New-York tribune., 1905-04-13
LED TO an EMPTY TROUGH
Striking Statement Credited to Er-
G0UerR0r Black.
IBY TELEGRAPH 10 THE TRIBUNE.

Albany, April l2-The political conferences OF
the last few days are over, and Ex-Governor
Black has departed. but behind is left one single
sentence. generally credited TO him. which is
garded as containing the key to the present situ-
alton. This sentence is:
I have been led TO the trough several times
only to find 1t empty for me. The next time
go there am going TO have drink.
The Ex-Governor clearly had in mind. on the
one hand his failure to be renominated for
Governor and to secure the nomination for Sen
ator. on the other. but the sentence is causing
no little comment.
The upshot of the various talks, which Will
lam Barnes. jr., said last night could not be
called conferences. seems 10 be that considera-
.hle number of Republican leaders are thinking
OF future changes in party control, and that the
two conspicuous units are those Of the friends
OF Ex-Governor Black and Of Senator Platt.
On the desire for change they seem to be still,
IL not at variance, not in agreement. The
southern tier representatives have suggested
Congressman J. Sloat Fassett; the northern
tier. that is. the friends of Ex-Governor Black.
have failed to enthuse, and have suggested Will
lam Barnes, -tr. Both propositions have been
discussed. Political, leaders who ave been in
separate camps have been gettiT.-f acquainted
again and looking for point of congeniality, con-
structive well destructive
As for dehniteness. programme, a new State
leader and such inevitable details, these have
not yet beeRSsaehed, and may not be for weeks
or months. The Fea4 progress up TO the present
time seems 10 be the decision OF Ex-Governor
Black TO return 10 political activity. His talk
with Senator Platt his little conversations with
William Barnes jr.. asad his quiet gathering of
his political friends are believed to be his meth
DDS OF asceTtaining the exact value OF his po-
ntical assets. Those familiar with the extend
ed campaign that made Ex-Governor OdeIl chair
man OF the State Committee will recall the long
months when a quiet campaign was Waged In
many counties. but notably along the northern
tier, about which nothing was really known
campaign which was in no small degree carried
on by Secretary Of State John F. O'Brien and
had Tor Its ultimate purpose the election Of eX-
Governor Black as Senator
Though failing In it's ultimate purpose It sue
ceeded In its immediate aim, but so quietly was
II done that the end was accomplished before
the attempt revealed.
II Is just such series OF operations confer
ences Conversations gatherings around a table
that the present weeks incidents seem to
foreshadow, and It is quite possible that il
may be autumn before any definite results will
be visible 10 the naked eye. Meantime the
undercurrent OF opinion at the Capitol seems
to be that political change is on foot which
may or may not produce a relatively Immediate
change in party leadership, in JUST proportion to
the influence eKerted by the conservative or the
more radical members of the conference Inst
now there is likely TO be a pause pending nos
sible accessions.