Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-27
light the many wrongs that our govern
mcnt has uttered from incompetence, ia
voritism, and collusion.
RoosEyELT cHAsED.

IL Is one thing to face the enemy In
battle array. but another TO face heart
less tax collector. Colonel Roosevelt
won great chunks OF honor and glory
in the Santiago campaign, but recent
revelations go TO show that on two oc-
casions he was put to Night by unarmed
myrmidons OF the law.
Several years ago, when he was sup-
posed 10 be a resident OF Oyster Bay, n.
Y, the assessment upon his personal cs-
tate was increased from 5000 TO $4,000,
whereupon, he declared that be was
resident OF the city OF New York.
That released him from the clutches of
the Collector of the bivalvulous city. A
few years thereafter he removed to Wash
ington TO discharge the duties OF
civil service commissioner and there he
stayed more than four years. Then he
returned to New York. This year QSsS)
ne was assessed for personal property
in New York-unfairly assessed. ne
claims-and in consequence thereon ne
made an affidavit that he was resident
OF Washington, where he held the ONCE
of Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
That Washington affidavit Is what IS
giving Roosevelt trouble now. II he at
any time during the past five years lost
his residence" in the State Of New
York. he is not now eligible for the Office
OF Governor.
1t is thoroughly understood that Tom
Plat has rendered Colonel Roosevelt the
Republican nomination, and 1t is equally
well understood that Roosevelt has ac-
cepted It. Nor will Mr.. Platt consent TO
be stopped by the residence question.
Chauncey Depew will make the nomi-
mating speech, at Saratoga, and then the
Hon. Elihu Root, a lawyer of eminence,
will discuss the legal point involved.
1t all turns upon the intention Of
Roosevelt. and we are informed that let
tiers written by him at the time the am
davit was made show that he never IN
tended TO abandon his residence in the
city OF New York 1t is also asserted
that Roosevelt gave his attorney positive
instructions not to file the affidavit If 1t
would bring in question his citizenship
in New York. However, the affidavit
was filed, and hence must now be ex-
planned.
II puts the gallant Rough Rider in an
awkward position, but he will be nomi-
mated all the same. Mr.. Plat has given
his word that IT shall be done and Platt's
promise. supported by the great wave Of
popularity that Roosevelt now enjoys,
will make success sure.
In ordinary times it might be that the
Republicans OF New York would be dis
trustful Of leader who is so "timor-
some" about meeting tax collector; but
the Colonels military achievements will
be made TO condone that fault. Besides,
there are a great many other New York
people who dodge taxation. Indeed, we
cannot doubt that if the Colonel could
command the undivided support of this
class he could be easily nominated and
elected over any other candidate. no
matter how good his record might be.
SO we may expect soon TO hear that
Roosevelt is the Republican nominee.
The independents" have also offered
him their nomination, but he has de-
clined it. That has made the Indepen-
dents angry. Now, they are "agin'
him. They say they thought he was an
Independent. but that they find him ready
to wear Platt's collar, etc, etc.
AS for the Democratic nomination,
there are some indications that it may
80 TO Mr.. w. r. Hearst, the editor ind
proprietor of the Journal But that is by
no means decided upon. Mr. Hearst has
many friends, and not few enemies.
within the party. Again, the Democrats
of New York do not appear to be any
thing like a unit as to the platform that
ought TO be adopted. II is a question
with them how far the Chicago platform
ought to be endorsed and reaffirmed.
And so the political situation in the State
of New York is interesting, If not in
structive.