New-York tribune., 1908-01-28
BLUE LAWS ASSAILED
HUGHES HEARS APPEAL.
GoUernor Tells German
Legislature Comes First.
ERy Telegraph 70 The Tribune. ]

Albany Jan. 27.-Deiegates representing the
| German-American Alliance of this state. headed
by Theodore Sutro, of New York City, called on
Governor Hughes to-day to ask for legislative
investigation OF the open Sunday question and
sumptuary laws or so-called blue laws, in gen.
eral- The Governor replied that he could take no
attitude this subject. but would consider with
great care any arguments presented to him.
NJ Sutro as the spokesman, called attention 70
the cosmopolitan nature of the population of
large cities now. the changes in public sentiment
of late years toward suulptuary laws, and the
widespread desire existing for more liberal
statutes or at least revision and undermining of
the present laws on Sunday observance.
He asked that a legislative committee of three
Senators and Ave Assemblymen be named to
consider the subject. and that the Governor
name seven citizens to act with the legislative
committee.
Replying, the Governor confessed to a strain of
German blood himself. through his mothers
people, and spoke of the high place taken by
Germa n-Americans in every line Of endeavor.
arts letters. trade and commerce, educational
affairs and sciences He continued:
But, as you say, you do not wish to be re-
garded simply as Germans You come rather
as American citizens who are Jealous in regard
to matters which you think affect your inter
ests. One of the most encouraging things about
ever stocks we may represent rapidly be-
come responsive to the American ideal and the
genuine love of our institutions is not confined
to people of any of any stock, but is
general to all the members of citizenship.
Were 1t otherwise could not last. AS it is
we can confront the future with unbOunded con-
fidence.
Now 1 in position of considerable ad-
vantage, because, while a great many are chosen
to work in this capital representing particu-
lar communities while many delegations come
here representing particular interests, I have
been elected by the people of the state to rep
resent far it is possible for me to represent,
with my limitations, the people a whole
With regard to all such matters these to
which you have alluded it is of first Importance
that there should be the freest interchange of
opinion, and without recrimination. without any
feeling of bitterness and with honest desire
that there should be expressed the consensus Of
the opinion of the state along lines which in the
course OF action shall prove TO be well and wise
iy laid
Nothing is ever gained permanently In these
matters by an agitation which goes beyond the
limits of patient and thoughtful consideration.
Truth Justice, fair dealing, what is right. in an
intelligent community like ours are bound in
the end to be recognized. Whenever any
can put his finger upon something which is true
and has merit in it the best way he can show
his confidence is by relying upon those means
of persuasion which appeal to intelligent people
knowing that if he Is right he will win and
feeling that If he is wrong he doesn't want
win
have no opinion to express and no sugges-
tons to make. What you have under consider
alton is subject for legislative action after
there has been a focus Of the opinion of the
state. l can only say to you that whatever is
presented to will receive the most careful
consideration after such arguments as those
who may be interested in the subject may desire
TO adduce.
1 shall not attempt to deal with any particu-
lar phase OF the matter. because to all mat
ters in which there Is marked controversy or
difference of opinion there is but one attitude
which can properly take. and that is to hear
all that can be said, 10 have an open mind. and
endeavor, according to my best Judgment, 10
discharge whatever responsibility the event may
place upon me That course shall take in this
case, and whatever you may desire to present
TO me l shall most carefully consider