The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-06-17
SEATTLE. WEDNESDAY. JUNE 4
PLAT THE poiiTrcIAS.

n seems A. II the whole success Of .
politician depended upon the faculty OF
belng able TO do the right thing AZ ths
right time. This Is not so simple as i looks.
ss many political failures have discovered
A few days ago II looked as II ex-senator
Plat would be utterly diacredited by the
success OF william Mckinley. because
Platt has stood out alone OF all the politi-
cal leaders. Quay, Maniey. cailom. Brad
ley and every other leader OF a movement
for another nominee than Mckinley Rad
practically abandoned their opposition. u
"a even probable that II the New York del
egatlou had remained quiet, McSiniey
would have been nominated without the
aid OF thai state. the vice presidency would
have gone to some other state and the
anti-riatf elemen. In New York would
have been In control during the next four
years.
but Warner Miller wanted 10 have
night. and no wanted II right now" and
ne wanted TO figure as the leader against
tho ..boss." to be McKlniey'a true and re-
liable friend. He made hls figh, and WAS
10 badly thrown that Plat Immediately
became a conspicuous figure. and the re-
snlt is said 10 be that Mr.. Platt Is to have
the naming of the candidate for vice
president.
We sometimes hear OF q man owning"
. delegation: but II is not possible that
Nr. piats can own q majority OF the state
Of New YORK, and II Is even more iEnpos-
sible that he can own a majority OF the
delegates 10 the national convention. lie
owes his power entirely TO the shrewdness
with which he divines the trend OF poll
tics and TO the personal condolences with
which hs inspires men. Politics IL usu-
ally associated with deception and trick
cry: Piatts strongest points are that no
never breaks promise and never de-
csives. whether he shall talk or be silent
depends upon circumstances. but when he
does talk II 10 the truth as he knows 1t.
and everybody who knows him Is salts
Ned to trust him.
The trouble bstwsen Piatt and Miller Is
Of old standing. Sixteen years ago. In
1850, PIatt was United States senator frern
the state OF New York. together with
Roscoe conkiing. Plat was aiongsiis
Gen. Arthur when tho proposition was
had just been nominated 10 the presidency.
that New York state could havs
ths naming OF the candidate for
vice president Platt was the leader
OF the party then almost as he Is
today. conkiing urged Arthur 20 decline.
but piatt favored his acceptance: Arthur
accepted ana became president OF the
United States. conkiing and rlatt after
wards resigned from the United States
senate. conkllng. IN his impesuosity. de-
cidsd upon tina. course and Plat loyalty
3eaned him. although. with his shrewtier
insight into politics. his Judgment vas
against n. His view OF the situation
proved 10 be the correct one. ana Elbsldge
q. Lapham was elected in conkling's place
ana Warner Miller in rlatrs. Mr.. Miller
served out the unexpired term and that
was the END Of him. lie has been more
or less active IN politics ana has been
elected national delegate on the same
tickle, with rlati before. bat Il has always
been with mlssivinE that II ne ever
saw a good chance 20 throw" Plat. no
would take advantage OF a. The oppor-
fanity seemed 20 come with McKinicv'a ap-
rsren, triumph ana piatts apparent de-
feat Warner MiileT-who fer maay years
was known as 'wooa Pulp" Muier--svi-
IDENTITY calculated that Piatt had been dis
credited. that Miller eoali name the chair
man OF the delegation. ana his reward
would Re selection for the vIce presidency.
Ills judgment proved faulty. and the con-
test re 40 unwisely prscipitaled resulted
IN making Flass the most eenspicaeas nsa
Of all the delegates 70 The eonvcauon. ard
bringing TO htm the respectful approaches
of the Mckinley managers
The attitude OF DeRsw u net a. arm a.
might have been expected Miller no
doubt told the truth when re sata gaas
Deaew ha1 glvsn hssn &c understand that
he was willing 20 ss chairman % the aele-
CATION. ITS silence when his raals vas
proposed and Mnisr's subsequent assertion
that re hsa asked l9sasw to ac,srt ths
nomination ard that q HAS been accepted
carry more conviction thar Mr Dersw's
subsequent explanation thar Miller ia
naisunaeTstoS3 BITS position.
Either Mr.. pepew or Mr. Miller wog'a
deprecass being called polgtlciAns. .ss
the treachery Of TIRE ere ana the APPARENT
prevartes;iea OF Al lesss vaegliatson ~ tas
ether, are IN marked contrast g the Frsa-
lase. eonslsten, asa straightforward soa-
aaes - rls,t. TIE politician