New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-04-04
DEMOCRATS FOR HUGHES
Nine AssembIymen Indorse His
Direct Primary Bill.
FAVORED BY CONSTITUENTS.
Men Elected in Normally Repuo-
lican Districts Issue a
Statement.

Albany April 3.-Nine Democratic As
semhlymen who were elected in districts
normally Republican because they pledged
themselves 20 support n lrect primary
measure Issued q statement tonight de-
claring their intention to vote for the Hin
man-Green bill urged by Governor Hughes.
They said that they considered this measure
more likely to meet the demands Of their
constituents than the bill prepared By the
Democratic League
Such a course. they recognize. ~ likely TO
bring on them some criticism from Demo-
Gratis. but they say that, while fealty to
party and party measures is a cardinal
principle Of Democratic faith, we hold that
the obligations. expressed or implied, to
our constituents. together with a just con-
SideratiOn for the welfare OF the state
should be the governing factor in the con-
troll Of our actions"
These Assemblymen are Messrs. Abbey,
Of Ontario County; Cossd, Of seneca;
Evans. Of Sullivan, Wright, Of Orleans;
TrombIy, Of Clinton: De Ions, Of Warren;
Crocker. of Geuesee; Keller. of Niagara.
and White OF Schenectady. Before making
public this statement Of their position they
gave a copy 10 Mr.. Frisbie, the minority
leader, and talked the matter over with
him. lie introduced the Democratic
Leagues bill in the lower house. ---.
The AssembIymsn's Statement.
The statement Of the nine recites that on
February ! the Democratic Leagues DILL
was introduced, providing. among other
things. for the direct nomination of candi-
dates for certain minor elective Offices out
side of New York City" The statement
continues:
Should this bill become law We have
TO doubt 10 would COnduce TO a better
ment Of political affairs. and perhaps pave
Inc way for an extension Of its principles
IN the future, 50 "a 10 provide for its 8p-
pGc9tion TO all elective officers in the
whole state.
More recently there was introduced an
other bill reforming our election laws and
providing for the direct nomination OF
ure understood To have been formulated
by the Direct Primary League ct this
state, and along the lines Of the wishes OF
a large percentage Of our voters, as evil
denCed i'm the last election. irrespective OF
party affiliations.
While we have the utmost respect and
tine highest regard for the men who for
rUiated the measure approved BY the
Democratic League, We arc firmly OF the
opinion that the bill more recently intro
1uCed and known ~ the Green-Hinman
tuI VIII more clearly answer tho demands
of our constituents. unto whom We are in
dcbted for our seats In tdfs Legislature
and unto whom We recognize our positions
as public servants.
We are also firmly OF the opinion that the
dhtlqudted convention system. as apPIled
to all elective officers. very Frequently per-
ms the fCiStinS upon the people j con-
ditlOn OF political affairs practically de-
pTIVIuz the voter of 2 voice in the selection
OF candidates for Office and lodging the
same IN = COterte OF machine politicians
whose chief aim seems 20 DC in perpetual
Such a condition is in our humble tudE-
menJ. at once repugu9Dt to- the minds o.
c3nsctentlous citizens and 2rt2GCniStic 70
me welfare OF our institutions. Tho rem
edT seems 10 us plain, ard the duty of
satisfying the instincts which dCtUate our
manhood in furthering q just conception
or moral purpose IS the reason we give
Tor the position we assume.
We believe that one OF the highest rights
cter the right directly TO participate IN
the selection Of men who will honestly and
ConSCfenttOusly discharge the duties de-
vClvIng upon them as public servants. and
we OF the opinion that every safegt!arG
should surround the electorate In the chO0S-
ing OF candidates who may be called upon
10 hold positions o. public trust.
Permit us 20 suggest that we are Demo-
Gratis. representing our respective Assem-
Gly districts by virtue of the confidence
ftppSed IN us bE the voters Of different
political faiths, and that we are In a large
measure indebted TO those Republicans and
others who gave us their support for the
who, 2long with our Democratic COnstft-
, I Ter now look to US for a fulflme1t Of
when we asked for and received their sup
port
We are therefore unable TO indorse the
bill approved by the Democratic League. +
at least not until after such a time as an
opportunity shall be given us 90 record
our votes In favor Of the measure fOrmu-
lated by the Direct Primary League "a
approved by Governor Hughes
In conclusion, we desire 20 suggest that .
"a members Of the great political party
founded BY jefferson. and in conformity
with the demands Of our constituents and :
4 Just conception for tine welfare Of our
political and moral institutions, ~ be-
hOOVcS US 10 support such direct nOmf- /.
nation bill as shall measure MP 70 the
their faith in our integrity.
These AsSemblymen were elected over
their Republican opponents by some five !
thousand votes, where those districts gave 1
Taft roughly sixteen thousand plurality /
They figure that this change OF twcnty-ons /
thousand votes was produced " their adj /
vocacy of the direct primary principles /
where their opponents were committed :
against the Governors reform. They saw
that this is a fair Indication Of the strength /
Of the direct primary movement IN the state /
1T large because they come srom widely /
different sections
The first hearing on the Governors bill
and on the amended Meade Phillips bill will /
be held before the Judiciary committees II /
the TWO houses on Tuesday. Many de1ega- [
lions from county leagues Of the Direct
Primaries Association Of the State Of New
York will appear for the Hinman-Cireen biz .
THE NEED OF B'NAI BIRTH.