New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-30
Friends Of Secretary En-
couraged Despite the OPP
position of Tammany
Democrats See
Chance in State
Party Spurred to Reorgani-
cation by Success of the
Ticket in the City

the state TO unusually early activities
looking toward the gubernatorial cleo
ton next fall. Upstate Democratic
leaders who have been in the city r.
Gently declared that work had already
begun on the reorganization Of the
Democratic forces outside Of greater
New York, which are admittedly in a
chaotic state.
The early activities have been en-
coursged in some measure by evidence
gathered from various sources that the
friends of William G. McAdoo. Secre
tary Of the Treasury, are quietly work
ing in his behalf to place him in line
for the Democratic nomination for Gov
ernor. Secretary McAdoo is, of course.
Wilson Democrat, and as such is
rated as an independent" His can
didacy cannot be expected to be looked
upon with favor by the Tammany or
ganization here or the regular Demo-
cratic organization upstate.
Secretary McAdoo was in the city
last week and the report spread in po-
llLlCdl ClTCltS kIdk nc WIS iOOhlHR lIlO
the state situation. Whether that is
true or not, some of the leaders have
recently discovered McAdoo sentiment
in unexpected places in the upstate
counties. The state organization men
have other plans, and contemplate with
some nervousness the possibility of a
McAdoo machine" gathering such
strength that it might upset some of
their calculation when the time comes
for picking candidates.
No Tammany Support
As far as the New York City situa-
ton is concerned there is little fear
of any appreciate favor being shown
in regard to the possible candidacy Of
the Secretary of the Treasury. Tam
many is dead against any one or any
thing connected with the national Ad-
ministration in a political sense. There
is no question. however, of the Murphy
organizations loyalty to the President
and the government in the prosecution
Of the war.
The local tleaders declare that Mr..
McAdoo has recently been endeavering
10 curry political favor at this end
Of the state by certain appointments
through the Office of Collector of In
ternal Revenue, 70 which William II.
Euh dIOs 7 Dig OH J was dppOlH
by the President several months ago.
Several of the collectors appointments
have been made according TO advices
from Washington, II was said, and the
appointees have in no way been men
satisfactory to the local Democratic
organization. The distribution Of other
small local Federal patronage. accord
ing to the politicians. has been with
an eye TO creating McAdoo sentiment
among the independent Democrats.
The state leaders are not worrying
about any strength an independent"
candidate may develop in greater New
York. The big Tammany vote of No
vember is sufficient assurance to
them Of fture regularity and victory in
the Democratic ranks in this locality.
Their concern is more to find an
upstate candidate who will make a
strong appeal to the farmers and the
labor element, TO oppose Governor
Whitman. whose chance for renomina-
tion by the Republicans look good at
this time.
Whitman Has Enemies
The Democrats feel that Governor
Whitman has incurred disfavor among
both the agricultural and labor ele-
ments, more recently on account OF
his insistence of the appointment OF
George w. Perkins as head of the state
Food Commission, which the represent
atives of farmer constituents IN the
Legislature succeeded in defeating
This accounts, in their opinion. for the
Governors unpopularity among th'
farmers, and some Of the labor leglsIa
ton advocated by the Governor 10 sai'
TO have made enemies among the unloi
workers.
The fact that Secretary McAdoo'
friends are pushing him into the nell
OF possibilities first, may give MN
material advantage because OF the de
noralized condition of the state Dem
ocratic organization. With this ide
In mind, the first thing that the Dem
oeratic regulars will strive 20 accom-
plish is TO put the state organization
In good working order. II may mean
complete reorganization Of the Demo
cratic State Committee, with new
chairman in place Of Edwin 5. Harris
Of Saratoga County.
II is understood that Tammany Hal
will rest on It's recent laurels and no
reach out for state control, at leas
until the results Of the Reorganization
work upstate are known. Some OF th
upstate leaders said that they alresd'
had such an understanding will
Charles +. Murphy and other Tam
many sachems The Tammany leader
are busy just now in finding out wher'
they stand with Judge Hylan, th'
Msyor-elect.
Direct Primary Issue
The question Of repeating the pres
ent direct primary law by the mex
Legislature may have an importan
bearing upon the selection Of guberna
torisl candidates next year. Prominen
Republicans are strongly advocating
return 20 the old convention gystem
but Governor Whitman has expressed
himself repeatedly as opposed 70 suci
legislative action.
A prominent Tammany member o
the Senate declared recently that N
Democratic members might look w.h
favor Upon repeating the primary law
II such a thing should happen, and IN
telection Of state candidates next yea
should be left 70 conventions, II woul'
probably be the quickest method D
spjking any boom for Secretary Nc
Ado0. or any other independent candi
date, on the Democratic side.
On the other hand, GOveru1r WHIT
roan's friends believe that ho has .h'
state organization 20 we'll ~ hand the
his chances II denomination would ~
iyst as good in d convention - m h'
nr,roaries. The Governor viii begin 4
mend his bridges IN Brooklyn On Dc
eember n, when be vii! appear bcfor'
the King County Republican organ
izstlon and deliver an address. IL VII
he the Graf gun fred in the Whitman