New-York tribune., 1909-06-24
PFprRLJCAN "F4CTIONALTSlf. .''

Through the editorial columns of his news
paper the Democratic state chairman. Mr.. Con
ners advises solicitous Democrats that the Re
publican party 'is a house divided against it.
self" that the Democrats have a good foothod
in many counties supposedly Republican. and
that since the bitter difference between the
supporters of and the opponents of Governor
Hughes is irreconcilable, vital" the chances
Of Democratic victory this fall and next are
excellent. No less eminent Republican than
William Barnes jr. Of Albany. admits Mr.
COnnerss premise, and goes still further in his
conclusions This leader of division Of
the house characterizes the other faction IAN
element in the party which attained importance
'onlv through the somewhat accidental eleva-
''tion Of one of the products of the ephemeral
moral upheaval of a few years ago to the Gov
"ernor's chair" and accuses this element of
snatching up the direct nominations idea
convenient vehicle for further demagogic ap-
peal
OF course this is merely a reiteration Of the
charge made when the Hinman Green bill was
before the legislature that Governor Hughes
and his supporters desired in effect 10 destroy
the Republican party in mere self glorifcaron.
Such assertions have been made the Assem-
bly, district campaigns recently, where direct
nominations proved an issue, and doubtless will
be made in every similar test of strength, II
becomes therefore rather a nice question for
the public 10 decide whether the Governor and
his followers or Mr.. Barnes and leaders of his
school are fomenting this much-deplored fac
tiona lism.'
Naturally. il would not have occurred to Mr..
Conners. but politician ordinarily so shrewd
as Mr.. Barnes night have suspected that the
public indicated its judgment clearly last year.
Here is A Governor who in two hard campaigns
carried his party's standard to victory: a Gov
ernor nominated by reluctant political leaders
in obedience To the outspoken demand Of the
voters of this state. supported by the voters of
the country at large. Was a lack of loyalty 10
party or any taint Of faCtiOnalism displayed
when Governor Hughes, neglecting his personal
campaign, traversed the Middle West on his
remarkable stumpng trip. which did much to
bring that region into the Republican fold? It
seemed. rather. that hardheaded Republicans
deemed him a very negotiable party asset, and
the voters accepted that valuation. Is it an evi-
dence of factionalism on the Governors part
when Senator Root praises him for his broad,
progressive view Of matters Of moment to his
own party?
No question can exist in any fair mind that
the record of RepubiCanism was marred by the
lamentable differences between Governor Hughes
and party leaders during the recent legislative
session Those differences grew chiefly out of
the Governors advocacy of direct nominations
Il primary system in use with considerable sue
cess in numerous good Republican states. Is
that really adequate excuse for "a house divided
against ITSELF? For opposition hy apprehen-
sve professional politicians. perhaps il might ne
Twice recently the voters have stood by the
Governor against this other element within the
party. One question: therefore, suggests itself
and il is applicable to Mr.. Barnes and all other
Republicans: Is dislike of Governor Hughes
I -Hs14-
these circumstances. sufficient ground for resent
ment and open warfare against him bitter
| enough admittedly TO endanger Republican con
troll of this state?