Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-07-09
THE LILLEY DEAL
Made Two Years Age sud Now
 New Baven People Regreiii.

The strenuous efforts which are being made by the reublican organ ization of New Haven in favor of George L. Lilley for governor are again made manifest by the fact that Town Clerk Fred E. Whitaker was offered a short time ago. the nomination for sheriff of New Ha- ven county two years hence, provid- ed he would quit his work in favor of Everett J. Lake, the present lieu tenant governor, says the New Ha- ven Journal and Courier.
 While MT Whitaker would prob ably not publicly admit that the or fer was made him. he has admitted to hfs personal friends that he was told if he would leave the Lake par ty he could have the nomination for sheriff when the time comes two years from now. The bait ofered is golden one, for the office Of sheriff is the bess paying elective one in the entire county, and is all the more desirable since the tenure of 1t extends over four years time.
 MT Whitaker, however, declined the offer and went on supporting MT Lake. This did not surprise mem bers of the organization, some of whom realized that the organization showed its weakness in promising the nomination for an office so far ahead. While the leaders who made the offer could undoubtedly deliver the goods. it is seldom that it is deemed polite to offer conn- ty office so sought after as that of the sheriff so far ahead.
 Tn the minds of many the repub- lican machine showed considerable weakness in even limiting that Mr Whitaker could have the nomination.. With the time for naming the candi- date near at hand, so much surprise would not have been caused. But with the time years away, the same policy which has tied down the re- publican machine to Mir Lilley be- comes apparent.
 While MT Whitaker has declined the bite at the bait thrown out by the republican dictators, he never theless will be candidate for sher- if at the proper time and unless his influence is considerably weaker than 1t is at present he will un- doubtedly be nominated.
 Mir Whitaker would probably be the strongest candidate the republi- cans could put up who would make good run against Sheriff Hugo, the democrat who holds the office at present. Both MT Whitaker. and MT Hugo are vote getters of note and both have been victorious when the other nominees of the party went down to defeat.
 A prominent politician last night said in talking of the situation:
 The sentiment in New Haven at the present time Is. manifestly against NIT Lilley in his fight for the goyernorship. The trouble with the politicians around here Is that they have to support MT Lilley be-, cause he has their written promise that they will do so. promise made over year ago. MT Lilley claims he has the nomination in the hollow of his hand. and If all the leaders who pledged themselves to him are able to deliver the goods he should have no trouble. The only obstacle Is the question as to whether ai certain set of men, few in number. have the authority to promise year ahead of the nom- mating time, the nomination to a man who does not stand strong with the people.
 The people of New Haven as we'll as the people all over the state want Governor Woodruff for another term. The machine and the ma chimes official mouthpieces turn pale with horror at the thought when they remember what they have promised Mir Lilley and are doubtful in their own minds If they will be able to deliver the goods. Then comes the cry that tradition says a governor shall not serve two terms. Nothing is said about the ability of the governor. He is only the figurehead of the state politi- clans, the professionals who are feeding from the public crih.
 But why, say the people, who once in a long while care to have their comments heard. though they do not for moment think they will have any Influence, why should a tradition which says that a gov ernor should not serve two terms he upheld. and that other useless and time honored tradition that a lieutenant governor shall succeed to the higher ofice be turned down, and Mir Lake, the traditional candi- date, give place to MT Lilley? They go on to ask: Should not Mir Lil- ley become lieutenant governor and in the progress of tradition become governor of the state."
 Until this perplexity is explained. as 1t undoubtedly will be by the oil used In the machine, the people of New Haven and the state are won- dcring why if a tradition is to be smashed. it should not be smashed In favor of a man who has shown his ability. And since that man is a New Haven man. the republicans of New Haven are wondering why the all powerful and wise machine does not favor their fellow towns man, Governor Woodruff, New Ha-