorship it Is be- cause the governorshlp will bring them. personally. honor, power, credit, and incidentally, pecuniary profit for them StiNtS HUu lHtlT illcnuS.
 There are positions to be filled and honors to be conferred some of which will not be unacceptable to the spokes and tires. But above and beyond. fur ther on, are higher possibilities, United States senatorship, cabinet positions, federal appointments to diplomatic or consular positions, very attractive. The professional politician does not lose sight of thesc however great he may be in speech
 The good of the state of Connecticut, the welfare of the people, the develop ment and protection of the general in- terests of the commonwealth. are. not in 1t with these people. They will pledge their word of honor' to do "every- thing within their power" to promote the well-being of the state and the peo- pie, because that is expected and ev- cry governor says it. But when the time for performance comes, they are Keeping their eye on the possibilities of the future for themselves personally The advancement of the state is rele- | S"'N" 'O oli HlltllOT pldCe.
 If there be one whom tho people re- gard as pre-eminently fitted to be gov ernor, either by experience or by SUI perior qualifications or by both. who fl called to that position would admins ter its affairs for the highest interests Of the state, and not as q piece of per. | sonal property for his personal bene- fit; who Is thoroughly unselhsh in his purposes, who will not put himself for ward as a candidate, but who is willing to answer to call from the people, tc | serve the people and the state; if there be such person, 1t is certain that he has no machine" at his back. The machines are not devoting their con. structive energies to the cause of such man. He is left to the mercy oi popular indifference, and the state and the people suffer the consequences.
 The people of Connecticut know just