New-York tribune., 1899-12-18
ALDRIDGE MAKES DEMANDS.
THREATENS TROUBLE IF LEWIS is NOT
NAMED FOR THE CITIES COMMIT
TEE CHAIRMANSHIP

Senator Piatt went to Washington at II a. m.
yesterday and as a result there few Repub-
ican politicians around the Fifth Avenue Hotel
through the day. Mr.. Platt had breakfast with
3. B. Odell Speaker Nixon and Louis +. Payn.
Various matters were talked over, and the subject
Of chairmanships of committees ir the Assembly
came up. This has evolved knotty problem for
the State organization to solve George W. Aldridge
former Superintendent of Public Works. came down
10 the city Saturday to Senator Platt with his
Jaws set and his mind made up. He went right to
the point He said that he did not want Otto Kel-
sey OF Livingston TO be named as chairman or
the Assembly Committee on Cities. He asked that
the place be given to Merton f, Lewis. Of Monroe
He pointed out that Mr. Lewis was logically en-
titled to the place and demanded II for him. Mr.
Aldrdge has bitter factional fight on in Rochester
with Congressman ]. NJ E. O'Grady, formerly
Speaker of the Assembly. and he wants all the help
he can get. Mr.. Platt talked long and earnestly
with Mr. Aldridge about this matter. and Mr..
Aldr1dge went away.
At the meeting yesterday morning 1t developed
that Senator Plat is determined that Kelsey shal
have the place II is said that Senator Plat thinks
that Aldridge is placated and will not contest the
decision On the other hand, 1t Is known that
Aldridge is bitter and ready to fight II he does
not have his way. 1t looks. so the Republican
politicians were saying yesterday, as If Mr.. Platt
was getting ready throw Aidridge over and let
him shift for himself II he does these men say
1t is likely that Payn who is nourishing fierce
resentment because the organization Will not help
him in his fight TO keep the State Insurance De-
partment will join hands with Adridge right away
to make trouble for the State organization. This
would bring the Payn-Aldridge- Black combinat ton
right 10 the fore again and make merry times in
the State.
Mr. Payn, after delivering his ultimatum and
then withdrawing 1t. left the city yesterday. He
went TO Albany at O'clock and wouldn't say any
thing before he away. He ascertaned upon
his visit to the city that his brash threats about
taking issue with Governor Roosevelt not
received with enthusiasm by the State organiza-
ton and that he could hope for no support there
In case OF a fight. Again. the Governors reported
remark that a good Democrat In the office would
be preferable 10 a Republican OF Payn's type made
him think and the result was that subdued and
chastened he decided 10 give up the fight. Mr..
Pawn had long talk with Mr.. Odel and Mr. Platt
Yesterday. but at the close OF the conference he
Yesterday by the organiza tion leaders that Payn
had seen the futility OF making fight. and would
dron out when the time comes. They said that
the Governor had expressed a determination 10
put another man in Payn's place, and that the
organization was not going to interfere with him.
II Is declared that whoever the Governor names
Will be promptly confirmed by the Senate.
'rhe contest over the appointment OF the chair
man of the Committee on Cities In the Assembly
chairmanships Until this Is settled everything
else must wait and II was said yesterday that
nothing whatever had been decided on. except the
cheirmanship Of the Committee Insurance.
William l.. Coughtry, Of Albany will be named
for this place.