New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-11-26
THE WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE.


Those who have been expecting that the re-
,a+ions between Senator Platt and Governor
Odell would become so strained. in fact or ap-
nearance as 10 divide the Republican party in
This State and imperil its chances in next
years campaign will be relieved or disapnolnt-
ed as the case may be, at the results ca Tues
DAVIS conference in Washington. 1t Is rue
that men whom Senator Platt has been per
suaded to regard as his faithful friends nave
been DESTROYS of restricting Governor Odell
influence and perhaps even Of discrediung MIN
in the face of the public. 1t may be true, also,
that they had succeeded in creating in Senator
Platt's mind an erroneous impression as to the
Governors personal feelings and his purposes
in respect TO party management AT all events,
a situation had arisen that suggested to FreSl-
dent Roosevelt the ACCESSIBILITY of frank IN
terchance of views and sentiments in his pres
ence, which, in particular. would afford Mr..
Odell an excellent opportunity TO set forth what
he conceived to be his political obligations as a
leader Of the party and the Republican Gov
ernor Of New York.
There is no reason to doubt that having been
invited to take part in such a consultation. Mr..
OdelI was glad to make his position so clear
that il could not be exposed to successful mis-
representation hereafter. while there is good
reason to believe that Mr. Platts mind was re-
lieved OF suspicious which had been mischiev-
ously fostered- One advantage gained is con-
elusive contradiction Of the report, 10 which
some foolish persons have given credence, that
Governor Oden was not heartily in favor of
President Roosevelt's nomination and would do
less than he could to elect him. Another impor-
tant result Of the White House conference is
complete understanding among those who took
part In it. the practical effect of which will be
to put an end to the sinister calculations and
endeavors of some persons who were not pres
ent-
On his return to this city yesterday Governor
Odell declined to speak in detail Of what oc-
Cured in Washington but frankly said that he
should take a more active share in party man
agement hereafter in this city as well as in the
rest Of the State. That will be a welcome an
nouncement to all Republicans who are sim
cerely anxious to have the party built up, espe-
cialIy in this Democratic stronghold The Gov
ernor has sound views as TO the means of in
creasing its strength. and if his bold expression
Of them has produced some resentment in GER
tain quarters. that fact is a cause for gratifca-
ton rather than regret In declaring year
ago. and more than once since then, that lead
ers who are powerful only at the primaries
may be Of great use to themselves but are of
very little use TO the party. he has clearly des-
ignated chief source of Republican weakness
in this city. The conduct Of the president of
the County Committee during and subsequent
to the recent campaign, on which he entered as
a new man. under many embarrassments has
led to q general belief that Mr.. Bruce compre-
bends the conditions which baffied the efforts
Of his predecessors, and would gladly cooperate
with Governor Oden in applying the necessary
remedy at the proper time