New-York tribune., 1903-05-11
FIRST STEP FOR FUSION.
CONFERENCE TONIGHT.
Anti-Tammany Representatives. to
Meet-Tak of Morris's Successor.

Representatives of the Citizens Union. the Re-
publican County Committee and the Greater
New-York Democracy will meet tonight to take
the initial steps in organizing the fusion forces
for an anti-Tammany campaign this fall The
only important organization which VIII not De
represented is the German-American Reform
Union which voted last week not to participate
in this conference OF the anti-Tammany forces
This does not mean that the German union VIII
not join the fusion forces, but Herman Rldder
and the other leaders of the organization do not
care to take stand at this time. believing 1t is
too early.
The conference tonight promises to develop
little according to the opinion CT politicians
YESTERDAY The Republican organization. While
appointing a committee to confer, has registered
a protest against precipitating the munlcipa'
campaign SO early in the season Ths is also
the attitude Of the Greater New-York Democ-
racy The Citizens Union IS not desirous OIL
opening the campaign at this time. and IL mas
emphasized the fact that the conference to-nlshe
is simply for g preliminary discussion the
leaders of the organization. however, belleve tue
allies should get together and discuss ways ana
means The Citizens Union agrees with the
other organizations that 1t is too early to de-
eide on candidates The only plea is that start
be made SO an effective organization Of all anti
Tammany forces can be brought about at the
proper time
1.-The representatives OF the Republican County
Committee" said Senator Platt last night, VIII
attend the conference tonight with only one
plan, and that is to secure postponement we
are all agreed that it is too early to start the
campaign. This does not mean that we are
against Mr. Low. We are not against any one
We are not for any one. We opposed to all
summer political agitation. We favor fusion'
and I believe fusion will be effected, but 1t is
too soon to open the campaign. Let US walt
until late in August Then the hot season Will
be over the situation will be clearer and we
can intelligently discuss candidates and plat
form.
Herman Ridder, leader Of the German-Ameri-
can Reform Union. said last night: In some
quarters our attitude has been misunderstood
We have not declared against Low or fusion.
1 have simply pointed out the defects in Mayor
Lows administration and urged going SLOW
When the fall comes and the issues are clearly
defined, and the campaign is at hand. there
will be plenty Of time to take stand. 1t has
| been said that we are the fence to make
| dcker for o-ice All I say is that we nave
received only four appointments from this ad-
| ministration. I believe in waiting No use
to cross bridge until you come to it"
A prominent representative of the Greater
! New-York Democracy said last night: I'VE favor
| delay but for fusion, and as an evidence
| of good faith we will take part in the confer
ence tonight, but will urge that discussion OF
candidates and issues be deferred until later.
| Some of our people favor the nomination Of an
| independent Democrat hut that is mere specu-
lation, and there is use Of discussing those
| matters now"
| Members of the Citizens Union said last night
that they had been misunderstood. "Our call,
| said a member of the executive committee, was
issued for the purpose of organizing for the cam
| paign, and not to precipitate discussion OF
| candidates or platform. believe we should get
| together. The other and more vital questions
| will develop later do not believe there will be
| any discord and things will adjust themselves. !"
Robert c. Morris, president of the Republican
| County Committee who has resigned his posi-
ton. would not discuss his action last night.
| He is chairman Of the delegation from the Ike
publican County Committee to the conference
| tonight He indicated that the organization
Republican conferrees would simply urge post
| ponement, and if discussion is precipitated they
! will take part in the deAoeratlons OF th>
| conference at this time.
The resignation of Mr.. Morris, announced yes
terday in The Tribune. led to a great deal of
| discussion as to his possible successor. Senator
| Platt, when asked to the outcome, said he
did not have the slightest idea who would be
How about George r. .sheldon?'' one
| asked.
| Mr. sheldon mas pcSltlNeiy ueCllIeu' iePlieu
| the Senator.
Whom would you suggest?'
How about ". H. Ten Eyck?" replied the
| Senator.
t'Will he be elected?''
at don't know" answered Mr Platt. That
will develop in time"
Colonel George w. Dunn. chairman of the Re
| publican State Committee said last night that
| he had not the slightest idea who would sue
! ceed Mr.. Morris. The opinion was expressed
| last night that the resignation of Mr.. Morris
| would be tabled when read at the next meeting
| of the county committee, on May II, and that
! if his duties in Caracas terminated in time to
enable him to return to New-Iork for the
| municipal campaign he would be urged to
withdraw it and continue at the head of the
| county committee.
coT0MRTAN SITGGESTION