Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-05-23
Discusses Public Questions.

| orously as I may
Discusses Public Questions.
Illumination was further thrown
upon his views on public questions
when in January. 1908, an effort was
made to boom him for the presidential
nomination. He wrote as follows in
answer to a letter from James S. Leh-
publican Club Of New York city:
L am deeply sensible of the honor
conferred upon me by my fellow-mem-
bers OF the Republican Club in the pas
sage of the resolution to which you re-
fer. and it will give me pleasure to ac-
cept the invitation. In accepting it, 1t
sition:
1T is my desire that the sentiment
OF the party shall have the freest ex-
preston, and that such action shall
be taken as will be for it's best in
terests.
Il do not seek Office nor shall I at
tempt to influence the selection or vote
OF any delegate. The state administra-
ton must continue to be impartial and
must not be tributary to any candi-
dacy.
Il have no interest in any factional
controversy, and desire above all things
that there shall be elaboration, honest
expression of the party will, and har-
mony of effort
II cannot fail to recognize the great
honor which the nomination would
confer or the obligation of service
which it would impose. Nor should l
care to be thought lacking in appre-
citation of the confidence and esteem
which prompt the efforts of those who
sincerely desire to bring 1t about. The
matter Is one for the party to decide.
and. whatever it's decision. l shall be
content.
Il shall be glad to meet with the
members of the club as you suggest.
and to make such further statement as
may be appropriate"
Candidate Hughes Platform in 1908
In response to the invitation Gov.
Hughes went to New York January 81,
and at the Republican Club made a
speech which was in the nature of a
statement of his views on the issues of
the day. speaking as a candidate for the
presidential nomination. Among other
other things he said:
But when, in justice to those who
have honored me with their confidence
and to the party which, as we all desire
should act freely and with full infor-
nation. it becomes duty to speak.
have no desire to remain silent. Nor
should 1 in any event care to preserve
availability at the expense of candor.
Having stated these principles, ]
shall define briefly my position with re-
gard to certain particular questions.
There is no matter of greater I'M
portance than the conservation and de-
velopment of our natural resources. 1t
is of the most urgent necessity that our
forests should be protected. and that
these priceless treasures should be pre-
served from ruthless destruction. All
the property of the people should De
safeguarded from spoliation. 1 am also
deeply interested in the developmen mt
of inland waterways, to provide IN
creased and adequate facilities for our
growing commerce. We should further
do all in our power to extend the area
of productive activity through lrrlsa-
ton and suitable plans OF reclamation
The common right in our public lands
should be protected from encroachment
and wherever governmental power may
properly be exercised. the sole object
should be the promotion of the general
welfare. and all schemes OF rapaclty
should be frustrated.
Opposes Government Ownership.
IT do not believe in governmental
ownership of railroads. But regula-
ton of interstate transportation is es-
sential to protect the people from I'M
| lust Determinations and to secure safe
adequate and impartial service upon
reasonable terms, in accordance with
the obligations of common carriers. In
order to have supervision which is
both thorough and just an administra-
tive board is necessary. / may assume
that my attitude with regard to this
matter is SO we'll understood through
my recommendat lions in relation to the
enactment of the public service COM
| missions law in this state that an ex-
tended statement is unnecessary.
IT approve the recent extension OF
| the authority of the interstate COM
merce commission by what is known
as the rate bill, and I believe that the
| commission should have the most am