New-York tribune., 1903-08-24
SHEEHAN WABBLES AGAIN
FOR FUSION, WITH BIG IF.
Says If Lo5o Is Named He Can't
Hold O.. n. Y. ID.

John c. Sheehan. leader of the Greater New-York
Democracy, at the Oriental Hotel yesterday de-
clared that if Mayor Low renonnated he
could not hold the Greater New-York Democracy
organization in line. He said family that he was
for fusion but that he wanted 10 see an independ-
ent Democrat nominated head the fusion ticket
1t Is understood that within the course of the last
few days Sheehan, who is living at the Oriental
Hotel. as is Senator Platt, has had long talk with
Senator Platt. Neither one would admit yesterday
that there had been n conference but Sheehan
talked freely about the coming municipal cam
paign.
Our organization" said Sheehan 'is stronger
than it two years ago, but If Mayor Low is
renominated l do not believe that it will be pos
sible to hold the organization in line for him.
majority Will to Tammany. l not say
ing one word in criticism of Mayor Low. Person
ally l am fond of him. There is, however a situa-
ton that we have TO face. Hundreds and thousands
Of those who supported him two years ago now de-
mand the nomination of Independent Democrat.
/ believe that the Mayor sees this. and believe
that me will stand aside to make way for all in
dependent Democrat. Two years ago we had many
issues that do not have to-day. Then we had
Tammany in power. We had Croker at the head Of
things. We had Tammany controlling the police,
and we had Devery. To-day we have only one
issue. and that is Lows administration Now. do
not wish to say one word against the administra-
tion. for it has been good. Tammany however, has
q better slogan, and must face it.
The Tammany declaration is, and it appears
well sustained, that Mayor Low, Governor Odel,
Senator Platt and President Roosevelt all using
the fusion forces to Republicanize New-York and
carry out the ideas of the party in the State and
nation If the fusion army is to be used to Repub-
ltcanlze New-York City on the eve of a Republican
State and national campaign. it is time something
was done. Platt OdeH and Roosevelt using
this blind to further their interests. In fight
between Odell. Platt and Roosevelt and Tammany
Hall naturally Democrats will go to Tammany
rather than support a blind fusion ticket. still
do not intend to support Odel- -Platt-Roosevelt
coalition using fusion further Democratic issues
Would you support Tammany rather than Low
next fall?" was asked.
That am not prepared to say" said Mr.. Shee
han. II am for fusion. with independent Demo-
crat to head the ticket. Wait and see what is
done before declaring for against the fusion
allies"
1t was not more than a,week ago that Mr.. Shee-
han gave out a long interview. published in The
TTi . e. denying emphatcally that he had been
treating with Tammany. asserting that he would
never treat with Tammany, and that he for
fusion until the last ditch was surrendered. At
the time he gave out the interview it was limited
that both Sheehan and Cantor were carrying on
negotiations with Tammany. Cantor followed
Sheehan with equally emphatic declaration.
Some people were unkind enough to say that Shee-
hand and Cantor each leaders in the Greater New
York Democracy were each trying to sell out the
clash because two were trying to sell the same
y6St6r-
day some politicians stated that Sheehan had made
his terms with Tammany and using the cry
for an Independent Democrat simply a bridge
on which to cross over openly to Tammany. Shee-
hans detection, however does not cause the allies
any alarm.
Senator Platt was told what Mr.. Sheehan said
and he seemed to be bored by 1t. Asked if Mayor
Low would again. he said that he understood
so. Il have said repeatedly" declared the SEN
ator, and say it again, that I believe Mayor
Low TO be the strongest to nominate. Time
may change conditions, but l do see any rea-
son to change my opinion now
If the Mayor should decline the nomination do
you think an independent Democrat should be
named?' asked
when Mayor Low declines" said the Senator
brusQuey then there will be time enough to dis
cuss that subject"
Senator Platt asked about the report from
Oyster Bay that Governor Odell had declined to
run for third term.
-. That is midsummer foolish politics" answered
the Senator, Wearily. Every one that knows the
Governor and knows the situation knows that he
has never for one single instant considered the
idea of running again. He could not be induced to
Who viii rum asked.
Some good Republican" replied the Senator
but time viii develop the man.
Senator Platt announced that Congressman Gil
let member from the XXXIIId District would not
be a candidate again next term. ]. Sloat Fassett
VIII be the candidate from this district it was said
Lieutenant Governor Higgins ex-senator Ellsworth
ana r. ID. kilburn, State Superintendent of Bank
ing. mad conference with Senator Platt Yesterday.
Later in the evening Senator Platt had chat with
Sir Thomas Upton