New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-02-28
SPEAKERS STAND
H.fDSHORTR FIGHTS
T.fFT-HCGHES pLIN.
Ralin of the Reaction Forces
Is -Isainst Conference
Understanding.


attempt being made hy certain Republi-
cen leaders, with Speaker Wadsworth
g. tkeir representative in the Legislat
1re TO stave off any general investiga-
ton Of legislative conditions. TO defeat
the Hughes legislative programme. 70
prevent any party reorganization and
ultimately TO nominate a reactionary
candidate for Governor II so. is this
attempt being made in deliberate def
snce OF or in ignorance Of the opinions
Of President Taft. Senator Elihu Root
and Governor Hughes on these issues?
Events OF the lasi two weeks have
suggested the foregoing questions to
everybody here, and they are being
eskea on all sides Many politicians
and legislators profess To discern last
Stand OF the Old Guard with Young
Him. wadsworth fighting in the re-
doubt.
Certainly the present legislative poiJi-
csI situation All outgrowth OF the Aids
bribery case. which in turn may affect
81. outcome Of the Senate's trial is
curious one. Not only is it important in
is bearing on the coming state election
including the election OF 3 Republican
delegation to Congress. but on the cleo
ZION Of a successor TO Senator ChaunceE
=. Depew and on the national campaign
in 1912.
ALLDS CASE CONSIDERED
ON February II President Taft. Gov
ernor Hughes, Speaker Wadsworth. otto
= Barnard and Lloyd c. Griscom. the
new president Of the New York County
Republican Committee. met at Mr. Gris-
CONS home. IL New York. and went over
the political and legislative situation in
much detail. When a good part of the
conference was over. State Chairman
Woodruff ard Senator DeDew went in
That conference took up the effect Of the
Aids bribery case on the party and on
the people Of the state In the words
Of Speaker wadsworh. mo person pres
ent sought to minimize the seriousness OF
this situation"
Governor Hughes expressed his views
frankly and forcibiy. did Mr- Gr1scom
and MI Barnard In effect, they were
that 10 keep its trust with the people
The Republican party should PROBE all
allegations Of corruptness to the very
bottom II corruptness in individuals
we're disclosed. il should be punished
II The Republican organization proved
ss vas shrewdly suspected-to be in
rrear need Of REORGANIZATION. il should
he f-eoreanized The Legislature. with
,:s Republican majority, should take the
lead in such work, and TO carry on Its
ep-n special duties should pass intact the
Hughes legislative programme And 10
should be nominated next fall TO which
Governor Hughes could give his ap-
rroval and his active personal support
To all OF this President Taft gave not
only his consent, but his cordial ap-
p-ovaL
So much recital OF the events of that
conference is necessary TO make plain
what followed. Speaker Wadsworth re
turned TO this city the next day-Sun-
day-stiii under the influence OF what
h had heard there from the big party
ieaiers In various conversations he in
dicateG his full sympathy with the
yisws expressed there, although he said
emphatically that nothing like pro-
srarnne had been laid down At the
same time the idea spread abroad here
go'ng to abandon most of his personal
and political prejudices and work hand
in hand with the Governor for the good
of their party.
NOTION SOMEWHAT SHATTERED.
This notion was somewhat shattered
when. al the annual dinner of the Barnes
Albany County Republican organiza-
tiur the Speaker, full Of enthusiasm, de-
cared that the Assembly leaders would
g ahead with important legislative
matters. and settle them right" then
& home and stay there. He included in
his list the direct primary question and
the state supervision OF telegraph and
telephone companies. From what he did
rot say, more than from what he did,
the Speaker managed to give the idea
that his views on these subjects would
be right" and they would lie set
led that way.
A few nights thereafter Speaker Wads-
worth made his position even more plain,
v hen. in the most sensational fashion, he
took the lead in defeating the Chanler
resolution regarding a general inyesti-
CATION of legislative corruption. The
Speaker technically opposed that specific
resolution. which IN wording was faulty;
but he spoke TO more than the mere
wording OF the resolution-he spoke TO
1lIe question Of a general investigation,
ahc put himself on record definitely as
opposing any search 10 discover whether
There were any dirt iE the Republican
fouse Almost simultaneously. at Sche-
ne7-tads. ne virtually repeated his speech
81 the Barnes dinner, and State Chair
nan Woodruff in Brooklyn expressed
ti3e same general views about legislation
end 2 general legislative investigation.
William Barnes, jr., agrees with them
Recently his editorial utterances have
ftgained all the Vigcr of opposition TO
the Governors projects that marked
lheln last winter. His opinions of those
individuals who believe there should be
general legislative investigation are
u"iiic in their warmth. Such an inves-
usa1lon could serve no purpose sie
sfers Also. The conception of such
an investigation is BORN "a the passion
'of crucifxl"n. Thank Heaven there are
s"in' lsfen la public life who would
r&tiisg ia riglas shan afasr.a.s in,