Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1888-12-27
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An Excellent PEN Sketch of Plat,
Miller, Hiscocik, and Depews

VIEW YoRK's POLITICAL BIG -FOUR
Ana Excellent PEN Sketch of Plat,
Miller, EAiscocix, and DepeNs
Everybody has heard Of New York's
political "Big Fourn and their doings,
says The New York Commercial Adgerttse'-
of December 18th, but comparatively few
pers ma know anything of the personal
characteristics of those gentlemen, ex-
cept, perhaps, Chauncey M. Depew.
A good opportunity to study the per-
sonaity Of the three most active members
of the "Big Four" was offered last even
ing at the Fifth avenue hotel. On sofa,
in the dark corner just of thu reading
room, sat Thomas o. Plat, the king-pin
of the bosses. A gentleman with gray
beard, hailing from the interior OF the
state, was sitting beside him talking
earnestly, but in low voice. An OBJ
server, who did not know the couple,
would think that tue silent, weak little
man was some sort Of enploye Of the
| other and was resolving instructions. He
| bowed his head deferentislly several
times, seemed TO answer only in mono
syllables, and rarely allowed his eyes to
be elevated to his companion'H face. But
| those eyes were all the same keeping D
close watch on group of men down near
| the clerks desk
No one would think that that meek lit
tie man, with sctssgy beard, modest eyes
and round shoulders, could hold the Re-
publican party Of thiS state in his pocket
and make or unmRke the political career
of the big man who was talking to him.
| Yet such is the case. Mr.. Platt's de-
mesnor was his usual one. He is not a
talker. He hos not particle of human
magnetism. He has no sffectionate per-
sonal following, as in the case Of nearly
every other leader with anything like his
power. But he 10 a mighty good listener
and he puts what he hears to the best
possible use. He attracts men, not by
his charms Of mind, person or manner,
but by demonstrating to them by cold
facts that it is to their Interest to follow
him. His great wealth. his ability Oh an
organizer, and hia sagscious judgment Of
men and the Significance of political
events have given him O hold on the
party such Us has not been in the grasp
Of any other man for many years. While
he corld not, probably, obtain any i'm
portant elective Office in the gift of the
people, he can make the representatives
OF those same people bow to hia will ia
conventions which do the nominating
work. Thus he makes il an object u Gil
men seeking political distinction to gain
his favor. He believes in the principle
that Beit-interest il the lever that moves
the world and works wholly on that prin-
oiple. He presents the curious paradox
of man without friends having as his
adherents big msjority OF the le9ders OF
his party in this state. IL Mr.. Platl's
J manner, whom comforting with the lead
ers, were translated into words, 1t would
: be something Like this 81 know you
: don't like me much and can't say have
great affection for you. But ii is TO youl
interest to support me and ii Is to my in.
terest to have you in the rank Of my sup
porters,"
: In his leadership Mr.. Piatt is not arhi
irary in words, anyhow. He is, in fact
+, deferential, but the Difference covers al
$ iron will aud an invincible determination
While the observer ia making this stud,
: OF Mr.. Plat, Warner Miller 10 the ceniYt
9 Of o group of admirers Just In front o
! the clerk's desk No air OF secrecy hang
d about his conversation. he stands there
Q finely pYoportioned, handsome man
Q seeming in person o born leader OF tn
i people. His massive head ia throw
9 back and his hands are clasped behind hi
/ back. he forms good antithesis to Mr.
Plat in person and in methods Of politi
y cal procedure. He is not an organizer
}, Ee lacks the mechanical ability TO con
/ struet machine. He makes friend
:, wherever he goss--real personal friends
!; but he cannot group them together TO
It political action. He has considerable
X personal magnetism and can be delight
l. fully interesting when he wishes to be so
J. Lately, however, and last night notics
,, ably, his face wore bored expression
n The cause of this was probably that th,
% everlasting cabinet talk was being dinnet
); into his ears. Mr. Miller 10 generou
q liver, while Mr.. PIatt borders on tn
I. ascetic. The former, NOT withstanding hi
love for high license, empties bottle o
wine with pleasure OF dinner, while tn
latter sips single glass. Miller dresse
), we'll at all times Platt's holiday apparel
= worn when there are big companies at tn
Fifth avenue hotel, consists OF q Primo
II Albert coat very much too big for him
II trousers that shine somewhat and bag q
n the kaees, aud shoes thnt show little or
Ge on the part OF the bootblack. Miller in
to vites by his appearance Plat rspels
q The one looks like the leader of his party
y the other is the actual occupant of tina
I. position.
Il Near by Mr.. Miller stood Senator His
h cook, the least among the "Big Four,
4. He has come to be only shadow o
as Plat. He is the hRndsomest OF the -four
r his only personal defect being slight
7, stopped shoulders. He is good taIkel
- vigorous handshaker and pleasant ger
"a erally. his personal following is SINAI
D but faithful.
lie ChGuncsy nj. Depew was not in th
l. corridors--but every New Yorker know
him Or knows a good deal about him. i.