New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-07
the question hitherto; but there Is still time TOT
n thorough and deliberate discussion pefore IL
can possibly come to n popular vote
Mr.. pLATT's OPPORTUNITY.

4 Tribune correspondent at the Saratoga
Convention few days ago wrote that in re-
sponding to the popular desire for the nomina-
tion of Colonel Roosevelt Mr.. Platt had made
himself the leader Of the anti-Platt movement.
If il Is true. as reported that Mr.. Plat intends
TO favor the election of Joseph ii. Choate or
some other man of equal character and ability
TO the United States Senate In case the Republi-
cans have majority in the next Legislature
our correspondents remark would seem to be
truer than even Mr.. Platt's support of Colonel
Roosevelt and his recent cOnciliatOry attitude
toward the Republicans who last year supported
Seth Low indicated. BY seeking to put such
men in office and to commend the Republican
party to the favor Of honest. intelligent people
Mr. Platt will indeed place himself in line with
what have been called the anti-Platt forces and
secure for the organization under his leadership
n popular support such as 1t has never known
The Anti Machine movement in the Republic
can party, the movement which in this state
Mr. Plat regarded as so antagonistic TO his own
policy that he compelled IL TO take the form or
an anti-Platt movement. has been rebellion
against petty politics and narrow minded lead
ership which drove from active participation In
party affairs the best men In the community
little politicians whose only thought was their
own profit who knew little and cared less about
commencing the party to popular favor or of
making 1t an instrument for public good. From
time to time such rebellions against party lead
ers who forget the true object of parties are
necessary, and they generally bring party or
CARNATIONS TO their senses. The 10000 votes
cast for Seth Low last fall have evidently
Tbo,- irda Mr. "a
that the Republican party. TO be a success. must
rise above the small and selfish ambitions OF
those who conducted its machinery and well
come TO its councils the ROOsevelts and Lows
and Choates and Swaynes and Roots instead of
driving them away to give free swing TO ward
heelers. The first sign of repentance came when
Mr. Plat, instead Of opposing the movement
started in Anti-Machine clubs and meetings for
Colonel Roosevelt. decided to join in it. He also
welcomed other Republicans Of uncompromisng
independence to places on the State ticket, and
now if it be really true that he has seen so
much light as to desire a first-class man as his
colleague in the Senate and is willing to have
the Republican party of this State represent the
best sentiment in the State, we may be sure
that Independent voting has taught its lesson to
some purpose.
We hope that Mr.. Platt will work to send
some man Of the ChOate measure to the Senate.
The State of New York needs such representa-
ton. and Mr. Patt would do himself and the
Republican party credit by helping TO secure il.
The nomination of Colonel Roosevelt has rallied
thousands Of Independent Republicans to new
faith and hope. The announcement now. before
election, by Mr. Platt that he would use all his
influence In the next Legislature if it should he
Republican, to secure the election Of such
man as Mr. Choate to the Senate would bring to
the Republican State and legislative ticket thou
sands of honest men, regardless of party, and
put success beyond the shadow of doubt. The
chance to supersede Murphy with Senator
who would really confer distinction on the State
Of New-YOrk and make it's citizens, as Mr.
Roosevelt says feel a little prouder of 1t, would
appeal irresistibly to the voters. Mr.. Plat has
q splendid opportunity-which we heartily hope
he will improve-to win for his organization
the respect of the people and complete the
good impression made by the acceptance Of
Roosevelt by giving himself up fully and frank
~ to furthering the highest aspirations of our
citizens for worthy representation and good
government. And he might find in such work
his own best title to future leadership.