The sun., 1905-12-29
TALES TO TELL, ODELL HINTS
ROOSEVELT STARCH IN 4 YELL
ING GOVERNORS BACKBONE.
Some More Compliments From Newbursh
for Albany and Washington-Scna
Bracket. 1t Is Said, VIII He the
Governors Spokesman in the Senate.

Bracket. 1t Is Said, VIII He the
Governors Spokesman in the Senate.
Benjamin b. Odell, Jr chairman Of the
Republican State Committee came down
from Newburgh yesterday and put up at
the Republican Club, where he talked with
Assemblyman Edwin A. Merritt Jr., OF
Potsdam, his candidate for Speaker. and
with William Halpin and others in the
Odell coterie. Mr.. Odell told some of those
with whom he talked that he was preparing
a statement which was to divulge many
political secrets which came to him while
Governor of the State and chairman OF the
Republican State Committee. Mr. Odell
was chairman of the committee from 1893
TO 1900. when he became Governor, and in
the spring OF 1903 while Governor. he again
became chairman. Az Governor and State
Chairman he had certain dealings with
william l.. Ward, Republican National
committeeman for the State and in this
way Mr.. Odell sa VS. he learned certai secrets
of the Republican National Committee and
these MIR. Odell's friends said last night
Mr.. Odel is about to let loose
One of Mr.. Odells friends went on TO say
that one of the secrets he is to tell is the
amount of money collected. or rather said
to have been collected, by Edward II.
Hartman. Many other secrets, Mr.. Odell's
friends went on to say, were to be told by
him. Before returning to Newburgh last
night Mr. Odell made another attack on
President Roosevelt and Gov. Higgins
The gentleman up at Albany-Gov.
Higgns-who is doing so much yelling
Just now he said, has had some starch
injected into his backbone by Roosevelt.
He never had any before. When you hear
him talk these days the voice is the voice
of Jacob Higgins. but the hand is the hand
of Esau Roosevelt Few persons are de-
ceived by the talk about Roosevelt not
interfering with politics in this way in any
other States. The fools may be taken in,
but you can't catch the old birds by throw
ing salt on their tails. II is entirely clear
that Roosevelt is back Of Higgins in this
Speakership contest, and so-called inspired
denials do not count.
This is going to be fight to finish,
continued Odell. Il have tried in every
way to avoid factonal trouble, but it has
been forced on me- and when "A fight is so
forced am not gutter.
Gov. Higgins's remark that Assembly
man James T. Rogers of Broome county
might flop once or twice more before the
Assembly caucus is held at Albany was
commented upon by Mr. Odell in these
words:
When it comes to topping, Gov, Higgins
is pretty good example himself. If Hig-
ginss steadfastneSs were listed on the
Stock Exchange-not that | know any
thing about stocks but if it were listed
would advise my friends to sell short at
once, especially in these days when call
money is at 90"
Concerning the report that Mr., Odell is
to tell certain alleged secrets which came
to him while Governor of the State and
chairman of the State COMMITTEES, MIR.
Odel said
Before this fight is over | may have g
good deal to say about a lot of matters.
including the Depew-Black race for the
United States Senate. 1t is altogether prob
able that | will contribute something to
political literature in the near future some
chapters that may interest many Re-
publicans.'
Assemblyman Merritt did not say any
thing yesterday as to his candidacy for the
Speakership.
Gov. Higgins, 1t was learned, is fairly
well acquainted with the proposed efforts
of Mr.. Odell and Mr.. Odell's friends to com
nit acts of reprisal at Albany this winter,
and it was added that Gov. Higgins has
already taken steps TO have quick and
ready spokesman to confront Senator
George r. Malby and Senator John Ranes,
Ii was said that this spokesman is TO be
Senator Edgar T. Bracket of Saratoga;
Senator Bracket is forceful speaker, and
Ia. L., n q