The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-26
Admits Governor OdelI VIII Have
Power to Reform the New York
City Republican Organization.
INTERVIEW WITH MR.. 0DELL
GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK DISCUSSES
THE HARMONY AGREEMENT.
Says PIatt VIII Retain State Leader
ship, but the City Organization
Will Be Improved.

NEW YORK, Nov. Ex-Governor Il. 3.
Odell spent few hours In this city to-day
on his return to Albany from Washington.
where he conferred yesterday with Presi-
dent Roosevelt and Senator Thomas G.
Platt about conditions of the Republican
party in this State. Mr. Odell said that
the conference had brought about harmony
In place of the badly strained relations
which had existed; that Senator Platt is
still the leader of the party In the State,
but that he himself would hereafter take
more active part in its management; that
the restoration of cordial relations had
been brought about by concessions on
both sides, and that further details of the
conference were mot of interest to per-
sons, but to the party"
When his attention was called to the re-
ports from Washington that Plat had
conceded everything and turned over the
leadership to him, the Governor smiled and
said: WELL would not put 1t so strongly.
/ may say, however, that the result Of the
conference was eminently satisfactory as
far as l am concerned. may add that
in the future 1 will be more active in poll
tics in this State than / have BEEN"
"You have been pretty active all along"
was suggested.
YES" replied the Governor, but / Will
be more active in the future. You may
draw any inference you please from that
"Wir your activity extend to New York
city politics?' was asked.
YES" was the reply. 'T think the Re-
publican organization can be improved and
1 have my ideas about improving it. Just
what they are, 1 do not care to say at
hnU fhaf Wi
find the local organization in better shape
by next year."
"Are the reports true that Senator Plat
is out altogether"
Senator Platt," the Governor replied
with great solemnity, should be regarded
as the State leader long he lives"
How about the vote of this State in
the Republican national convention?
Il have never expressed any doubt that
ii would be given to Roosevelt, and do not
like repeated questions on that point" ne
Senator T. c. Platt on his arrival here
late to-day from Washington, confirmed
Governor Odell's statement that harmony
In Republican politics I'm New York State
had been restored as result Of the con-
ference with President Roosevelt at WASH
ington. He was asked about Governor
| Odelfs assertion that there had been very
| organization. but replied that Mr.. Odell
| would have to explain what he meant
thereby. Il nave seen accounts or what
! took place at the conference yesterday"
| he said. but 1 do not care to make any
| statement about 1t. There Is no public in
terest in 1t. We had very pleasant time
| restored. Yes, 1 am still State leader, and
do not know of anyone in authority who
| disputes it,
account of Governor Odell's interview, but
| made no comment, and when asked about
| the Governors statement that he would
this State hereafter. said: Eyes. Mr.. Odeii
| will take more active part"
| There was absolutely no truth in the re-
port that federal appointments would here
| after be arranged by the Governor, he said.
I'm regard to the political situation In
this city. Senator? Mr.. oden says it needs
4 reform"
yes, he has been saying it all around"
DO you think it neeas reform'"
"In what direction?"
| 81 don't care to say" the senator replied,
| and he also declined to commit himself
| when asked what means would be adopted
to bring about the changes suggested by
1 WAS Governor Odell correct in stating
| that Mr.. Roosevelt will get the New York
delegation to the next national conven-
YES Mr.. Odell believes that Roosevelt
will get the delegation. as does everyone In
tho Republican organization"
| The Tribune will say tomorrow.
Friends of Governor Odeli in position to
| speak with more than usual knowledge in
! regard to the Governors views and plans
said last night that the Governors pro-
| gramme for reorganization included the
| following shifts: William Barnes jr, to
| be chairman Of the Republican state com
mittee in place of Colonel George w. Dunn
| William c. Warren, of Buffalo. to be mem
| Der of the Republican national committee
| in place Of George p. Shaldon; Charles III
| Murray or Alexander T. Mason to be presi-
| dent of the Republican county committee
| In place of M. Linn Bruce: a new secretary
| Of the county committee In place of George
| r. Manchester; new district leaders in the
| places of at least half dozen state place
holders whose districts have shown a grow.
| ing tendency to become hopelessly Demo
| cratic shift Of the Republican state
headquarters from the Fffth-avenue Hote
TO the Republican Club"