The Savannah morning news., 1903-11-28
THE PIVOTAL STATE.

1t is now known why Gov, Odel1 of
New York was called to Washington
by the President the other day in such
hot haste. He had received informa-
ton that there Were two dangers
| Threatening his political life. one was
dissensions in his party in New York
that made it doubtful If the
delegation from that state to
the Republican National Con-
vention would favor his nominal
ton. and the other was that even If
nominated, he wouldn't carry the state
because of the apathy in the party.
1t appears that Senator Plat Wasn't
giving entire satisfaction as the par
tvs leader in New York. Gov. Odell,
! for instance, did not seem to have any
influence at Washington, all of the
federal appointments going to Plat
men. The President therefore called
a meeting of the New York leaders
lust what he promised in order to
bring about harmony isn't known, but
it is known that Senator Platt was
deposed as the boss of the party and
Gov. Odell was put in his place. the
senator is still permitted to hold him
self out as the boss, but he hasn't any
power. The party workers now look
to Gov. Odell for orders and rewards.
On his return from Washington Gov
Oden gave out an interview in which,
among other things, he said he re-
garded New York as the pivitol state.
He spoke of the contention that Mr..
Roosevelt could be elected without
that state as nonsense.
1t is evident from the change of lead
ership Of the Republican party in New
York that the President also regards
New York as the pivotal state, not only
as regards his nomination, but also his
chances of election in the event of his
nomination.
And what are Mr.. Roosevelts
chances for carrying New York? 1t
is stated in some of the letters and dis
patches sent out from New York that
no less an authority than Louis Payne,
noted Republican politician of that
state, said that unless there were bet
ter leadership in New York Mr.. Roose-
welt, if a good Democrat We're nomi-
mated against him. a Democrat whose
head was not filled with vagaries,
would be beaten in the Empire State
of the North by at least 100000 ma
jority.
It is evident that the President had
reason to be alarmed. 1t isn't to be
wondered at that he sent for Gov.
OdeIl in hot haste and that he used all
of his influence to get Senator Plat
out of the way so that the Governor
could be put in charge of the cam
paign.
But it is a long way from certain
that Gov. Odel can save the state for
the President. It is evident that there
are forces. in his own party at work
there and elsewhere to prevent his
nomination. If he succeeds in. having
himself nominated the efforts that
will increase the difficulties in the way
of his election.
1t is stated that it has just been dis
covered that there is a widespread eff
fort to make Senator Fairbanks of In 4
diana the Republican nominee for
President. 1t is the understanding, 1
according to the dispatches, that men
who were supposed to be friendly to
Mr.. Roosevelt. are among those who
are in the Fairbanks movement.
1t is evident therefore that every
thing isn't plain sailing for the Presi-
dent If he succeeds himself if win
be only after one of the hardest fought
political battles that has ever taken
place in this country.