The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-01-29

Albany, Jan 2-Ellhu Root at noon
to-day addressed a joint meeting CT the
senate and assembly, in the assembly
chamber. marking his forrsal entrance
into the New York state political situa-
ton.
Every inch q room n the assembly
was hned when Mr. Root was introduced
There was a marked absence OF Demo
cratic senators, but the Republican mem
bers were out in fun force.
Is Firm Nationalist.
Nir Root declared that, although he had
been out OF touch with stats affairs OF
late, he hoped for the aid Of the lesisla-
ture in getting back He said he vas a
firm nationalist and q pupil OF Hamilton.
II the people desired a parcels post. the
Secretary said, he would support II. He
warned his hearers agalns, the central
izaion Of too much power IN Washington.
When Senator Raines. and Mr.. Frisbie
minority leader Of the assembly. escorted
Air. Root TO the speakers desk. there was
cordial applause Mr. Root thanked
senators for the honor they had conferred
on him
y shall do my best" he said. TO
justify your selection with not too much
confidence in the result, because do not
thirk that lawyers who have been many
yesrs at the bar ordinarily make good
legislators. when they are not caught
young.
Seeks TO Get in Touch.
It feel Il impossible to live up 70 the
many kind things said b. my friends
came 20 Albany 70 meet the men who
are leaders Ia polEaeal affairs IN New
York It is ny stroag desire to get into
touch with you as the representatives Of
the people OF the state in the state leg
islature
For the last ten years have been in
Washington engrossed in the affairs of
the national government, and feel am
a little out of touch with the current
affairs Of the State and would ike TO
get back n touch as I vas ten years ago.
want 10 feel that Il you have anything
10 say 70 me you viii say It. and II
want TO say anything 10 you. can 90 So
4 Go not mean this merely IN regard
20 the filing OF Offices. Our government
is becoming complicated IN a very high
degree Different interests are coming
up and the great interests OF the State
OF New York are particularly liable to
be affected by measures coming before
Congress. VIII be glad 70 have you
consult ne on such matters.
IF you think. as I do. that It would be
beneficial to establish a parcels post.
viii be glad TO have you say so. The
country has ceased 10 be a series OF $50
lated communities.
Tt Is becoming more evident every day
that States can no longer exist alone.
and upon those questions OF national i'm
p0Ttance I ask your help
4 National Power.
Mr.. Root then spoke Of the extension
Of the national supervision OF railroads.
the food adulteration measures. and other
like matters.
We have built up q great national
power" he said. that is respected
throughout the world. but there are dan
gers. one Of which is that the national
government viii break down under the
burdens which are threatened to be cast
upon it This country is too large for
one central government 70 look after all
OF our local concerns
THE mass Of work that Is now pressing
on our legislative, judicial. and executive
departments at Washington seems to
have reached the limit that can be car
ried- Another danger Of vesting all cen
traI power at Washington is 70 bring
about the decadence OF the powers OF the
State
Benevolent DexDOts.
Now co not misunderstood me. I am
q firm nationalist OF the school Of Alex
ander Hamilton. But believe that the
founders OF the republic have bdilded
more wisely than they knew in estab-
| Iishing the limits Of rational power. I
believe in the observance By all public
officers. Of whatever description. of their
powers as provided by the law. Once
( break away from this and we are launch
ed upon the sea and good men viii be-
come benevolent despots.
I am opposed TO anything that tends
TO beiittle or discredit the legislatures
Of the various States. For this reason I
am opposed TO the direct election of Sen
ators as I am opposed 10 the initiative
and the referendum. because they pre-
sumo that the people cannot elect legis-
| lstors they can trust
Mr. Root then spoke at some length
in opposition to the weakening of the
powers Of the State legislatures. His re-
marks were greeted with much applause.
Not After Leadership.
Continuing several times Mr.. Root dis
tinctly made It clear that he would Ike
TO have the State party leaders consult
him on matters concerning the States in
terests and relations with Congress and
the national government. but not q word
did he utter about consultations on mat
tiers OF State legislation and patronage
The frank announcement OF his opposi-
tion to the direct election Of United States
1 Senator's and the initiative and referen-
dun and his declaration that nothing
should be done TO weaken the power OF
the State legislature was vaTiouSiy inter
preted, several legislators contending II
was an indirect revelation Of his opposi-
ton 10 direct nominations, while others
held it had no bearing
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