New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-03-27
IN WOODRUFF'S PLACE
N0raL Officer Looms Up BIG
for State Guardianship.

Men high IN the councils Of the party
have suggested the name Of Naval OfFicer
F. J. II. Kracke as the chairman OF the
Republican State Committee. 20 succeed
Timothy L. Woodruff. Mr. Kracke. who
as leader Of the 18th Assembly District in
Kings County has long been considered enc
Of the ables: men In the organization there,
docs rot seek the place-no one does Just
now-but his friends feel that az the proper
time he might ne persuaded 20 step In and
suide the party through the next campaign
II II should be the unanimous desire Of the
members OF the state committee.
Naval Officer Kracke has the confidence
u the Washington authorities. and the
President has taken occasion to consult
him on various matters.
As soon as the case OF Senator Aids is
disposed Of this week and the Legislature
gets down to business. considering the
legislative programme OF Governor Hughes.
the question of change In the chairman
ship Of the state committee will come up
for active discussion again. There arc
those who argue that Mr. Woodruff should
be forced 70 resign at once. and II he re-
fuses. that a tight should be started against
him. Those who are highest In the coun-
ellis Of the party seem TO be OF the opinion
AZ this time that II would be much better
not to force a change IN the committee II
Mr.. Woodruff carries out his promise. made
through friends. 10 eliminate himself from
the political situation from now on
II IS said on the best authority that
friends Of the state chairman have given
to
ances that Mr. Woodruff viii rot only cease
his active opposition 10 Governor Hughes
ami his measures. but will use his influence
TO the end that the Brooklyn members Of
the Legislature do all In their power TO aid
those who are working 10 rehabilitate the
party in the confidence Of the voters And
ii may be said that this includes support
for thorough investigation Of certain
pages Of history Of past legislatures. only
limitations OF which have been brought out
in the various inquiries 50 far
Mr. Woodruff is In a measure on trial
The progressive leaders are watching witch
more or less anxiety TO see whether OF not
he viii exert his influence for or against
Senator Aids II the conduct OF Mr.. Wood
run and Of his friends. for whom he may
IN measure be held responsible. Is IN ac-
c0rdance vita the assurances that have
been received from him. II is probable that
as things now stand. he will continue as
nominal head OF the state committee until
the september convention. But his attitude
and acts and those Of his friends are being
and will be scrutinized with great care.
Any Indication that the trust the pro-
eressiye leaders are inclined 10 repOse in the
assurances has been misplaced Will be fol-
lowed by speedy action 70 eliminate Mr.
Woodruff as actual chairman Of the state
committee.
In the mean time the work OF getting the
views OF the individual members OF the
state committee is going on. More senti-
ment for a change in the management OF
the organization is being found every day.
Leaders OF the progressive movement do
not hesitate 10 express their confidence that
Mr.. Woodruff could be thrown out Of the
chairmanship IL IL became necessary TO use
harsh measures
At the same time members of the commit
tee are being asked how they would con-
slider the name OF Naval Ofhcer Kracks as
the successor Of Mr.. Woodruff.