New-York tribune., 1909-06-18
FOR PRIMARY CAMPAIGN
TO COVER WHOLE STATE.
Plans Perfected by Wadhan1s and
Others-Hughes Sends Letter.

Albany, June 17.-Plans for a statewide cam
paign for the enactment Of law to put into effect
the direct primary system Of nominations advocat-
ed by Governor Hughes. were perfected to-day at a
meeting of the advisory council Of the Direct Pri-
mary Association of the State of New York at the
Hotel Ten Eyck- Ex-Judge William H. Wadhanas,
York, president of the association, who pre-
sided said that It the purpose of the associa-
ton to cooperate with direct nomination leagues
throughout the state. Each candidate for member
Of Assembly is to be asked state his position
with reference TO direct primary legislation.
officers of the association were announced as fol-
lows: President William H Wadhams New York;
vice-presidents. Darwin R. James. Of Brooklyn;
Merwn K Hart of Utica; William H. Clark, OF
Cortland; Pliny T Sexton, Of Palmyra; Fred X
Hazard, Of Syracuse; treasurer, James Talcot, OF
New York. The advisory council is headed by Os-
car S Straus, Of New York, Ambassador 10 Tur-
KEY. and former Secretary of Commerce and Labor
It is the intention TO organize county primary
lea CUES throughout the state.
Governor Hughes was invited 10 attend the meet
ing to-day, but his absence from Albany made his
acceptance impossible In a letter TO Judge Wad-
hams the Governor says:
''As I have frequently stated regard the pro-
vision of a proper system for the direct nomination
of party candidates as a matter OF fundamental
Importance, and I hope every honorable effort VIII
be made TO secure IT, The movement is not an
attack upon party, or upon party organizanon' or
upon party leadership. 1t aims to promote party
efficiency secure representative party organi-
have true representative government through par
ties then methods which facilitate the control of
party machinery by cliques and make ii unneces-
sary difficult for the party voters TO record and
enforce their Will must be abandoned The move
ment is which all citizens should be inter
ested, for the need Of an improved system is ap-
parent in all parties. And the more desir0us one
is maintain party integrity and avoid the
disintegration of parties, the more sOliciLOus he
should be to provide methods by which the wishes
Of the party voters may have direct and decisive
expression.
ing the Governors attitude direct nominations
Mr.. Wadhams. after the meeting, issued a
msTt concerning the proposed work of the organi-
zation.
The last Legislature presents good example
of the present system said Judge Wadhams
The lines drawn there party lines
There a Republican Democratic combination
that stood for the principle that obedience the
appointing power the supreme duty Of leg
islator. There real party leadership in the
Legislature. The test by which each member was
judged aad rewarded condemned by the bosses
was whether not he stood for the boss principle
whether he was willing TO be delivered regardless
OF his individual conscience the desires Of his
constituents In their zeal in establishing the su-
premacy OF the present system. the majority party
under the domination Of Tammany Hall"