New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-01-11
CHILVERS WITH HUGHES
DIRECT NOMINATIONS ARE
FAVORED BY LEADER.
Hamrnond's Successor Goes on Rec
ord for the Jfeasure-Pdrsons
Still Non-committdl.

william Cflfivers who has recently succeeded
John Henry Hammond Republican leader OF
the 10Th Assembly District, came out last night
fatty IN favor Of a mandatory direct nomina-
t,ons bill as advocated by Governor Hughes in
his message to the Legislature
The significance and importance of this lies
IN the fact that MT. Chilvers Is the first one Of
the Republican leaders in this county 10 come
out openly in favor Of direct nominations. It is
said that there are others who are in favor OF
the proposition. but they have hesitated TO de-
clare themselves in advance of some public an
nounoement from Congressman Parsons, the
county leader The latter has been careful not
10 commit himself either for or against the
measure No- has any member Of the Legis-
,sture from this county indicated whether he
would be for against Il IL introduced
In some quarters the impression has prevailed
What majority of the leaders in this county
were opposed 10 the idea and that there was
little chance of getting such bill through the
Legislature.
The straightforward statement Of Mr.. Chilvers
given below will have tendency to crystalline
sentiment in regard 10 the measure and draw
cut those who have been backward about taking
e stand.
on Friday the Republican district committee
uer ct the Hotel Savoy IN honor Of Mr.. Ham
rnord. the retiring leader President Parsons
Of the county committee, the Republican mem
hers of the legislature from this county and the
district leaders have been invited. Most OF
them are expected to be present. There is lit
lie doubt that the declaration of Mr.. Chilvers
for direct nominations viii be the principal
topic Of discussion. other leaders viii probably
go on record at that time
In regard TO his position Mr.. Chivers said last
night:
Years ago one man was able 10 dominate the
entire party machinery of city BY nod he
could make or unmake the local leader. even
though the leader had the unanimous support
of his constituency. The Republican party took
a long step forward in procuring the passage Of
ez-law by which the leader was elected by the
enrolled voters Of his district. thus making him
znswerable solely and directly to the members
of his party residing in his district. upon whom
he must rely from year 10 year.
Through this Republican law, which enabled
him 10 appeal directly TO the great body Of Re
r7uhlicans Mr. Parsons won the splendid vic
tory that installed him the leader of our
county and the subsequent victories that have
done so much for the party in this city.
Although by means Of this primary law the
enrolled Republicans control their leaders. and.
oj5ently have very little voice in the selection
Of the nominees for Office. merely being given
the preference Of voting on Election Day for one
or two or more candidates, none Of whom may
appeal 70 them,
IN the 2}th District, under Mr.. Hammond
and earlier leaders, have for years tried &c
make the convention represent the sentiment OF
the district In each little election district rep
resentative citizens have been elected by dele
.1,o. l7al-e
invaria hlv been a free expression of the senu-
rnent Of the Republicans of the district.
There is no doubt however, in my opinion
that the actual selection Of party nominees fol
Office by the enrolled members of the respective
is desired by the people, and is funda'
mentally right If we are TO have the Repubh
can form Of government reduced 20 actual prac
tice each citizen should have voice and a vote
In the selection Of party nominees.
This will not only be conducive TO a high
class Of men in public life but will Danish The
undeserving and unworthy from office, for a:
we saw at the time OF Governor Rughess insur-
ance investigation, you have only to show
v-rongdorg and point out the wrongdoer and
the people viii respond in all their majesty and
might.
some rersons pretend shat direct nomina-
tons viii disintegrate the parties. Experience
in other states has shown this view TO be with
OFT foundation The Republican party in the
nation. state and city has always fought for the
best interests OF the people, from the national
rolIre food laws to the state and city Civil Ser
vice. factory sanitary and child labor laws and
has thus won its success. ANY law which
brings the Republican organization closer to tins
voters VIII but strengthen 81 at its foundations
however much il may weaken other parties
which waste public funds in extravaganza and
saddle the expense on the patient taxpayers.
An incidental advantage to the leader, if the
earect nomination law We're adopted. would be-
khat the voters woul6 assume full responsibility
for their nominations. where now the leader re
esives al the criticism and the blame.
-'Of course, there are some disadvantages that
aust be guarded against. In many downtown
districts there is but q corporals guard Of Re
rk1sroans and il would be simple matter fol
SINE Democratic leader to order enough Of his
fS4Eovers 70 enroll as Republicans 10 control the
Republican nominations. N drafting the Law
precautions viii have 10 be taken against such
frauds as this.
The closer we can bring the Republican
party 20 the Republican voters, and the more
we can place the control of II in their hands
7stss stronger viii be our organization and the
greater its success"
There is a movement in Brooklyn behalf
of direct nominations which has been promoted
g.