New-York tribune., 1900-01-24
GOVERNOR NOT ALARMED.
PAYN'S FRIENDS WELCOME To PUBLISH
ANY LETTER THEY MAY HAVE.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE rR1BUyDJ

GBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TR1BUNEI
Albany, Jan. Ex-Governor Roosevelt said to-
day, when told that friends of Louis F. Payn
had said that they have possession of letter of
the Governors which they might publish, and
which would have the effect of a bombsheI in
the path of the Governors political ambition
that the friends Of Mr.. Payn, if they did possess
any letter of his, were welcome to print 1t any
moment they pleased. Some said the letter was
one written by Governor Roosevelt in opposition
to the nomination of James G. Blaine for Presi-
dent in 1884.
II this hint of letter was intended as a
threat, the Governor added that 1t had failed
of its purpose; he should persist In his purpose
to put a new man at the head of the Insurance
Department Such threat would intensity his
determination If it We're needed He was re-
solved, in the interest of the State to make this
change and he believed the State Senate would
confirm his nomination for Mr. Payn's success
sor for he intended to nominate some man of
integrity and ability for the place, and the Sena-
tors would surely approve of his choice.
MANY RUMORS AFLOAT.
There were more rumors to-day concerning the
Governors probable choice for superintendent
the names mentioned being those of ex-Lieuten-
ant-Governor Charles T. Saxton ex-senator
Francis Hendricks. of Syracuse; ex-Mayor
George E. Green of Syracuse, ex-senator Charles
Davis, of Saugerties; ex-senator Cuthbert w.
Pound, of Ithaca; James A. Blanchard, of New
York, and ex-senator Henry H. Persons and
John R. Hazel, of Buffalo.
Friends OF some OF these candidates visited
Governor Roosevelt and urged him to appoint
them as Superintendent. The Governor listened
attentivey to all that said. but made
comment. It is known that he has said he did
not insist upon the appointment of an indepen-
dent Republican, like Mr. SaXton. but was will
ing to take Platt organization Repu6lican-the
only qualification of this candidate to be that he
should be an honest man and an able man.
Perhaps it should be added that the Governor
also is firmly opposed TO naming a man ike
Robert H. Hunter. Deputy Superintendent OF the
Insurance Department. who would papaply De
Superintendent Payn's choice; that would be
simply a reappontment of Mr.. Payn in effect.
Politicians think that Governor Roosevelt is
running some peril in seeking Senator Platts
advice about the appointment OF having the
latter impose upon him some man actuaty
named by Mr.. Payn; and therefore that the
ter would substantially remain Superintend-
ent In their belief every word that Governor
Roosevelt says TO Senator Platt is lmmeulately
communicated to Mr.. Payn- Mr.. Payn thus
would be able long this method of turn
ing him out of office is pursued. to checkInate
his antagonist. Governor Roosevelt The Gov
ern0r they added could only escape from MIR.
Payn's grasp 10y resoutey acting independently
OF Senator Platt
TIP FROM THE GOVERNOR,
Senator Platt. in the opinion of politicians, is
seeking in Mr.. Payn's interest TO postpone as
long as possible decisive action by Governor
Roosevelt. hoping that by hanging up the
nor,iuarian in the Senate Committee on In
surance action upon it may be delayed 50 long
and - near the day OF the final Adjournment
OF the Legislature that no change will be made
in the head Of the Department some ot the
Senator'S were saying this afternoon, however,
that they had word from the Executive Cham
ber that the Cove nor would delay no longer
but would nominate some man for Superintend-
ent Of the Insurance Department tomorrow.
In the opinion Of these Senators Governor
Roosevelt would nominate either ex-senator
Charles Davis of SauEerties. eX-MayOr
George +. Green, of Binghamton.
MIR. Payn was asked to-day II there was any
truth in the report that he had in his pos
Sc ossior a letter which Governor Roosevelt wrote
in 1854 which would put the latter in a peculiar
political position Superintendent Payn an
Il have not The story is not true The exist
in the mind of the man who wrote n story Of
that character
Superintendent Payn's friends feeling
somewhat gloomy tonight over the prospects
Of his retaining his office. They had heard that
Governor Roosevelt thinking Of nominating
Ex-senator Francis Hendricks of Syracuse, for
Mr.. Payn's position, and regarded him as for
mdable candidate. Mr. Hendricks was the Gov
ernor's first choice for the post Of Superintend-
ent of the Insurance Department, but he de-
cIined the appointment There were rumors to-
consider his decision and that Governor Roose-
welt himself again pressing Mr.. Hendricks
to accept the place. Mr. Payns supporters ac-
knowledge that Mr.. Hendricks would be dan
gerous opponent to him.
1t believed to-day that the Republican
Senators who would vote to confirm any good
man named by Governor Roosevelt We're Arm
strong. Bracket. Brown Cogeeshall David f.
Davis, George A. Davis. Ellsworth, Elsberg,
Ford, Higgins, Humphrey, Malby, Marshall,
Stranahan and White. Then there are several
Senators who friendly to Mr.. Payn-namely,
Amber. Chahoon, Feeter Goodsell Johnson,
Krum, Parsons and Raines. Then there are
Senators Sherwood, Thornton, Willis and Will
cox, whose attitude in the contest is underlined
The Democratic Senators meanwhile have
been watching the contest keenly and have not
disclosed their attitude. There is some expecta-
ton that Governor Roosevelt will nominate a
candidate for Superintendent of the Insurance
Department tomorrow.