New-York tribune., 1909-01-26
FIGHT ON PRIMARIES
BEGINS AT ALBANY
F4DSWORTH, RAINES AND
BARNES TO GOVERNOR.
Uphold System NoU an Use in
State and Practically De
fend Bosses.
IRy Telegraph to The Tribune. ]

Albany, Jan 25.-From all sides tonight came
challenge and denial of Governor Hughes's
statements in his direct nominations speech be-
FORE the Hughes Alliance in New York last
week coupled with attacks the Governor
from William Barnes, jr.. such as characterized
the height OF the anti-gambling situation last
year. Senator John Raines, Speaker Wads-
worth and Mr.. Barnes united in their efforts to
dsprove the Governors statements about the
evils or the present primary system. and in each
case they featured discussion OF the boss"
practically defending that individual whom the
Governor has attacked only in the sense of ad-
yocating greater freedom for party members.
The utterances Of Mr.. Barnes, conveyed
through the editorial columns of his paper, ex-
cited general comment here because Of their
temperate tone and illusions to Governor
Hughes's visit TO the President this week One
or Two references TO Washington went far to
confirm in the minds Of politicians stories
OF rupture between the President and Mr.
Barnes which have been afloat for considerable
time Speculation here about the possible dis
cusson OF direct nominations and other Hughes
policies at Washington politicians declared must
have given point TO this paragraph.
Some people cannot understand why Governor
Hughes gets so excited about the downing OF
Republican bosses Most Of them ought 10
box like a cheap lot to the Governor, Tor lney
have meekly accepted the insults whlcn ne nds
offered them after accepting favor az Inel.
hands Perhaps however. in view OF the fact
that his mediator will retire from office on the
fourth Of March he does not feel the same Sc
carity which he formerly enjoyed
GOVERNOR STARTS WEDNESDAY.
NAV be said that Governor Hughes him
self attaches nc politicaT significance to MS
coming visit which is the result Of an invita-
ton to himself and Mrs. Hughes to dine with
TIA D. 30
s-nor Will leave here at midnight on "Wednesday,
after his reception TO the legislators, and VIII
or his return stop over in New York 10 MI a
dinner engagement. getting here probably on
Sunday.
Mos. politicians and legislators here, knowing
the cordial good will OF the President and MI
Tat toward Governor Hughes since his stump
ing trip through the Middle West. cannot be
heve that the journey at this time is Volo OF
significance
Senator Raines. when told to-day that Gov
ernor Hughes was TO dine with President Roose-
Feir on Thursday. said:
That's bad as something was anticipated on
Thursday, and we had hoped TO have the Gov
ernor here" He declined TO say what he had
n mind
The Governors direct nominations speech had
peclsely the effect which some or his supporters
'sasve ii was intended to have. II bronShl
- &c OF us chlef opponents out iii'o III f'
With defences of the present primary system
aasee chiefly on the best results of that system.
The result is that the battle now is Joined, the
aeaders OF both houses of the Legislature having
soruns 70 refute the Governors arguments De-
iore any legislation embodying his suggestions
aas been introduced, foT Senator Raihes gave
.seeiy his objections to the system thoush say
ne he would not say much unit! he mao sreh
lae act proposed Indications are that the po-
htcal leaders in the anti Hughes camp VIII use
sFery effort 70 prevent or distort the primary
and ballot reform legislation desired bs me
Governor
RAINEs SEEKS IMPORTATION
senator Ra.nes said that be was waiting tor
Information and @ read the Dill providing Tor
direct nomination before entering upon a com
psign OF education lie believes that under ne
Present time honored system OF caucus anu con
senlicn il is In the power of tie majority .! the