New-York tribune., 1900-04-12
GOVERNOR MAY BE FORCED
REPORTED PLAN TO MAKE HIM ACCEPT
SECOND PLACE ON TICKET

SECOND PLACE on TICKET.
There Is a persistent report, and II finds belief
among the more astute and knowing politicians.
that despite Governor Roosevelt's wishes and
efforts to avoid 1t he will be nominated for Vice
President at the Philadelphia Convention. There
have been various incidents of late which are
regarded by politicians as extremely significant.
The Tribune last Monday, told of the Governors
conference on Sunday with Senator Thomas c.
Platt and B. B. Oden, jr, chairman of the Re
publican State Committee The article related
how the Governor frankly. emphatically and
earnestly told Mr. Platt and Mr. Odell that he
did not want the nomination for vice-President,
out that he did want another term at Albany.
Colonel Roosevelt supplemented this declaration
by writing to Senator Hanna chairman OF the
Republican National Committee, and making 1t
plain TO him that he must assist the Governor
toward that end. This studious and strenuous
effort on the part OF the Governor to escape the
nomination for Vice-President is taken by poll
ticians to mean that the Governor is keenly
aware OF some things which are not plain 10
the ordinary observer. and that he fears he will
be trapped into taking the nomination. In other
words, some influential politicians who are high
in the counsels of the State organization in
cline to the belief that Senator Platt is playing
politics up TO his old form, and that the game
on foot at present means the elimination of Gov
ernor Roosevelt as State factor by shunting
him nto a Vice-Presidential nomination.
WITH MANY RAMIFICATIONS.
This deal, a prominent Republican ad
mitted yesterday, has many ramiications. At
the conference last Sunday. when Governor
Roosevelt declared stoutly that he didn't want
10 be nominated for Vice President, and did
want TO go back to Albany for another term
Senator Platt and Mr.. OdeI smiled and shook
their heads approvingly. 1t is reported. but said
nothing While they apparently agreed that the
Governor right. they let it be known to
their intimate friends and political associates.
1t is understood, that it would be extremely un-
wise in their opinion, TO make any rockbound
political pledges at the present time, no one
could see just what the future would bring
forth They declared craftily. according to poll
ticians. that they were with the Governor for
denomination and would continue 10 be- unless
the situation changed and in that case they did
not care TO be bound by any pledges. This is
taken by leaders here as a quaint, but thor
oughly characteristic. method of Senator Plat
to keep the Governor quiet while he works out
his plan of maroonins him upon nomination
for Vice-Presdent.
1t has been limited within the last few days
that Cornelius n. Bliss the choice of the
Administration for Vice-Fresdent. There has
also been talk Of John D. Long and others.
Timothy L. Woodruff also asserts that he is in
the contest: but those who say they are in
position 10 know declare that these names
not 70 be taken seriously, and as a leader ex-
pressed It yesterday. that there is q thorough
understanding between the National organiza-
ton and representatives OF the State organiza-
ton by which Governor Roosevelt Is TO be
dragoened into going the National ticket
to strengthen il en6 be eradicated as trouble
some factor at Albany, where he has Interfered
from time TO time with plans prepared by
the organization relating to legislative action"
Within the Last few days, from source de-
clared TO be trustworthy, statement has
cropped out to the effect that Governor Roose-
Welt would be called upon 10 second the nomina-
tion Of President Mckinley in the Philadelphia
Convention. This report confirmed by
prominent Republican organization leader yes
terday, who added some details According to
his version. when Governor Roosevelt takes the
platform 10 second the nomination of President
Mckinley he will meet a roar of approval and
enthusiasm for himself personally we'll as
the candidate he seconds 1t is believed that the
convention can be thrown into such tumult
can stop his nomination for Vice-President, and,
If nominated ii is said he cannot help accepting
the nomination
AS TO THE GOVERNORSHIP
In the light of the apparent possibility that
Governor Roosevelt may be forced to take the
nomination for Vice-President there has been
great deal of quiet speculation as to who may be
nominated for Governor. The name of B. B. Odell,
jr. chairman Of the Republican State Commit
tee is most frequently mentioned. but his
friends say that Mr.. Odeu has wish 10 be
nominated for Governor this year, and may de-
cline to take the nomination. Mr.. OdeIl has said
frequently publicly that he didn't want it, and
il is known that he has said so TO friends who
have approached him quietly to learn his views.
1t is said that he has convinced Senator Platt
and other organization leaders that in no cir
cumstanceS would he There has been some
talk Of Congress imam James S. Sherman, but his
nomination is not regarded as likely. There is
a story afoat that Lieutenant-Governor Wood
ruff has been told by Senator Platt that If he
70 NiCe-PreS1dential nomination.
and Governor Roosevelt is nominated for that
office the Lieutenant Governor will be conforted
with the nomination for Governor In fact.
Frank H Platt IS reported to be pressing this
plan. II is rumorsd that he is a party TO the
scheme to nominate Governor Roosevelt for
Vice President that his perpetual candidate,
Lieutenant Governor Woodruff. may be
mated for Governor. An upstate Republican.
discussing this probability yesterday, said bit
tery: IF have Frank Platt and Tim run
ming this State for two years. the Republican
party won't be heard of again in New-York for
a generation