The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1904-06-06
GOVERNOR
ODELL IS
A DESpOT
RETAINS CONTROL OF NEW
YORK REPUBLICAN, STATE
0olG1I1TTEE m SPITE OF Pro.
TEST AND EMTREATY.

NEW YORK, June ITO say that
the leaders of the republican party
are not quite satisfied with the man.
ed would but mildly express the
actual feeling among them. Dis
gusted would probably better express
the feeling over what they call the
high handed and thoroughly selfish
methods of the governor. 1t is a
bold game that Governor Odell is
playing. He is determined to keep
the control Of his party in New York
in his own hands and to brook no
interference from any side, be 1t
some disgruntled faction in his own
state, be 1t the national government.
Disregarding every ethical princi-
pie and even the most liberal limita-
tions of political propriety. he has
made himself chairman of the state
committee and is holding onto that
office like grim death, although he
must be we'll aware of the fact that
the decent elements of the party are
decidedly opposed to his action. which
is more than likely to bring the party
in discredit.
II Against Root.
Governor Odell knew quite well for
some time that the nomination of ex-
Secretary Root for the governorship
was considered matter of the great
est political Importance both by the
republicans of New York and the re-
publican national committee But that
plan did not suit the governor, who
feared that man of Mr.. Roots in
fiuence and energy would soon wrest
the control of the party from his
hands. For that reason Governor
odell did not endorse Mr.. Roots cam
didacy. Although he knows how
much depends upon the nomination Of
the strongest possible candidate for
the governorship, he refuses to be
dictated to by the national commit
tee. Knowing how valuable every
moment is at this time. he sailed for
Europe. leaving everything unsettled
and in suspense. 1t Is stated that
Governor Odell favors the nomination
Of either General Horace Porter or
Joseph H. Choate. Both are men with
clean records and of brilliant attain
ments, but they are not politicians
and for that reason no dangerous RI
walls for political control in the state.
1t Is generally believed that Gov
ernor Odelfs trip to Europe has been
undertaken with the specific object of
laying the matter before General
Porter and Mr.. Choate.
wants His own way.
In view Of the general disapproval
of his action in retaining the chair.
manship of the republican state COM
mittee, Governor Odell saw fit to in
spire statement before his depart
ure that he did not intend to person.
ally conduct the republican campaign
In New York. 1t Is stated that he
would appoint someone to do the
actual work, but that he would retain
his position as the ruling spirit. II
the governor believes for a moment
that this concession is considered an
adequate solution of the problem and
is accepted as a dignified compromise,
he is greatly mistaken. There is but
one opinion concerning his action:
that 1t is subterfuge which really
does not remove a single one of the
Objectionable features of this dual
position of his. Evidently Governor
Odell does not care much what the
republicans of New York think of
him or whether they are satisfied %
long as he has his own way