Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-26
Hughes Is Corporation Man,
in Opinion of w. ]. BRYAN

LINCOLN. Neb., April 26.-W. j.
Bryan comments upon the appointment
of Gov. Hughes associate justice Of
the Supreme Court as follows:
The appointment of Gov. Hughes to
the Supreme bench will be regarded by
many as a popular appointment He
has been put forward as a reformer
and seems to be considered one by a
great many good people.
But his reputation as a reformer rests
upon few official acts which show him
opposed to grating and to the individual
vices. No one who will examine his rec
ord can doubt that he is In close SYM
pathy with the exploiting corporations.
Obedient to Corporations.
1T will be remembered that he vetoed
the bill for the reduction of railroad
rates after a New York legislature, and
a republican legislature at that. had
passed it. This measure gave to the
congested populs ton of New York the
twO-cent rate now enjoyed by the more
scattered populations of the western
states. His veto of it is conclusive
proof that he obeys the dictates of the
railway managers instead Of listening to
the voice of the public.
He is understood to be close per-
sonal friend of Rockefeller, and the
published reports show that the trust
magnates have contributed literally to
his campaign funds. He has not hest
tated TO show that he acknowledges his
Indebtedness. In 1903 he was the chief
defender of the inaction of the republican
party on the trust question.
Opposition to Income Tax.
1T will be remembered also that he
was the first prominent man to oppose
the income tax, and his opposition came
after Mr.. Rockefeller had announced
hostility to the income tax amendment
The corporation attorney who filed an
argument against the income tax with
the Albany legislature presented the same
argument that Gov. Hughes did. These
corporation attorneys. with Gov. Hughes
powerful aid barely succeeded in prevent
ing the ratification of the amendment by
the State of New York.
What would he do on the Supreme
bench If any question arose Affecting the
income tax? His speeches show that he
feels no hostility toward private monopo-
lies, and there is no reason to doubt that
his decisions would be in line with his
speeches.
Gov. Hughes exemplifies the individual
virtues and naturally demands honesty
in the public service. but he Is a shin
ing illustration of that peculiar type Of
citizen developed in this country during
the present generatfOn-the citizen who
personally opposes vice and Is punisher
of small crimes, but shows no Indignation
ar the larger forms of legalized rob-
berry
No Commission Until October.
Gov Hughes commission as associate
justice of the Supreme Court will proba-
bly, be held up until next October. A
Justice of the United States Supreme
Court is the only official of the govern
rnent who draws salary from the moment
his commission is issued. whether he has
taken the oath of office or not.
The laws Of the state Of New York pro-
libit an official of that state from holding
a federal Office. Consequently Gov
Hughes will not accept the commission
until he is ready to relinquish the govern
ogship.
No delay in confirmation by the Senate
Is apprehended. The nomination will
probably be reported by the committee on
judiciary next Monday and promptly con-
frmed by the Senate.
This action will leave Gov. Hughes free
20 accept his commission at his own pleas
IRE. In any event he will not take his
seat on the bench before the beginning Of
the October term.