New-York tribune., 1918-04-08
Upstate Leaders
Laying Plans to
Combat Hearst
Opposition Candidates Will
Be Considered at Syra-
cuse Conference

With the possible candidacy of w. r..
Hearst on the Democratic ticket for
Governor next fail looming larger on
the political horizon, it was learned in
political circles here yesterday that a
concentrated get-togcther movement of
opposing Democrats throughout the
state is crystallizng rapidly. The mat
ter of "sidetracking" Hearst will be
left for the present in the hands of
the upstate Democratic leaders, because
it is conceded generally that an up
state candidate is essential for Demo-
ton.
Even those in the state organization
who arc not opposed to the candidacy
of Mr.. Hearst, and they reside for the
most part in this end Of the state, are
inclined to believe that an upstate man
would be stronger candidate against
Governor Whitman. Naturally, Tam
many Hall is not openly declaring itself
against the Hearst boom, at least so
early in the game, because of the
recent municipal election when Mr..
Hearst put Mayor Hylan over and
thereby gave the Tammany organiza-
tion an opportunity to rchabilitate it.
self in the city Offices. Charles f. MUIR
ply is noncommittal, but is understood
to have raised no objection to the anti
Hearst manmuvrcs Of the upstate lead
crS.
Tammany appears to be at present
the state situation, as the organization
was in the city campaign. Tammany did
not want Judge Hylan, but was forced
to take him by the threats of Hearst
tc complicate matters by entering the
field himself. Now Hearst is strongly
intrenched, and if he insists upon run
ming for Governor, the Murphy organi-
zation may be compelled TO support
him.
Just at present Tammany leaders, as
we'll as Democrats throughout the state,
are looking forward eagerly to the con-
ference of upstate leaders, called to
meet at Syracuse on April "a. The
Hearst situation is expected to be
cleared considerably at that meeting.
It will be purely a conference of up
state leaders, however, but with a GER
tain amount of approval of whatever
action is taken by The local organiza-
1t is understood the upstate leaders
will not attempt to handle Mr. Hearst
harshly by name, but that they are
prepared to trot out q number of favor
it, sons from above The Bronx, among
whom they will insist the next candi-
date should be selected Practically
the same gathering of leaders, led by
Joseph j. Murphy, of Troy, leader Of
Rensselaer, County, and former State
r. Harvey Ferris, of Utica, met several
weeks ago in Utica. Since that time
several of the leaders have visited Mr..
Murphy here, and also are understood
to have talked with Mr.. Hearst
Harris Suggests ZAP Smith
Edwin S. Harris, chairman of the
Democratic State Committee, who at
tended the Utica conference and is ex-
p"ctcd to be on hand at Syracuse, sur
prised the political leaders yesterday
by suggesting Alfred f. Smith, prcsi-
dent of the Board Of Aldermen, and one
o. the murphy boys" MS the best fitted
to make the gubernatorial race. Chair
man Harris modified his statement,
however, by declaring that, while he
firmly believed" the next Governor
would be II Democrat, he regretted
chat partisan prejudice will probably
prevent communicating Mr.. Smith"
Mr. Harris declared that it was very