New-York tribune., 1909-12-11
TO CONTINUE FIGHT.
Direct Primaries AdUocates
Meet-Speech by Wadhdms.

Albany. Dec. 10-The first general meet
ing OF the advisory council and officers OF
the Direct Primaries Association OF the
State of New York and of the officers of
local direct primary leagues since election
was held here this afternoon at the Hotel
Ten Eyck. Addresses were made by Will
lam H. Wadhams. president of the associa-
tion, and others. and plans for the contin-
uation OF the direct primary Tight during
the legislative session were formulated. A
committee on legislation and another 10
confer with other bodies interested IN the
direct primary fight were authorized.
Judge Wadhams, who called the meeting
10 order. declared that the great overturn-
ing OF political affairs in many counties at
the recent election showed how strongly
voters supported Governor Hughes in his
advocacy OF the direct primary. He pointed
out that 1t was the duty of all those con-
sidering themselves Republican leaders
and OF the Republican legislators who were
responsible for the conduct of that body's
affairs to join in uphOldins the Governor
on this issue If they desired to have the
support CT the great body OF Republican
voters in the state campaign next year.
He said that many recognized this condi-
tion. and he believed the coming Legislat-
different spirit from the treatment OF the
direct primary bill in the last Legislature.
After discussing the results Of the last
election Judge Wsdhams said:
There Is only one conclusion to draw
from the election: Il Is a notable rebuke TO
those who In their obstinate adherence 10
machine methods have been fighting the
reform TfiorI- measures advocated by governor
Hughes the leading Republican in this
state, and next To the President himself
the most commanding figure in political
lie In the nation to-day. The continued
success of the Republican party depends
on a recognition By the machine leaders OF
tne demands OF these voters and co-Opera-
ton with the Governor in the reforms ad-
Nocated by him in the interests OF the peo-
PIE. III these leaders refuse thus 10 coop
crate win the Governor, they VIII dellb-
erateiy court rebuke from the voters in the
election OF a Democratic Governor and a
complete Democratic state ticket.
Prominent Democrats are alive 10 this
situation and already by discussion and
agitation are preparing for the advocacy OF
their state campaign. II fs sincerely TO be
hoped that the Republican party. upon
whieh the responsibility for legislation row
rests. Will recognize the unmistakable de-
mand OF the people Of this state and, living
Lp 70 its responsibilities. join hands with
thoSe VINO are endeavOring 10 have enacted
the best possible direct primary law and
respond 10 the call OF Governor Hughes by
placing upon the statute books the measure
/ am confident that we shall find a diff
ferent situation in the new Legislature than
was found last winter. before OppOr-
tunity had been given for a full express
sion of public sentiment upon this matter
OF course, there will be opposition on the
part OF those who are welded to the boss
system. who believe that they themselves
should nominate public officials and men,
bers OF the Legislature, and deliver the
votes of such members, retail and whole
sale. by their orders. II is sincerely to be
hoped that among those who have assumed
the responsibility OF leadership in political
aflairs there will be found men who viii
not sustain OF approve of such opposition
We look 10 those men with confidence, ex-
peCting them 20 cooperate with this asso-
citation.