New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-10-30
Questions and Answers


,et,es from Mr.. Ellery Sedgwick, the
editor Of "The Atlantic Monthly:
To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Will you allow New England
voter to look to you for correct inf>r-
mationl
Since the present campaign began
it has been my privilege, in common
with most Of my fellow-citizens, to
listen to many discussions as TO the
adyisability Of electing the Republican
or the Democratic candidate. Like
most men, l have come to regard suca
ouadrennial disputations as a very
valuable part Of my political education'
but, TO my disappointment, the current
debate has been hampered by the fact
that the followers of Mr.. Hughes have
in every instance which happens to
have come under my observation been
unable to assert just what are the
principles Of their champion on sub
iects conceded by all parties to be OF
immediate and large Importance.
The candidates frequent adoption OF
the terms correct policies" and
"Americanism" as defining his own
position seems TO many observers to
intensity the convictions of his follow
ers without corresponding enlighten-
ment. II will be granted, think, that
the coalition supporting the Republi-
can ticket is made up of large bodies
Of men who think very variously upon
these subjects, and the voter Of indie
pendent mind is not unnaturally con-
fused as TO the all-important question
OF Mr.. Hughes's own convictions.
Under these unusual circumstances,
is II not fair that The Tribune, a paper
of distinguished antecedents, which has
on many historic occasions preached
correct Republican doctrine and which,
during the present campaign, has
shown great vigor and frmness Of
conviction, should answer clearly and
tersely q few questions not designed
by their phrasing 10 catch or trip, but
70 elicit genuine and much-needed in
formation?
l. Mr.. Hughes declares that he favors
a new and consistent" policy toward
Mexico which shall protect American
lives and property. His most prominent
supporter, Colonel Roosevelt, who has
an acknowledged genius in shaping the
issues Of a political campaign, makes a
passionate demand for the employment
OF force in our dealing with the south
ern republic, and certainly creates the
impression that in so doing he is voic-
ing the determination Of the Republi-
can party.
Is it not fair. then, 70 ask whether,
under existing conditions. Mr. Hughes
believes In active Intervention in
Mexico,
2. Regarding our foreign policy, Mr..
Hughes has broken through his usual
feticence by making fat statement at
Philadelphia. I'VE do not propose 10
tolerate any improper interference with
legitimate commercial intercourse. No
American who is exercising only Amer
lean rights shall be put on any black
list By any foreign nation"
This statement has but one apparent
significance. II Great Britain continues
hsr present policy Mr.. Hughes will, as
President attempt TO coeree her by
placing an embargo on munitions for
the Allies. Does Mr.. Hughes really
mean 81
3. The Adamson bill Is the subject OF
Dir. Hughes's determined attacks.
Within year the provisions Of that
bill automatically expire. The Presi-
Dent has set forth his definite pro-
rramme on this subject with much
clarity. Mr. Hughes has a creed. He
believes in arbitration" but has he a
programmed
4. Hr. Hughes has hrraigned Mr..
Wilson's measures for aiding the
American merchant marine. Does Nr
Hughes believe in ship subsidies?
g. Mr. Hughes has spoken disparag-
ingly Of the Federal Reserve law. How
does he wish that law amended?
9. Mr. Hughes secentuates bis own
"Amerieanisrn." Does that American
ian" imply compulsory military ser
yieel
The list % queries might be extend
ed 20 greater length, but will no,
maize further demands upon your
space. 7 simply submit II Ia o1traordi-
nary that after he has made several
seors Of speeches such general doubt