New-York tribune., 1903-05-07
OPPOSED BY PLATT.
Too Early, He Says-Ridder Agrees
Statement by Citizens Union.

Senator Thomas C. Platt yesterday declared
emphatically that he opposed to the pro-
posed conference OF representatives Of the anti
Tammany allies scheduled for next Monday
night He said that it too early to start
the campaign, and he believed that this pro-
posed conference would preciptate it This at
titude Interpreted by some to mean that
the Senator opposed fusion and the renom1na-
tion of Mayor Low. This he disavowed- he
said that he was neither for nor against MT
Low. but would determine later when the situa-
ton was more fully developed, just what should
be done He favors fusion against Tamnany
he insisted but does not believe in being prenna-
ture in undertaking at this date the organlza-
ton of campaign forces
'I am" said the Senator last night. "unaiter-
ably opposed to holding any fusion conference at
this time of the year. 1t is Ill advised ana un-
timely. It would only serve to keep alive a lot
of political agitation all summer If I have any
influence with the Republican County Commit
tee that organization will not be represented at
this projected conference hope other political
organizations will keep away Why should a
handful of men dictate to organized parties
This is not a question of candidates. l simply
regard it as too early to hold conferences whlch
can have only result. and that the proloHs-
ing of political agitation all summer
The Senator was asked about the report that
he was neutral as to candidates and was hol
committed to Mayor Low.
That is right" he replied. Il have never
said 1 favored the nomination of Low. GIBBS
says he is for Low. Personally. tninR IL 100
early TO discuss candidates.
There seemed to be a general opinion among
representatives of the anti-Tammany organiza-
tions, aside from the Citizens Union that the
proposed conference would be deferred IL was
said last night. however, that representatives
OF the Republican County Committee wouid
probably attend the meeting on MONDAY nlght
and register a protest against conference at
this time. They will urge postponement. and, II
this is agreed to all will be harmonious. 1t was
said; but if the Citizens Union insists on con-
ference at this time complications might follow
This is not regarded likely, however
Herman Ridder leader Of the Gern1an-Amer1-
can Reform Union, said last night; I agree
with Senator Platt that 1t is too early for this
conference Time may develop things hasty
conference cannot foresee. 1t has been said that
I am opposed to Mayor Low. That is hardly
correct I have simply indicated his faults as
an executive ana counselled going SLOW 1t is
also said that our organization is ready to fop
for offices All I can say is that we have re-
ceived only four appointments from this admin
istration."
Leaders of the Greater New-York Democracy
refused to say positively yesterday whether they
would be represented at the conference on Mon
| day night or not. The executive committee
| meets tonight to discuss the question one
| leader said: I'VE are not committed to the re-
nomination Of Low, and the sentiment in favor
! of an independent Democrat grows daily.
r Fulton Cutting was out of the city last
night but the following statement was issued
from Citizens Union headquarters by Thomas A.
Fulton:
7, Senator PIatt Is correctly reported, the only
rational explanation is that he has not seen the
Repubcan Conny comrittees and other
zations That you may judSe & hoT oT @
tended to these gentlemen: 49,. . .,o Tho
time has now arrived for taking preliminary steps
to insure repetition at the Poils OF the success
ton SO largely contributed To this end the Cti-
ee negs ke n'od degae from the @ Citizens Gno and
other organic tions at the headqu2Tteas Oh OF u f
May H. at O'Clock for the purpose OF c4Ttsfrts { t}
mate nomination of city ticket for the coming
ator's political experience It should be remem. e1
he Citizens Union is only repeating its programme
OF two years ago. which led up to the sucoesstn, m
afTection for successful precedence; in fact. the
public prefers methods which nave PFoted sucie Ges5
Senator Platt suggests, to keep alive & LOT the
Union would not regard it as unmitigated mis- mis-
fortune f3F the & most rutfi Source of corrup
ton and misgovernment
In Nav 1901, the Citizens Union called a CONFER
ence of bodies opposed to Tammany Hall Ihat
was strictly a conference and not a convention
1t organized and adjourned to September, Tor the
purpose of discussing candidates unless sooner
ence next met in fall the nomination OF city
ticket was proceeded with, and the rest or the
story every one remembers.
We are following the plans this year, hoping
and expecting that the good results VIII De
achieved as in 1901 namely, the election OF fusion
ticket giving government by citizens Tor cltl-
5ens and not politicians for grafters. One even
ing paper speaks of the conference as an attempt
bv the Citizens Union force the renominatfon
of Navor Low" That is absurd as the Union is
not pledged to any candidate for any oftce In my
opinon it is ridiculous TO be talking about candl-
dates at this early date The most available men
today might be entirely unavailable or dead next
Eolodv would he pledged by this conference: it
simply creates body which can he called TO-
eether at any time. should emergency arise, and
and when the conferrees are called together IN
the fall have the result of the sober second
thought which is necessary in a pontlcai cam
paiCn We are working and planning for lusloh
and not confusion, which might arise II plans Were
left too late: better be three months too early laH
three DAYS too late. It, ii
There is no disposition on the part Of the city
committee Of the Citizens Union or OF its eNecuIfe
other organlza atoms OF 20
r1n things 10 suit themselves and l am sure lt
will not be our fault If the fusion movement IalFs.
Our people are disposed TO hear ANYBODY ana eF*F!
body and 10 agree to anything in reason
To ASK WHY IT WAS NOT INVITED.