New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-17
Facing the Facts.


There are certain facts in the present
political situation in this state that must
be faced squarely by every Republican who
desires to see Mr.. Hughes elected this fall.
II is a matter of common agreement
that a strong nomination for Governor
will help Mr.. Hughes and weak one
materially injure his chances of carrying
this state. There is, then, plain reason
why all Republicans should desire to see
strong nomination made.
Such nomination will not be made II
one group of Republican politicians under
take to attack Governor Whitman. for pur-
noses of their own and in the interests Of
their own political fences or in order to
nav old grudges and take revenge for real
or fanced grievances.
In exactly the same way the general he
publican cause will not be helped II other
Republican politicians insist upon the re-
nomination of Governor Whitman because
he looks with favor upon their leadership
and. if renominated and reelected, will
contribute to strengthening their political
influence.
The Tribune prefers Republican Or
canization in this state directed by Her
bert Parsons and those who are associated
with him to an organization controlled by
William Barnes. But it would regard 1t
as a singularly unfortunate thing If the
question of the denomination Of Governor
Whitman should turn on the effect such a
denomination might have upon the fort
unes Of one group or the other.
Governor Whitman's claim to renomi-
nation should be weighed on the merits or
dement's of his administration and upon
his strength or weakness as a vote getter,
himself. and as vote getter for Mr..
hughes. The Tribune has no sympathy
with any attempt to "side-track" Cover
ror Whitman because he has not proved
satisfactory to Mr. Barnes. The fact that
Governor Whitman supported Mr.. Hughes
before and at the Chicago convention, as
he had a right to do does not enter into
any discussion of the matter. The Tribune
favored another nomination at Chicago
II was beaten and it has accepted the de-
cision of the national convention without
any reservations, so far as Governor Whit
man is concerned.
But if the question of the nomination of
the Republican candidate for Governor in
this state in this Presidential year is to be
decided solely with regard to the effect the
nomination will have upon party leader
ship and party control The Tribune be-
lieves that a mistake will be made that
may have disastrous effects, by no means
limited to the state campaign.
Inc uOSS HOJ dSSOCldJS lJSell
with any effort on the part of Mr.. Barnes
to regain control of the party machinery.
1t has opposed him and it will continue to
oppose him. 1t is not interested in any
opposition to Governor Whitman that
flows from previous quarrels between Col
onel Roosevelt and Governor Whitman. 1t
recalls that it was the courage and clear
vision of Herbert Parsons, more than any
thing else, which achieved the nomination
of Mr.. Hughes in Saratoga in 1906 and
saved the state from Hearst.
The business of Republican leadership
in this state in this campaign is to carry
the state, first for Mr.. Hughes and then
for its nominee for Governor. Will re-
nominating Governor Whitman be the best
means of accomplishing both these things
This is the sole question before the party
to-day, and it ought to be faced squarely,
not forgotten in the confusion of petty
parochal politics and rival personal am
billions.
An Investigation Necessary.