The Washington times., 1905-11-22
ODELL FEARLESSLY
DEFIES ROOSEVELT
Threatens Renewal of Stall
wart-Halfbreed War.
WARNED TO KEEP HANDS OFF
Battle Is on for the Control of Next
New York State Republican
Convention.

NEW YORK, Nov 22-''Remember.
that for twelve years after President
Garfield and President Arthur inteTfftr,,Si
IN Republican quarrels in New York
State the State went Democratic, and
take warning from their example"
This is the response Of the OdelI men
TO the conference between President
Roosevelt. and Governor Higgins in
Washington regarding the Republican
situation in this State. They made il
clear that the situation has not beer
so critical for the Republican party
since the Staiwart-HaIfbreed war was
precipitated by Presidential interfer-
ence. They did not hesitate to threaten
reprisals unless the President and the
governor kept their hands out OF the
Republican faotionaf quarrels for the
control Of the New York county COM
mittee.
Inimicai to Odell.
Mr. Odell accepted the conference be-
tween Mr.. Roosevelt and Mr.. Higgins
as a move inimicaIsto him. He did not
hesitate to discuss st. and he was both
defiant and sarcastic in what he said
With the President. Secretary Root
both the Senators from New York, and
possibly Governor Higgins arrayed
against him. ne gave no sign of readi-
ness TO abandon the fight. but assured
his friends that he was confident OF
winning by a large majority when the
committee meets TO choose fits president
next month.
Senator Plstt declined to make any
comment on the news from Washing
ton. contenting himself BY saying that
the situation was unchanged
Two Conventions at Stake.
With the probable control Of the next
Republican State convention and the
next Republican national convention at
stake. the leaders In the contest re-
doubled their Efforts yesterday to lay
the foundation OF victory. The strategic
moves Of the two factions included all
the devices OF practical and resourceful
political management. II was made evil
dent that the nominal leaders" OF the
several districts will not be permitted
TO decide the contest. but that the de-
cisiOn must rest with the individual
choice OF the IA delegates who were
elected at the primaries TO the county
committee.
I have no comment to make on the
news from Washington" Senator Platt
said at the Hotel Gotham.
Mr. OdeH spent the day in the Repub-
Hcan State headquarters, IN the Fifth
Avenue Hotel. conferring with his aides
OdelI Advises President.
Il have read the news from Wash
ington Of the conference between the
President and Governor Higgins" he
said. "and about the solicitude of the
President regarding the Republican sit
uation in this State. My comment is
that II the President does not think
Mr.. Halpin has made competent pres
ident OF the county committee he should
send for Mr.. Halptn and ask him 10
retire
Mr.. Odeu paused for 2. moment and
then continued with apparent sarca sm:
Everybody has great confidence in
the Presidents insight into New York
politics and his knowledge OF conditions
here. He must understand the situation
thoroughly. However, I do not know
just what the President desires. have
not been invited 10 90 to Washington
TO consult with him Senator Piatt has
said the President desires the election
Of J. Van Vechten Olcott to the presi-
nor Higgins says the President Is for no
particular candidate I cannot tell.
therefore. what the President wants -
is II true that Governor Higgins is
with Senator Piatt?' was asked
1T IS his privilege TO take sides as he
pleases," Mr.. Oden replied. II have not
discussed the matter with him
When Mr. WINS was asked whether
he intended to enter the field, he said:
WINS Wants to Keep Out.
'1 have not been asked TO be a can
didate. I have not asked to be a can
didate. and I want TO keep out OF It,
There is no foundation for the report. y
Herbert Parsons. leader of the Twen-
ty-fifth Assembly district. has declined
to be made an Independent candidate
for Mr. Halpin's place.
DAGGER, NOT BULLET,
AHAN uAIFC AtkI INV