New-York tribune., 1910-01-18
REGRET DECISION.
Friends of GoUernOr Feel That
1t Is Final.

The decision Of Governor Hughes not to
accept a nomination for a third term as
Chief Executive of this state, announced
exclusively in The Tribune yesterday, was
the principal topic of discussion among
Republican leaders in this city yesterday.
II was also the cause of many expressions
OF regret among the independents who have
been behind the Governor in all OF his re-
forms.
Those who know the Governor well felt
that his decision must be accepted as final.
and that it would be necessary to look for
= man TO take up the work. though il was
sure, il said, that his friends would
not miss an opportunity to urge upon him
that he reconsider his decision.
There were indications that number OF
local booms for the Republican nomination
for Governor would soon blossom out
Timothy /. Woodruff. chairman of the
Republican State Committee, who was an
open opponent of a denomination for the
Governor year ago last fall and has
given more or less active support to those
who have striven to block his programme,
seemed greatly surprised to learn of the
Governors determination.
He said at first that he did not think he
would make any comment on the news at
this time. bat finally said: II said some
time ago that if Governor Hughes wanted
another nomination we were ready to give
II 10 him. Our position has not changed
At the time there was much speculation
that the chairman OF the state committee,
who had done so much to oppose the Gov
ernor should make a statement of that
p character. At first some Of the anti-Hughes
leaders were inclined TO criticise him for it,
Then William Barnes, jr., who was even
more bitter against the Governor. made a
similar statement in the editorial columns
of his Albany paper. Since then tire friends
Of the Governor have been guessing as TO
what Il all meant
Controller Prendergast an important
factor in the Republican organization in
Kings County, who has always been an ar
dent supporter of the policies of Governor
Hughes in spite of the attitude taken by
Mr. Woodruff, the leader there, said: Il
sincerely believe that Governor Hughes
should accept q denomination. so that he
might carry on the glorious work he has
started. | do not want to saw anything
however, which might embarrass him in a
determination that / feel is unalterabe
His glorious record has set a high stand
ard, which must be maintained by the Re
publican party in this state
Collin ii. Woodward, leader of the 23d
District, said: II think that Governor
Hughes, for the interests of the state and
the party should accept another nomina-
tion. / don't think la has finished his
work. II he goes st tie end of the pres
ent term people viii be justified in the
belief that conditions in the state are like
iy 10 lapse into what they were before he
took Office.
An public officers are underpaid. and es-
public undertakes the value of the men
they select 10 these Offices. They expect
a dig man will occupy Office forever on
$1,000 salary, but they generally find to
their regret that the idea is erroneous"
iiobert c. Morris, president OF the Repub
iicaD Club. said: Governor Hughes has
accomplished a great many creditable
things. His administration has been eff
cent; he has given great satisfaction 10
the people at large whose support he un-
doubtedly has. AS a citizen ! should like
10 see Governor Hughes renominated and
regret that he feels he cannot stand for
another term
William II. Wadhams. former Judge OF
The City Court. said: Governor Hughes
announcement gives a great opportunity
for the Republican party TO realize that he
is its greatest asset in the state of New
York. Every effort should be made to OBJ
tain tie full benefit Of his leadership and
craftsmanship while he is Governor"
F. J. II. Kracke. Naval Officer and leader
of ,he 18th Republican Assembly District
in Brooklyn said: "A man who enters pub
lie life with q purpose 70 carry into effect
high ideals has a greater responsibility
than one who does not. Therefore the ex-
iraordinarv achievements of Governor
Hughes in behalf of the people in raising
the ste ndard OF our government have made
iim a man Of the people. and as such he
las 2 duutv that is paramount 10. per-
soDsl comfort or private life when his fel-
low citizens manifest desire OF continuing
him in public Office"
William Jay Schiehelin chairman of the
Citizens Union. said: Governor Hughes
for an executive is 10 avoid any compro-
mise for party eXDediency and to appeal
directly 10 the voters If strong interests
oppose measures which are intended 10
safeguard the people.
The comma nding position he has won
during the last three years is due 10 his
20 the confidence he has universally in
spired that he is man guided by high
ideals.
Darwin T.. James. president Of the Young
Republican Club and leader of the indie
pendent Republicans of Brooklyn. had this
IF Governor Hughes does not run again
tho state will lose the greatest chief eX-
oc,,ttye il has ever had. II he does return
20 his prsctise The end of the year will not
see the end of his political career. He is
% big = man that the people VIII not leave
trus. him and viii call him again 10 Office.
~ not Immediately. AT least IN the near
future We have been foin of olssensions
in the party in this state Iheir existence
T. the fauif of the politicians who have re-
fused to recognize the good qualities I'm the
fIovernor and not the Governors fault