New-York tribune., 1909-04-01
PRIMARY HEARING HOT
snap ACTION CHARGED
Lasryers 4ppem against HUGHES
BW-Green and WadhQms for IT
GBy Telegraph to The Tr,bun. 7

cOy,6
snd final hearing This he announced, despite the
fact that between to-day and that time numerous
amendments designed TO correct minor faults IN
the bill will be presented His declaration aroused
loud protests from supporters of the Hinman-Creen
bill.
This first hearing developed considerable hitter
feeling, which vented itself in attempts on the part
Of members OF the committee and symnat thizing
legislators TO haze some OF these who appeared in
favor of the bill Chairman Phillips himself was
one Of these In fact. he almost bulldozed F Y
Godfrey. master Of the State Grange, who urged
honest. careful consideration Of the measure, and
rot snap Judgment The hearing also was not
without its sensational features Toward the close
2 spectator IN the Of the Assembly chamber
1umped 10 his feet, and, interrupting proceedings
begged leave TO ask a question Chairman Phillips
thought it would disconfit the advocate of the bill
who was speaking then. and smiled assent.
7 not here for this bill. against it.. de-
clared the stranger Il just plain voter seek
ing information What I know is this: If
This bill would put all political power hands
Of the bosses. many OF its opponents have
said it would. why IT that every boss Of any po
sition in both parties in this state is against It?
Maybe the chairman can tell me-"
QUESTION CAUSES MERRIMENT
great roar of laughter greeted the question,
though State Chairman Woodruff. Speaker Wads-
worth. Senator Raines and other violent opponents
Of bill did not put much real mrth into
their laughter. Chairman Phillips, his face scarlet.
dented his desk and almost smashed his gavel in
an effort 10 obtain quiet. and the strangers Ques-
zion remained unanswered
The three chief speakers in opposition the bill
were James McKeen. general counsel TO the Mutual
Life Insurance Company; W. A Chadbourne, of
the Wall Street law firm Of Nasten & Nichols.
counsel the receivers of the Metropolitan Street
Railway, the head of which firm. Arthur H. Mas
ten was the master who decided against the people
in the SO-cent gas case and Charles H Young.
president OF the Republican Club and well known
Wall Street lawyer with Casualty Company CON
rections. Mr.. Mckeen said he did not represent
the Mutual here.
Arguments against the bill were heard first
They were the arguments which have been heard
ezeinst direct nominations ever since Governor
Hughes recommended that system, without par
tclar reference TO the bill in question. Mr.. Young
said he had not read It The various speakers
contradicted another IN their opinions of its
effect: sometimes speaker contradicted himself in
different parts Of his speech Especial attention
called to this by William H Wadhams, of New
York. who made the chief argument for the bill
The first and fourth speakers feared this meas
ure would mean mob rule said he. The scond,
third and fifth thought II would fasen boss rule on
:he state forever One speaker told Of the difficulty
IN getting petitions for Independent nominations:
another seie they did not amount to anything, and
could be obtained for & quarter name One said
II would disrupt party organization: another that It
concentrated boss rule, instancing Boston and
Philadelphia One said II was only a scheme for
sef-sdvertisenent a means OF obtaining office
Later. when he had forgotten that. he said Mr.
Beckett, last year with the united press Of New
York City behind him. could not make an impress
zion on the community That shows you how
logical the arguments in opposition have been
CALLS GOVERNOR DON QU&OTE-
Logic did not seem to be the strong point of the
opposition. It relied rather appeals TO the
practical" men on the committee and ridicule. i'm
FLIED and direct OF reformers and Governor Hughes
particularly. Mr.. Young pictured Governor Hughes
IS Don Qutzote, then later termed him Lycurgus
IL, -Eys7~s ~sf~7S
az he conceived the system using therefor Plu-
tsrchs description Of the fashion Of electing Sen
Tors which Lycursus Instituted in Sparta-locldng
6 F-oup of men into a building. where they Ehould
choose the Senators by the greatness Of the out
cries Of approval candidates walked through
The congregated electors. But he somewhat puzzled
te legislators. rusty their ancient history when
he called 'Rill' Barnes Spartacus-
Most Of effect Of this was swept away,
though. when the advocates of the measure began
their arguments Assemblyrnan Green upoke first,
declaring that supporters Of the Hinman-Green
measure were portrayed as rabd ant-organization
men.
Those Rho drafted this measure and favor it
believe in organization. machine. II you like
that 7hrase" said he. hut II must be the right
kind Of 4 machine. responsive to the people, easily
held answerabie for misrepresentation Of the voters
have rsanization authority for introducing this
bill. TIE chairman Of the Republican State Com
rnittee has announced and over again his very
warm advocacy Of some system Of direct nomna-
tons He is largely responsible for beginning this
movement in New York State which has curniz ted
II the introduction Of this bill He seems now dis
posed TO deny participation in this movement"
At that point State Chairman Woodruff disar
peared and returned no more until Mr.. Green had
finished speaking. The AssemblyHan went to
read various interviews with Mr.. Woodruff advo-
eating direct primaries two with Chair
man Brenner Of the Kings County Republican Com
nittee and several resolutions sanctioned by both
OF them and adopted by the organization.
Z 60 not know any opponent representing large.
enthusiastic clubs of enrolled Republican voters"
said Mr Green. 80 far there has not developed
AIRY tangible argument against the bill intro
ogeed. 7 shall offer a number of amendments. III
tended TO perfect bill before the final hearing
next Wednesday 1t must be understood that this
is q very important measure, involving great ques-
tions Of public policy and the committee appears
iaclined TO dispose IT within nineteen days Of its
Introduction Its advocates do not intend TO seek
delay but ask time for fair and full dis
c1ssion OF this measure
mo NEW-FANGLED SCHEME"
Mr wadhans, who declared that he represented
the men actively engaged in party work since he
had been an election district captain. committee
member and delegate TO all conventions spoke
next.
Men on the inside OF the organizations OF both
parties are taking q. great interest in this he
said They believe IL party government It to be
effective n the of service TO the state, It
must respond the American system government
Of the people. by the people and for the people,
: us Is no nev=-fanEled scheme untried plan.
IFo-thirds OF the states IN the Unior use IT. The
same opposition which is meeting this, met the
secret ballot and the movement to give every man
ue right TO vote but Just as surely as they came
VIII this American primary system prevail No