New-York tribune., 1908-09-14
THE PEOPLES CANDIDATE.

The failure of the opposition 10 Governor
Hughes is completely disclosed in the epl@Fail'-
matte words of the upstate leader quoleu III
yestprday's Saratoga correspondence OF Inc
Tribune, We've got the delegates, but we
haven't got the nerve" There are EAod many
leaders who for one or another personal reason
,vorld like ia see some other than the Gov
ernor nominated. but there is a very smali
minority Of them who would risk defytng the
neonIp's wishes to the extent of rejecting him.
When if comes TO balloting. the votes against
the Governor will dwindle down 10 mere
handful a few being cast for one or two
favorlte sons with a certain local support ana
few being disposed of by certain leaders who
have both the delegates and the nerve
The utter futity of the opposition to the
Governor was never more apparent than lh-ltS
present state With months in which TO pre-
mare for the convention. both before and after
his announcement of his Willingness to run
again. those who were against the Governors
denomination have not been able to produce a
candidate of unauestioned popular standing
against him. No such man would enter lhe
lists so long as the Governor desired another
term. and not the slightest public sentiment
has been developed for any other man than
Mr.. Hughes The opposition has faced the
impossible task of beating somebody with no
BODY. and most Of It now is ready to admit
that ii made mistake in judging public opln-
ion. and is ready TO support the Governor rs
the strongest man who could be named.
There is every reason, therefore. 10 expect
the denomination of Governor Hughes upon the
first ballot and II is impossible to believe that
those leaders who honestly doubt or doubted
his strength as vote getter are not mistaken.
It is inconceivable that the Governor should
develop such popular strength as to bear down
all opposition TO his nomination and yet prove
weak before the people as candidate be
yond all dispute the Governor owes ms nouhi-
nation TO his remarkable hold upon the public,
As he said himself he left the question Of his
continuance in office Ito the people. The
sentiment for him was utterly un0rganizcd,
vet It swept before it powerful influences con
trolling a strong organization that was hostile
TO him. It was q purely voluntary movement
of the people in his behalf. and il is incon-
ce:vable that the people should take such a keen
and vast interest in his denomination and be
Indifferent to his reelection. The question Of
this lik2 the question Of the denomination, may
be left ito the people" with the utmost conf
dencp He will he The peoples candidate not
the choice of any leader or combination uf
leaders. and the Republican party will he
fortunate in having n candidate for whom the
peorla have already indicated so strong pref
erence.
But. despite the Governors very obvious
strength the utmost care should he taken in
/ the selection of the subordinate candidates upon
the state ticket. Not only must the mistake
be avoided Of nominating men who may by
their character or associations invite damag
ing criticism. hut mon should he chosen as the
Governors associates who will themselves add
strength To the ticket. No one should he put
upon it whose record will require any explain
ing away. And there ere especial grounds
for this prudence in the case of certain offices
! for which the present Democratic Oficeholders.
! if renominated. promise 10 make strong cand-
/ dates.