New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-26


control of the executive, of better man
agement and of lower taxes because
other questions ia which they were
more directly Interested were not adc-
quately treated? J think they would
do better to accept their gains as citi-
Zens under these plans, and thus clear
the field for the consideration of their
special requests
Wadsworth Raps Foes.
Senator James VI. Wadsworth, declar-
ing that he gave his allegiance TO the
proposed constitution as a whole, con-
fined himself 20 discussion of its eff
feet on the Legislature of the state, and
predicted that if adopted the constitu-
tion would have profound influence in
raising the Standing of that body IN
popular opil.on.
This constitution purposes TO relieve
the legislators of a lot OF details" he
said. 1T is said this will drag down
their prestige. II you will permit your
legislators TO 90 TO Albany and refrain
from overburdening them, 1t will clear
the decks and give them chance. You
will increase the power of the Legis-
lature and enhance its prestige. Every
Martin W. Littleton, the last speaker,
paid a glowing eulogy 10 Senator Root,
which raised the enthusiasm of the
Giners to a high pitch. lie did not en-
ter into any of the technicalities of the
proposed instrument, but said il APP
pealed 20. him because il ASSERTED the
three things for which all government
is originated. life. liberty and the pur-
suit of happiness.
There are only three classes Of peo-
pie who oppose the constitution" said
MIR. Littleton, "thOse who weren't per
mitted to write II, those who couldn't
have written il had they had the
chance, and those who don't like the
men who made il. | cannot believe that
sentiment is really against II.
"ln regard to that third class OPP
posing IL, am Democrat, but I'm un-
wiling 20 hear attacked and DETAINED
one of the greatest men of this coun-
try, who has served il in so many ca
paeities. If Senator Root would un-
fold his heart to the people as ne has
unfolded his intellect, he would swee }
the country.
Littleton Lauds Root.
ITO me the worst thing that has been
said of the constitution in the papers,
and IN two papers in particular ~
whose households 7 can claim some
friends, is that Sena,or Root was the
presiding and directing influence Of
that convention. ! say this has besn
painful TO me for two reasons. /.
seems 10 me but estsrday when | read
in all the papers all over the country
that this great New York lawyer had
been taken 10 Washington 10 become a
serviceable instrument for his country.
III seems even a shorter time than
that since he was promoted 10 be the
Premier of the Cabinet. and "a Sec
rotary OF State he was not content 20
live and breathe in stagnant mediocrity,
in which others have lived before him
and some since lie made triumphant
tour Of South America with far-reach-
ing results.
al saw him take his place in the
forum OF ms country and never knew
mar from California 10 Maine. from
New Mexico to New York. Of any
persuasion or faith. 10 challenge his
capaci,y or match him In integrity
said 10 myself II he WAS grea,
enough 10 be a great Secretary OF War
il he was great enough 70 be one OF
the greatest Secretaries OF state. II not
the greatest; il he was great enough
to be great Senator and loyal enough
10 be trusted by every man, surely he
was great enough TO come TO his own
state. where he was born and lived, 20
preside over the Constitutional Con
vention and TO do service 20 the people
whom he loved and who loved him.
81 am n Democrat. ! am willing 70
be a fighting Democrat am willing
TO give my side shade the better OF
il In any contest. But ] am unwilling
AS long as am an American citizen
- suffer the defamation OF eharsete
which has been made to one OF the
greatest men in this country. whether
Democrat or a Republican"