New-York tribune., 1916-07-26
The Case for Hughes.
or Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: The Presidential campaign OF 1910
falling during the great European CONNECT anu
at d time when mighty political and economic
changes are impending, is one OF supreme IN
nort.rce. but it possesses an Importance ASIDE
from the obvious phase, because for the hrs'
time in years the voter will have an oppoi
tun;ty TO cast his ballot for candidate whose
nomination is not due to heroics, the grace Oh
q Warwick or TO the acceleration OF an OK
ploiter. Even the ubiquitous claimant 10 Tue
gl,rv of original discovery is unknown anu
lnho7ored in the biography OF Charles T.
Hughes. n man of humble origin, rare attain
ment. wide experience and unselfsh devotion
TO public service. His character Is MS spo"-
sor; his record was his nominator.
Opposed to him is Woodrow Wilson, IN the
creation of whose first candidacy George har-
vev wrecked n perfectly good weekly news
raper TO make an indifferent President OF a
successful educator. Wilson adherents claim
that he should be continued in office because
his Administration has brought prosperity
To appreciate the absurdity Of this reason
inc we have only to hark back to the last days
j
denz of war. we have been able to give our
energies to supplying the enormous mer-
chardisc demands of the belligerents, with
the result that an unprecedented but aru-
fcla: prosperity has arisen. By virtue OF not
being involved in the struggle we are the
benefciares of a situation of which the con-
tending nations are the victims. Another
claim made In favor Of Wilson-and a much
overworked one-is that Eve must take oil
our hats to him for keeping US out of war.
Had Wilson been Of the sturdy Cleveland
type. what chance would there have been for
war! Had he said what he meant and meant
what he said menacing situations would not
have grown out Of too refined use OF words
Finally. in the words of Campaign Manager
Vance Mccormick, speaking on behalf of the
Democratic candidate. ave have a record Of
legislative achievement" But he does not
seem to appreciate the difference between leg
islatve enactment and achievement. 1t will
take time to tell whether Democratic enact
ments are achievements.
That there must be a recession of our rec
ord breaking volume of trade is certain, but
wise craftsmanship at the critical time can
lay the foundation for far greater volume
than we have been normally accustomed to
and avert or lessen the difficulties of which
the business world is apprehensive when the
change comes. Discernment and sagacity in
the Chief Executive are now needed as never
before.
careful scrutiny of Hughes's career leaves
the conviction that his term will not be spent
with his ear 10 the ground or with his vision
focused on 1920 Necessary action will never
give way to pride OF words or reason to hys-
terra. He is not contradiction. tempera-
mentally or politically. In his dealings with
men and nations they will receive even
handed justice from broad, comprehensive
administration. Under him efficiency will be
the sole qualification for public service. No
action Of his will widen party riffs, nor will
factional differences, spite or favorltism con-
troll his conduct of the campaign influence
his action in office. 1t will never be said Of
him that ne was peaceful when he should
have been belligerent and belligerent when he
should have been peaceful.
ALBERT ]. ADAMS.
New York, July 10, 1916.