New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-19
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MORE TALK OF ROBERTS.
BELIEF IN ALBANY THAT HE is LIKELY
TO SUCCEED ALDRIDGE.
SIGNIFICANT RETIcENCE AS TO HIS INTERviE"
WITH COLONEL ROOSEVELT HIS STRENGTH
AS PJ;BLIC OFFICIAL.
TBY rELrcR,ru TO THE rRrsuygl

AS Py'BLIC OFFICIAL.
GBY rELEcRhrH TO THE rRrBUyE.l
Albany Dec. 1S.-Despite reports from New-
York to-day that James ~. Roberts, the Sta'e
Controller. no l)nger being considered Dy
Governor-elect Roosevelt for appointment as
Superintendent Of Public Works. prominent Re
publicans here said this afternoon their IN
formation was that Mr. Roosevelt was more
likely to appoint Mr. Roberts than any one else
to the office named. Ex-senator Francis Hem
dricks. they ACKNOWLEDGED. was no longer TO
be regarded possible appointee TO the
place and Alfred T. White. former Commits
sioner of Public Works Of Brooklyn, had stated
that he unwilling to assume IT,
Mr.. Roberts. they said in different sit
uation. Even after he had stated that he had
decided 10 withdraw from public life in conse-
quence OF business engagements. Colonel Roose-
welt had requested him to come to oyster Bay.
There was not likely TO be any other purpose
on the part of Colonel Roosevelt than to offer
him the post of Superintendent OF Public Works.
Another indication of change In the situation
50 far Mr.. Roberts concerned was that
he now declined to talk about the Office OF
Superintendent of Public Works or to give any
particulars OF his visit TO Colonel Roosevelt.
large number OF Republicans, especially
members Of the legislature, have recommended
To Colonel Roosevelt the appointment Of Mr..
Roberts on the ground that the voters Of the
state esteem him in consequence Of his highly
successful conduct Of the Office OF Controller
during the last I'VE years. and would put a trust
in his administration Of the Canal Department
which they would not give to any other man.
The problem Of the incoming Governor is to
give confidence to the voters of the state that
the money appropriated for the maintenance
and improvement of the canals is being expend-
ed wisely and with absolute honesty. Governor
and Legislature will have to decide what course
TO take with a large number OF half executed
canal contracts. involving further expenditure
Of 81. T31 600. Then there remains the still more
serious question of deciding whether canal work
not let 10 any contractor, amounting 10 $500
ooo shall be undertaken. II undertaken, 1t
would bring up the total cost OF the canal i'm
proyement TO S2l 33.32i 3d
With Mr. Roberts Superintendent Of Pub
lie Works the canal Improvement advocates
agree the voters Of the State, II the question OF
further expenditures should be submitted 70
them, would give their consent to the PROPOSE
ton. IT Is quite possible that the proposition TO
complete the canal improvement Will he sub
mitted to the voters Of the State next November.
That is the suggestion Of the Canal Improve
ment Union.
The retention Of Mr. Roberts IN public life
after his five years of experience as Controller.
leading Republicans say would unquestionably
be for the Interest Of the State, as he Is thor
oughly acquainted with the states financial
affairs and could give Governor Roosevelt most
earnest and Well-informed assistance in any
plans he might form to reduce the expenses Of
the Canal Department. we'll as other depart
ments. There has been extravaganza in many
state departments and bureaus in late years.
| and Governor Roosevelt will have fine oppor-
tunity to the people Of the State a large
! sum of money.