Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-03-21
| HARMONY|S RESTORED
The Platt-0dell Difficulty
.Amicably Settled.
SENATOR Is LEADER
COL. DUNN MAKES WAY FOR
oDELL AS STATE CHAIRMAN.
Senator Depew Puts the Matter Square
ly to the Governor and He
Desires Peace.

Governor odell gets away with the goods
Senator Platt retains the titles and honors
of leadership.
That's about the size of the situation in
New York republican politics as the result
of the conference of republican leaders at
the Fifth Avenue Hotel yesterday. Peace
is assured and harmonious action in the
coming campaign is promised. There will
be no more talk of the possibility of New
York being lost to the republicans in the
state and national elections, through party
dissenson.
Governor Odell is to be chairman of the
state committee, but is to acknowledge that
Senator Platt is the republican leader of
the state. The governor and the senator
agree not to interfere in local contests for
leadership.
When Senator Platt reached New York
Saturday evening he was determined to
force an understanding with Goveror Odell
and gave 1t out that he had come to New
york to fight, If his friends deemed 1t neces-
Sary TO hight. Governor Odell had heard of
his coming. and he fastened down from
Albany to be on hand at the conference.
Inc two men were at the Fifth Avenue
Hotel all day, but did not see each other
promise had been arranged. Then they met
to shake hands and declare that everything
was lovely and the goose hanging high
Senator Platt's Conference.
Senator Plat put in the forenoon in con-
sultation with his friends. Most of the
prominent republicans of the state were
present. including State Chairman Dunn.
Gen. James s. Clarkson. National Commit
teeman George r. Sheldon, Collector
Stranahan. ex-Lieutenant Governor Wood
ruff and Senator Depew.
In addition, number of state committee
men friendly to Senator Platt were on
hand.
1t was the opinion of these republicans
that Governor Odell should be compelled
to make a plain statement of his fnten-
tfons toward Senator Platt, and If his in
tentlons contemplated the overthrow of
Senator Platts leadership, the fight might
as well be commenced. But all present
We're unanimous in advising the avoidance
of fight, If possible.
The situation was cleared by Col. Dunn
announcing early in the conference that he
did not want to be- state chairman and
would step aside. Senator PIatt had been
standing by Col. Dunn, but his withdrawal
left the way clear to offer the chairman
ship to Gov. Odell.
Odell Waited On.
Then Senator Depew, Collector Stranahan
and Mr.. Woodruff were delegated to wait
on Gov. Odell and have an understanding
WA him. This trio went to Gov.- OdelP S
room about O'Clock in the evening. and
Senator Depew, acting as spokesman, an
nounced the purpose of their call
Senator Depew talked plainly and to the
point to the governor. He warned him that
he could not overthrow Senator Platt's lead
ership without a bitter struggle. He re-
ferred to the rumOrs current that the COVER
nor's program included defeating his return
to the Senate. Senator Depew asked the gov
ernor TO announce his Intentions and poi
icies.
The Governors Reply.
Gov. Odell replied that he had never ques-
toned Senator Platts leadership and would
not question it. He had no idea of prevent
ing Senator Depew's reelection. He earn
estly desired harmony and peace within
the party ranks.
After hearing this declaration Senator
Depew and his colleagues seemed satisfied
and told the governor that Senator Platt
was willing that the governor should be
mise was accepted by the governor and
within half an hour he and Senator Platt
were shaking hands
The outcome was highly satisfactory to
all the republicans, although it was COM
promise for both factions. The republican
leaders are unwilling, on both sides, to go
into fight of the desperate character which
this would have been and were relieved to
find way to keep out of it.
President Roosevelt was advised of the
patching up of the truce, and a statement
Of the agreement between the governor and
the senator was mailed to him.