The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-06-21
HUGHES OR WILSON?
George Haven Putnam. an lndepen-
dent Voter. Tells why He viii
Support the Republican Candidate.

"PPV
To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN-Sir: In
the coming Presidential election the IN
dependent voter. the man who refuses
to permit his vote to be finally con-
trolled by the authority OF n politi-
cal party. will he called upon to make
- choice between two candidates., each
of whom presents certain well rounded
claims for his support. II is not often
that our voters have had the opportunity
of choosing bctween candidates whose
! character and careers have given evil
dcnce of such assured ability and 10
hgh a standard OF citizenship. Whether
the next President he Mr.. Wilson or
Judge Hughes. the country may he as
sured that its affairs during the next
four years will he in the hands OF a
man of nigh purpose. u assured patri-
otism, and. as has not always been the
case with American Presidents. OF in
iellectual cminence and OF mental
training.
The supporters OF President Wilson
are able to point 10 certain achieve
mcnts during his past term which nave
been of Importance for the honor and
welfare of the country and which en-
title him to the respect and appreciation
of patriotic American citizens. Among
these may he specified the repeal OF the
Panama tolls act. the reduction of the
tariff and the organization Of a ma
tional financial system. The citizens
may also he sympathetic with the Iresi-
dents desire to preserve the United
States from the burdens and the hor-
rots of war. \ large body or Ameri-
cans have. however, found ground for
question. for criticism. and even for In
d|ignation. at what has seemed 10 them
To- be n fatal weakness in the framing
and IN the enforcement OF a national
policy.
These Americans say that under the
leadership of the President and his as
suciates in the Cabinet the United
states has failed to secure for United
states citizens the protection to which
they were entitled. They say further
that under the came vacillating and
timid leadership the United states has
failed to fuliil its duty In the matter
Of the maintenance of the rights Of neu-
tai states and IN the protection not
only Of American citizens but OF nom
cumbatauts generally. They feel that
the Administration. and the Democratic
party behind the Administration. In
their lack of full understanding OF the
nature NJ our national obligations have
called to take prompt. consistent and
effective action for the organization OF
our national resources and that as the
result Of the long delay in beginning
the preparation for such organization
and the ~inadequacy OF the measures
finally adopted the reputation OF the
nation has suffered and We have been
called upon TO accept, alike from Mex
leo and frNm Berlin. communications
Which were a combination of childish
ness and insoiencc. These citizens believe
that such weakness and vacillation, in
stead OF protecting the country against
War. increase the risk OF wal and add
enormously TO the peril of defeat and
modification II war should result.
TIT President has from the begin
n.ng been willing to carry on the Gov
eminent with a weak Cabinet. and in
res"rving to himself. as he has done so
largely, the decisions as to the actions
"i the Administration ne must accept
the full responsibility for the results
OF such actions. There is legitimate
criticism also on the grounds Of the
Hclf-suihciency OF the President. A
trained man ought to recognize his own
limitations. and should not depend upon
ms own authority in matters in which
he has not had experience. The Presi-
dent has repeatedly refused to accept
counsel and Information from parties
Who had authority and direct knowl-
edge. HIS refusal, for instance. to give
consideration to information from
Americans who were familiar with
Mexican conditions has uudafbt.ily
added to the difficulties OF his Mexican
policy. His refusal to listen to the
opinions OF the business interests as
presented through unanimous protests
"f the chambers Of through
out the country hos given to the mer-
chants the conviction that MIR Wilson
vas IN matters affecting business an
unsafe leader and a dangerous ruler.
itis persistence in pushing. IN opposi-
ton To the protests of the chambers OF
'IiHinerce and of business men gener-
ally, the absurd shipping bill ca bill
mat has not even the merit of be.ng in
l'ne with old time Democratic policy as
10 t." inAdviSability Of connecting gov
.fnnleht with husiness) is perhaps the
most distinctive example Of a dangerous
SuhJeStiNity.
Judge Hughes has carried out with
exceptional efficiency, an assured integ-
tlty OF purpose and Of action and dis
tlhctit" success all Of the responsible
Ties that nave been placed upon him.
Tie has had experience in executive
work. and he has given evidence of pos
sessiHs not only a trained mind but
" JUDICIAL temperament Independents
VINO IKE myself. are believers In free
''hn" VIII Rave the annoyance in sup
porting JUDGE Hughes that they are
S'NIhS n vote in favor OF the mainte-
nance or n protective system which rhey
u'leNe 10 he demoralizing alike In It's
'hniehce upon business on the one hand
ana upon legislation on the other The
theory mat there can be a business ad-
AIIfIon n a. ~ >ha "