New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-05-27
HUGHES IN THE SOUTH AND WEST

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: On recent trip through the ex-
treme Southern and Western states, as we'll
as those nearer by. became convinced that
the interest in Governor Hughes's public
service ia stronger and more widespread
than is generally supposed in this state.
This interest is manifested in a marked
degree among earnest and thoughtful peo-
pie even as far south as Texas and as far
west as California, while in the great Mid
die West the name Of the Governor of New
York Is probably more frequently men
toned in political discussion than that of
any other American, excepting President
Taft and Colonel Roosevelt
The most significant thing about II ell
is the full and accurate knowledge which
seems to prevail as to what Governor
Hughes has already done and Is trying to
do TO better political and social conditions
and to raise the standard Of public service.
Next to that is the cordial sympathy
shown in the success of his work, regard
less of party considerations. 4 New
Yorker in Texas could not seek informa-
ton from intelligent citizens of that state
as to the trend of political sentiment and
action there without being met in turn by
eager inquiries as to the outlook in New
ures and methods for which It Is well
understood Governor Hughes has been
resolutely standing. The same may be con-
fdently asserted of California, of Colorado,
Of Missouri and ether states. The news
paper editors in those states, as you know,
recognize this interest on the part of their
readers and evidently entertain it them
selves. ] happened TO be in California
when the Governor sent to our Legislature
his recent message urging a thorough and
unsparing investigation of official corrup-
ton or misconduct Every California news
paper that / saw published that message
in full and some of them made editorial
comments upon it which, If they could be
read by some of the New York legislators
who are trying to defeat those recomnen-
dations, ought to awaken them to a reallza-
ton of the contempt and derision In which
they are being held by the majority of
their fellow countrymen.
When it was announced that the Gov
ernor had accepted the Presidents ap-
pointnlent to the Supreme Court the edi-
torial discussion of the situation presented
by Mr.. Hughes's retirement from active
participa ton in political affairs exhibited
the same sentiment in a still more pro-
nounced form With ample recognition of
the strength this appointment will add 70
the efficiency and character of our highest
court, was coupled in most instances an
expression of profound regret and disap-
pointment that one of the greatest forces
fo- the moral uplift of the nation was to
be removed from the arena of active eli
deavor and influence.
If the members of the New York Iegis-
lature could realize that the eyes of the
American people are now fixed upon them
and how some of their recent conduct Is
regarded, It would be strange. indeed If
the course of events in the few remaining
hours Of their present session should not
be radically different from the immediate
past and vastly more promising for the
public welfare and the future of the Re-
publican party than we now can reasonably
hope It will be. HENRY W. SACKETT.
New York Nav 26 1910