The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-08
ODHLL OUT OF THE RACE
Finally Refuses to Run for Gov
ernOr of New York.
His Name to Be Used, However, ms
Heretofore-The Purpose Being to
To Step Aside When P1ntt Finds
the Right Manifold StiH Open.

NEW YORK, Aug. 7.-Repuhlican leaders
are quietly but persistently seeking suit
able man to name as Governor at the State
Convention this fall Until such a man
is found the name of Benjamin B. odell
will be kept to the fore MIR. odell will re-
fuse to say whether or not he is candi-
date, and Senator Platt will continue to
answer questions by saying that odell
should make a coed Governor.
At conference in the Union League
Club yesterday afternoon between the par
" leaders the gubernatorial question was
taken up and thrashed out thoroughly.
Governor Roosevelt, Senator Hanna, Cor
nelius n. Bliss, and B. B. OdeH were
among those who discussed the matter.
Senator Platt was not there. but he had
been seen earlier in the day. and Mr.. Odell
knew exactly what his opinions were AS a
result of the conference it was practically
decided, it is said. that odell should not
run. His name is to be used, however,
till suitable man can be found. The new
man must not be too closely identified with
the machine, but he must be a good,
straight Republican. Several names were
mentioned, but no one was agreed upon.
Several names were mentioned tentative
ly. and their claims will be considered la
ter on. There is no necessity for haste.
The convention is a long way off yet.
General Greene called on Mr. oden to-
day. When the general passed out the
reporters vent in. and one of them, indi-
eating General Greene. asked Mr.. Odell:
rs that your candidate for Governor"
''No, haven't got any candidate. Greene
has been talked of among others. but it is
understood that he wouldn't take it, any
way
What is your own position today?"
My position today is what it always
has BEEN"
Mr.. Odell was asked about an editorial
in the "Newburg Journal" a newspaper
printed in Mr.. odells town. The article
said that Mr.. Odell would not be candi-
date for Governor.
They take me seriously up there Mr.
Odell said. which is more than you do
down here. They know up there that when
/ say thing mean it."
Here is the article:
In business and in politics Mr. oden has al
ways had the reputation of being "a man Of
few Words and nobody who knows him needs
be told that those few words always mean
something. And so, when a few weeks ago he
said that he was not candidate for the offce
OF Governor and that he did not desire it. the
few words covered the ground exactly; he meant
Just what he said II may be remarked psren-
theticslly that Mr.. Odell is no officeseeker. He
declined denomination to the lower house of
Congress, after serving two terms, and he de-
clined election to the United States Senate.
He now positively refuses to be considered
didate Tor the Office Of Governor Of the State
The only thing that caused him to at
nal lepfGi v-as hIS
conviction that stalwart Republicanism should
not be bar to party preferment, and that he,
as young man, owed il to the other young
men Of the State TO show that political activity
should be regarded as an incentive rather than
bar to the Advancement of the young men of
the organization. This, however, is not neces-
sary, and we can see good reason why Mr..
odelrs wishes in this matter should not be re-
speeted
Now that Mr.. Odell is out, the name of
Gen. F. Y. Greene. in spite of what Mr.
Odeil says about it. is mentioned promi-
nentlY, but he has not said that he is
candidate. Andrew D. White, Ambassador
to Germany, now in this country is also
spoken of, but the leaders do not wish to
deprive the Administration of his valuable
services nj this time. Serene Z. Payne,
Chairman OF the Ways and Means Commit
tee OF the House of Representatives
looms up most prominently and as the
most available candidate from the stand
point of experience in public affairs, per-
sonal integrity. and character. Mr.. Payne
was a favorite before Mr.. Odell was put
in the field, and has lost none OF his pres
tige by reason Of being temporarily left
out of consideration.
The little boom for Andrew D. White
the Ambassador to Germany. as
gubernatorial candidate, was knocked on
the head today. General Francis v. Greene,
chairman Of tn eRepublican County Com
mittee, dined with Mr.. White last night
and said today that the Ambassador
would not be candidate. When
questioned about the matter. General
Greene said: '-Mr. White would undoubt-
edly make a good Governor. but he is not
a candidate He is not seeking the honor,
nor has he any intention of doing so.''