New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-03-12
NEW LEADER ASSERTS
HIS INDEPENDENCE.
GoUernor Hughes May Take
Stump in Support of His
Measures-Hany Vie1cs.
IBy Telegraph 70 The Tribune. ]

ing. even though that vote was unani-
nous, that his path as leader will be
rough. Declarations are plentiful that
the fashion in which the Woodruff
Barnes Hendricks -Aldridge ''old guards
men" iammed their candidate through
the Republican jNucus this morning. in
defiance of President Taft. Governor
Hughes and Senator Root will plunge
the party into a bitter struggle. COM
pared with which previous differences
between Governor Hughes and the bosses
will be trifiing.
No secret is made OF the fact that
some Republican Senators decline TO
consider Senator Cobb their leader in
anything but empty title. No secret Is
made of the fact that these Senators and
several prominent political leaders be-
lieve Senator Cobb. perhaps under pro-
test. will become part of a bipartisan
combination similar TO the Raines-
Grady league to kill off Hughes meas
ures and others Objectionable 10 the
bosses; and no secret is made OF their
belief that the election OF Senator Cobb
has only emboldened the reactionary
leaders in their opposition 70 Messrs-
Taft. Root and Hughes and their pro-
gressive policies.
Root Expected to Retaliate.
Thesfeeling is general here. save in the
Woodruff Barnes circles, that Senator
Root Will resent the bitter attacks on
him and the contemptuous disregard OF
his advice. and will retaliate. Hughes
legislators promise TO redouble their ef-
forts to pass the Hughes legislation and
to bring about a general legislative in
vestigation of corrupt practices which
would meet the Governors ideas Some
Republican leaders hitherto not over
friendly to Governor Hughes are an
nOUnCing their determination 10 throw
in their lot with him and Senator Root
in the struggle which they say is in1rni-
nent. There is a very fair prospect now
that Governor Hughes will take the
stump TO bring about victory for his
measures and housecleaning within the
parry such as he deems necessary.
So whether or not The New York Re-
pubIicans in Washington. led by Sena-
tor Root, continue their efforts TO shake
eff the last of the old political regime.
it is said take UP the hight with zeal
Governor Hughes. in his earnest desire
20 see the smirch of recent events wiped
off his party, will cooperate with them
so far as he can. and if their belief that
Senator Root will fight on their side is
correct. they believe the election OF SEN
ator Cobb by the old guardsmen" will
prove 10 be a fortunate event.
They are not Understanding their
enemies. either One prominent Repub-
Ecan to-day termed the foe the most
sinister bipartisan combination OF po-
iticaI bosses this state has known in a
generation" The progressives consider
the ''old guard" control of the Senate
which existed under Raines and Grady to
have been regained by the election OF
Cobb. which. with Speaker Wadsworth
and his organization in control OF the
lower house. gives at the present full
control OF the Legislature to the anti
Hughes element.
Wadsworth Shows Interest.
Much stress is laid by the Hughes men
on the keen interest in the result OF the
caucus shown by the Speaker. by Mr.
Merritt. who helped him kill off any res
oIution for a general investigation OF
legislative corrupt practices. and by Sen
ators Gray and Frawley, OF Tammany.
These four spent the night in the Senate
clerks room. receiving bulletins from
the caucus every few minutes. and when
il was announced finally that Cobb had
been victorious they Joined the shouting.
singing. dancing riot of old guard Sem
ators who We're heaping their congratu-
lations on the caucus choice for leader.
Immediately before the formal election
os Senator Cobb this morning the war
note was sounded by Senator Newcon,o,
an ardent Hinman supporter Some
time ago he introduced a resolution nam
ing committee TO conduct a general in
vestigation of legislative corruption He
sent to the desk a notice that at some
future time he would move to suspend
the Senate rules 20 take this resolution
from the committee where il now rests
and 70 pass il out of its regular order
This action would put the question
sauareIy uD 70 the new leader and his
supporters
A few moments afterward Senator Hill
presented a formal resolution that the
senate. in accordance with the caucus
decision. proceed To elect Senator Cobb
temporary president.
The roll was called. and there was not
one negative vote in the thirty-nine
Senator Grady and several other Demo-
Gratis gave Cobb complimentary votes
But there was "a bitter drop in Senator
Cohb's cup. Senators Allen. Brackett.
Davenport, Hinman. NewCOmb and Rose
declared that the only reason they voted
for Senator Cobb was because they had
entered the caucus which selected him
senator Bracket added that he had no
personaI approval of this action.
Senator Davenports Speech.
Senator Sewcomb suggested that
whom the gods would destroy they first
make mad. and if not mad very fool
ish." Senator Davenport made a par
ticularly bitter speech. declaring that
the ''old guard leaders. in defying the
President. Senator Root and Governor
Hughes. had Sown the wind and would
reap the whirlwind. This temporary vic
tory of the forces OF reaction he believed
would he very short lived He said: