The Washington herald., 1909-04-14
Gov. Hughes Primary Contest

The New York legislature appears now
to be less in sympathy with Gov. Hughes
than at any previous period. HIS direct
primaries bill has been rejected by an
| overwhelming vote, and other important
measures recommended by him have been
killed or are marked for rejection before
adjournment. The situation is unpropi-
tious for such an immediate appeal to the
people as that by which the governor
won his race-track fight. Respecting the
primary bill. the New York Tribune, one
OF the governors supporters. says that
he has not gained popular support for
that measure TO such an extent that the
Legislators fear his displeasure. The
public is interested In the bill. according
TO the Tribune, but not convinced that It
is practicable. It is not the sort OF di-
rect primary measure with which the peo-
PIE Of the country have become familiar.
but an adaptation Of the Western and
Southern systems 10 local conditions. ana
particularly an adaptation with the pur-
pose Of preserving party organization and
reducing it 20. popular control. a sys-
ten Of direct nominations modelled on the
familiar lines might have gone through.
for the voters were acquainted with II.
and the bosses would not have objected,
knowing that they could manipulate it.
But what Gov. Hughes proposed was a
system that would put party organiza-
ton in the hands Of the voters, enabling
them to turn down the bosses at any
election. His position is thus stated by
the Tribune:
His veto of the 2cent fare bill went no more
counter 20 powerful current in this country than
did his course regarding direct Nominations To the
country, which has been acting On the theory that
political machinery must be eliminated Gov Hughes
says: But you don't succeed in getting rid Of the
machinery. and you can't. Political machinery Is
Necessary Let us recognize that fact in the laws
wc make ana at the same time give the people the
chance 10 protect themselves against the abuse Of
such machinery. His influence. as always. is con
seTTatiTe. His example VIII be a check upon the
thOughtless adoption Of direct primaries as a cure
all. But protesting against the adoption Of q law
simply because .he other States are doing it. he
has to Justify his own recommendations 10 the pub
lie mind. This viii take tine"
In view Of the situation, the governor
is now counseled to await the slow proc
ess Of the formation of a public opinion
favorable to his primary system There
are not lacking indications Of the growth
Of such opinion, and Gov. Hughes, we be-
lieve, purposes to continue the presenta-
tion Of his case to the people, following
his practice Of going direct to the voters
in event Of disagreement between himself
and the legislature. What his bin is in
tended to do is concisely expressed in a
recent speech:
Our desire is TO give fun opportunity for efec-
tive party work in the furtherance OF party prn-
cipies and 70 give Just credit ard opportunity 10
honorable political leadership but az me came time
70 supply that needed safeguard against the use Of
these important organizations 10 the detriment Of
ths people and in favor Of special interests. We
rely On the community whole. upon the free
expression q public opinion. and upon the right
q the people to- choose their officers II we are
to have wholesome party government. we must have
the same opportunity within the party.
Gov. Hughes is convinced that his bill
has removed some Of the criticism evoked
BY the operation of the primary system in
other States. where the use OF money or
the packing OF the primaries. or other de-
vices. have prevented the free expression
os the popular win. But the governor OBJ
viously has a big task before him in the
conversion Of a majority Of the voters TO
his way OF thinking He has a contest
ahead Of him that win either lead to his
undsing or lend extraordinary prestige to
his leadership. In this contest, happily