New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-29
MR.. PAWS BACKER.

Politicians appear TO consider ii highly proba-
BILE that the Hon. Louis f. Payn viii remain
at the head of the Insurance Department OF
this State 1t is generally understood that
Governor Roosevelt would prefer to supersede
him. but it is limited that the Governor may pro-
nose while the Senate will dispose successors.
Mr.. Pawn. II is declared is anxious to continue
in office, and will prevent the confirmation OF
ANYBODY named in his stead But this is not
quite true. No doubt Mr. Payn wishes TO keep
lis office. but if no successor can secure con-
firmatlon it will not be Mr.. Payn who prevents
it, but Mr. Thomas C. Plat.
Mr.. Platt is the lawmaking body Of this
State He demands the power, and 1t seems
to be generally conceded to him. 1t is only
right that he should assume appropriate re-
sponslbility 1t is not fair for man TO claim
all the perqusites of political leadership and
throw all the blame for its results on somebody
else Mr. Platt makes no secret Of his control
Of the Legislature. On the contrary, he is os-
tentatious in his dctation He cannot put on
and put off sovereignty at pleasure at one
minute claiming credit for what his agents do
and the next complaining that they are I'M
,.ulv and do not represent him. while still keep
ing them in his service. People who are really
disohedipnt and refuse 10 stand for bills that
60 up to Albany with the Endorsement OF the
"old man" or the family law firm do not ind
It easy 10 get a denomination or reelection. The
few exceptions are so conspicuously exceptions
as 10 prove a rule few men, like MIR. Cog
gcshall, who have political resources indie
pendent of Mr.. Platt's power of transmitting
corporation checks into campaign funds to be
expended under his personal supervision, are
able TO survive an occasional excursion on their
own hook into that branch of legislation par
ticularly concerned with corporate interests
which Mr. Platt commonly reserves 10 himself
But most men who show any troublesome in
dependence or any tendency to set up in busi-
ness for themselves soon retire to private life,
like the Assemblyman in this city who had con-
scientious scruples about the Astoria gas bill
SO It may lust as well be clearly understood
that If Mr.. Payn remains in office it will be
because Mr.. Plat wants him 10 remain and
that II Mr.. Platt does not like TO be classed
with Mr.. Pawn he should not become Mr..
Payn's patron. Mr. Plat knows Mr.. Payn per
fectly well. II he has any lingering doubts
about his fitness for high station, exercising
great power over business institutions, he can
obtain light from his favorite messenger, Mr..
Z
respectable advice, from Mr. Elihu Root Both
OF them have quite definite opinions Of Mr..
Payn. But even their urging would probably
not weaken Mr. Platt's natural affection for
Mr. Payn. In spite Of temporary difference, he
loves the Chatham statesman like brother.
When Mr.. Payn was originally appointed all the
influence Of his organization was eXerted TO Sc
cure a confirmation When Mr.. Payn was oc-
cupying an opposition cottage at the Saratoga
Convention last year the Senator's heart
yearned for him, and when last winter an OPP
portunity could be found Mr.. Platts own Sena-
tors were made to give him handsome testi-
monial preparatory TO his candidacy for sec
ond term. Now Mr.. Plat and his organization
are on ostentatIously friendly terms with Mr..
Payn, and the Senator has personally urged
Governor Roosevelt TO reappolnt him.
/ Mr. Payn may keep his place, but If so 1t will
be because Mr.. Platt thwarts Governor Roose-
velts plans, because he proves the stumbling
block In the Governors way, not because he is
overborne in his efforts to give the Governor
loyal support