New-York tribune., 1901-06-16
MR.. PLATT TO RETIRE.
NOT TO SEEK E-ELEC7ION
TO THE Z. S. !SENA TIE.
THE SENATOR EXPECTED TO REMAIN
LEADER OF THE REPUBLICAN OR
GANIZATION-MENM MENTIONED
AS POSSIBLE SUCCESSORS.

Senator PIatt will retire from the United
States Senate at the end of his term, In March,
1903 The information was obtained last night
at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Mr.. Platt returned
on Friday night from the Pan-American Ex-
position. The Senator is feeling even better
and stronger than usual, and his determination
has not been hastened, it is understood on ac-
count of poor health. AS matter OF fact. Mr.
Platt IS feeling unusually strong. and he is able
to attend to all his business affairs. 1t is ex-
pected by his friends that he will make public
some day this week his for laying down
his office at the end of the term. He was not
ready to talk about the subject last night.
His retirement from the Senate will not nee
essarily carry with it the relinquishing of lead
ership in the Republican organization of this
State. That he will retain. doubtless. in def
erence TO the wishes of the leaders. who have
been made aware of the Senator's desire to re-
tire from the Senatorship He has been the
head of the State organization so long that the
suggestion of his retirement from that post is
more than his chief lieutenants will listen TO.
1t is understood that Governor Odell and Colonel
George W. Dunn chairman of the Republican
State Committee. have been informed of Mr
Platts intention TO leave the Senate at the end
Of his term 1t is violating no confidence to say
that Senator Platt is somewhat tired of his SEN
ate duties. The frequent long trips to Wash
ington have of late been more of a burden than
a delight Those enjoying the Senator's con-
fdence say that he is determined to take life
little easier as he is out Of the Senate.
and perhaps spend some time in travel. POlit-
icaI affairs have kept Mr. Platt from enjoying
many vacations and his friends say that he
looks forward with pleasant anticipations to
the time when he can have little more time
to himself.
The announcement of Mr.. Platts determina-
ton 10 quit the Senate caused lively discus
sion among people at the hotel last night. and
the news will no doubt mark the opening OF a
discussion which will not reach its climax until
his successor is named. With Senator Platt out
sot sesss ,ate. ? rsHn' = q 'eef ard IMPORTANT
changes n state politics are not only possible.
but likely. Some of those mentioned last night
in connection with the succession were Governor
ldell, Ileuten ANt-NTONeTlOT W ooUICH tA-NioH-
ernor Black. Elihu Root. Secretary of War.
Joseph II. Choate Vice-President Roosevelt
Colonel George ". Dunn, Congressman Serene
z. Payne. Congressman James 5. Sherman, Con-
gresham James W Wadsworth and President
Seth Low of Columbia.
1t was recalled last night. when Senator
Platt's determination became known. that Gov
ernor Oden was strenuously opposed to the idea
Of his Withdrawing from the Senate when the
suggestion came up informally in conversation
in the course of the campaign. Governor Odell
at that time said that the state leaders would
not listen to any such plan.
The State Senators to be elected a year from
the coming fall Will vote for Senator Platt's
successor This fact warrants the prediction
that State politics in the next two years will
be strongly seasoned with discussions about the
prospective vacancy.