New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-03-15
WOODRUFF TO STAY
BUT WILL NOT SEEK
REELECTION.

and VIII Uithdra7o Oppo-
sition to the Gorernor.
Despite the opposite impression that
Chairman Woodruff and his friends
seemed anxious to convey yesterday. it
is the understanding of others familiar
with the situation that Mr.. Woodruff
has promised practically to eliminate
himself from the political situation He
has given assurances, 1t is said, that
he will cease to be a reactionary and an
obstructionst and, if he does not active
uphold Governor Hughes and put
through his policies, will at least re-
frain from hostile action.
Positive assurances have also been
given that Mr. Woodruff will not be a
candidate to succeed himself as chair
man of the state committee at the Sep
tomber convention. In view of such
assurances, it is likely that no attempt
will be made TO force him to resign
promises to refrain from making
trouble 1t is not unlikely. however.
that he may resign voluntarily before
the summer months.
This explains the statement of one OF
the leaders: The future of Mr.. Wood
ruff depends on circumstances
1t was never the intention of Senator
Root or of any of those who realize that
the situation in Albany demands a
change in the attitude of the organiza-
tion to force Chairman Woodruff to alb
dicate his office formally. They had no
desire TO offer him up as a sacrifice to
appease public opinion, but they were
determined that his open defiance of the
Governor must cease. even were it nee
essary to make fight against him as
chairman.
No Declaration of War.
Senator Root did not come with any
declaration of war, but with statement
of facts and arguments to show that the
situation demanded certain action on the
part of the organization. II the chair
man of the state committee would yield
10 reason. we'll and good. If not, the
Senator was prepared to tell him what
he had figured might be the outcome of
a fight in the state committee.
Il do not think there was any doubt
that a ma ajOrity against Woodruff could
have been obtained if il had come to an
out and out lineup in the committee,
said one OF the leaders yesterday, but II
might have engendered antagonism that
would be harmful, and that is what we
are anxious to avoid"
Senator Root returned TO Washing
ton Yesterday afternoon, saying that lie
old not care to discuss in any way the
happenings during his stay In the city.
lie will not drop his interest in the
situation and will continue Ito act IN an
advisory capacity, although he Is
anxious TO keep from doing anything
that will be construed as a desire to
gain power.
He feels. however. that the criticisms
of his action as being federal interfer-
ence" are most unjust. Who has
better right TO take an interest In and
make suggestions as TO the policy of the
organization in this state than one VINO
has been honored through selection by
the state Legislature to represent the
state in the United States Senate?" Is
the way il was expressed by one of his
friends yesterday.
Root Holds Conferences.
Before Senator Root left town yes
+erdav he had talks with William L.
Ward. National committeeman; Will
lam Barnes, jr., President Grlscom
of the County Committee and several
others He discussed in detail the HIN
nIan-Green direct primary bill. If there
is any way that it can be modified sc
as to meet the objections of the or
sanization leaders, and at the same time
satisfy Governor Hughes and It's other
sponsors, it will be done.
The talk with Senator Hinman sup
plemented that which Senator ROO
had on Sunday with Speaker Wads
worth regarding the legislative pro
eran1mq. There no longer seems TO b'
the slightest doubt that the bill placing
telegra ph and telephone companies un
der the supervision of the Public Ser
vice Commission will he passed speed
iIv. Speaker Wadsworth, who has al
along been an advocate of the shor
ballot will do what he can TO furthe
its chances in the Assembly, but IN
acknowledges that there is much oppo
sition to overcome.
other reforms sought by the GoVerno
will he treated with every consideration
There is no longer any desire 10 kill th'
/ Hinman-Green bill and pass the Meade
Phillips bill. which provides for a verl
slight measure of direct nominations
because 10 do the latter would be de
feat for the Governor. ON the othe
hand, there is now desire 10 pass ;
hill under the title Hnmar- Green if Z
compromise can he effected. The op
roncnts of the mea sure as now framed
object most vigorously to having th'
partv convention entirely eliminated
stems looking to compromise are nov
under way. Some doubt as to thei
success is expressed, how ever.
Wadsworth and Root Agree.
friend of Speaker Wadsworth wh'
talked With him after his conference
with senator Root on Sunday said yes
terday that it would not he unfair TO th'
sneaker to say that he was now entirely
in accord with the views Of the Senator
that from now on the organization mus