New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-15

lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TkibCNE.J
Albany. Jan. f4.-Thomas C. Plat has named
himself for United States Senator. In 1881 It
might have been said with truth that majorl-
ty Of the Republican members OF the Legislature
selected him as their candidate for Senator, but
In 1897 the process was reversed. Mr.. Plat In
structed the Republican Senator'S and Assembly
men to select him, and they obeyed his orders
There never has been in Albany a Legislature
completely under the domination OF a po-
litical machine.
What has caused the change OF conditions In
the Legislature since 1881 has been the enormous
increase Of State patronage. In 1881 the states
expenditures were only little more than 3d.
100000. Under the fostering care Of Grover
Cleveland. David b. Hill and Roswell p. Flower
they expanded until they have now reached
total Of $21 OOOOOO and large part OF them are
salaries OF officials.
Mr.. Plat gained control OF the State patronage
in 1895. at what seemed it's extreme limit OF ex-
panson. but the State Excise Department has
since been created. For two years he has had
practically the naming OF the heads of all the
State Departments. 1t is not surprising. from a
politicians point Of view. that Mr.. Plat. with
this gigantic patronage at his command should
have been able to name most Of the Republican
candidates for Senator in 1895, and an exceed
1896. When the Republican Senator's and AS
semblymen gathered in the Assembly Chamber
tonight it was known to everybody present thai
Mr. Plat would be nominated for Senator Not
withstanding this fact. the friends Of Joseph H.
Choate resolved to present his name to the eau
Gus, and cast their votes for him.
A PERFUNCTORY AFFAIR
The Assembly Chamber crowded with the
nOliticianS of Albany but there were few pres-
tnt from elsewhere in the State This lack OF
popular interest in the affair showed that It
realized that the caucus would be mechap-
cal. and utterly lacking in the dramatic features
which accompany real contests over Senator
ships A few of Mr.. Choates friends, among
them William d. Guthrie and Edward Mitchell,
occupied seats In the gallery.
Previous to the meeting Of the caucus Mr..
Platt's lieutenants held a private conference
in the Senate Library. and decided that they
would not make any speeches putting him in
nomination.
Senator Ellsworth called the caucus to order
and nominated Senator Parsons, of Rochester.
for chairman. Senator Parsons was elected by
an unanimous vote. and was escorted to the
chair by Senator White and Assemblyman
Wagstaff. On motion Of Assemblyman Upper
the caucus then selected Senator Stranahan and
stranahan called the roll of the Senator'S and
1t was found that all were present, except sena-
tor Wray whose absence was due to A railroad
accident He arrived soon after adjournment,
and said he would have voted for Mr.. Platt
had he been present. Assemblyman Austin
called the roll of the Assemblymen, ard IL was
noticed that he included In the list Frederick
A. Robbins, the Independent Republican from
Allegany County. Only one AssembyHan was
absent. Mr.. Mackey. of Delaware County. VINO
had been excused on account of the death OF
his father
BRUSH NOMINTES CHOATE
Senator George W. Brush, of Kings County.
made the speech quitting MIR. Choate in romiha-
ton. He said:
rise to present the name OF candidate 10 tne
gentlemen OF this caucus. Before presenting ina.
name let me say that whatever the result Oh the
deliberation of this caucus shall be. propose As d
Republican, 10 stand by IL l believe III ,ccosnniiSn
nothing training of four years in military ser
vice taught the necessity for unity OF ae, n4
taught also the necessity for ledaeis au
believe in leaders but do not believe IN ae'tIV ,
We have laid upon US tonight Solemn q, u SeS
Nor az this great Nation We should nominate Z
man who is above reproach man oil vho 10 in
hearty sympathy with that great statesman wn nan
have elected to the office r Of pobod MIN in his
purpose to work for the salvation or TINS cou"''
nd TO
or any man whose name has been spoken OIL 10.
the office Of sen ot d M,sn Who believe mis-
every condition which will be required OF Senaor
Oft the pubc duty Should here to-nsh
In the choosing of this man we snou n1Iadance ~
the o not propose to weary you with an extended
man who / think will fill every requlemheIh, comnt
nay srea honor q that 70 this e3p
Gus the name of man who is well known IN ,nIs
1ass w sna w FsDv VIII Se a
senator II elected to that bonor To- w' to Vote for
New York
Assemblyman Sanger. of Oneida. seconded the
omir alton in the following speech:
Among the priceless hertages which have come
to US from the earliest days Of the great parry 20
y, wh or Toeal lie the fullest and freest exercise
and expression of individual Judgment consistens
HARMONY r With that spirit second the nomination
Of Mr. Choate. because believe that his ability
a and the senate Of tine United Nv
OF Mr. choa,es fitness is based not only up upon ms
lfcations derived from friendship OF nearly TWEEN,
~ a dIrns e, " wh h shall take
pleasure I'm casting my vote IN TINS caucus TOT
ognize his high personal character; and ! belieys
that he is in every way aua;nd TO per,o ,in me
the people Of the State.
THE VOTE TAKEN.
This ended the speechmaking. Senator Raines.
after inquiring with a sheer II any one else de-
sired to deliver speeches in behalf OF Mr..
Choate and receiving no reply. moved that the
caucus should at express its choice for
Senator The motion prevailed and the voting
be gan.
or the $40 votes cast. Mr.. Plat received 142-
40 Assemblymcn and 81 Senator's
Mr. Choate received only : votes. but this
was four more than Mr. Patt's friends had fig
ured out for him. His supporters Sena-
tors Brush. of Brooklyn Pavey. OF New-York.
and Tibbits OF Rensselaer,. and Assemblymen
Bates of Tompkins: Lambeer. of New-York:
Robbins Of Allegany and Sanger. OF oneida.
Some surprise manifested when Senator
ribbIts who represents Gov ernor Blacks dis
rict voted Cor Choate.
Senator Brush then arose and said: Il move