New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-12-21

The friends of Edward A. Merritt, jr, of st.
Lawrence candidate for Speaker In opposition
to James W Wadsworth, jr.. of Livingston put
in a busy day yesterday. The Murray Hill head
quarters were thronged al! day with leaders COM
ing and going. The friends of Mr.. Merritt were
bitter in their language, but the talk was di-
rected against Governor Higgins more than
against Mr. Wadswerth. There were several
Important developments in the course Of the
day At the end of a series of conferences at
the Murray Hill Hotel, and some of those at
tending these conferences were not supporting
Mr.. Merritt, Assemblyman Phillips, of Allie
gally chairman of the caucus committee of the
Assembly sent out call for all Republican As
semblymen and Assemblymen- elect to meet at
the Hote! Cadillac at II o'clock tomorrow
morning and discuss the situation. James T
Rogers, of Broome who withdrew as candi
date when Mr.. Wadsworth entered the field last
night said that his withdrawal had been OBJ
tanned under a misrepresentation, and that he
would seriously consider entering the race
again Assemblyman Wainwright, of Westches-
ter, said he still candidate. Many of those
who discussed the situation resented the posi-
ton of the Governor, and Senator George R.
Malby voiced this feeling. He said, in part:
1 don't see what divine right Governor Hig-
gins has to think he dictate the election
Z
brought against Andrew Jackson for executive
interference with the legislature and his offence
not half fragrant gross as that of
Mr.. Higgins Here there were half g. dozen
candidates in the field having amicabie con-
test for the place when suddenly the Governor
trots out WadswOrth. At that time Wadsworth
was pledged to Hooker. 1t was necessary to get
Hooker to release Wadsworth from his pledge
before he could become a candidate
No had spoken for Wadsworth and he
not candidate until Higgins forced him
out 1t a gross piece of interference, and
AScsa- II1-
it. What happens next? Higgins sends for Kill
burn Hendricks, Aldridge and other members of
his kitchen cabinet and asks them to get their
Assembymen to support Wadsworth. Let him
deny that If he dares. If he was on the stand
under oath / know he wouldn't dare, because
1 know that he did that Did he speak to any
of the members? Not on your life. He went to
the leaders Of the districts. bosses if you will
and told them to deliver their members. Merritt
is in this fight to stay and some people will find
out what is going on before we are through.
Ex-Governor Odeu chairman of the RepubIi-
can State Committee. was at the Republican
Club all day He talked with many leaders,
and last night said:
This is a fight that Merritt, Ma1by and others
are making. l out of it Let them have It
out I guess the Assemblymen are able to judge
for themselves what is what and will act as they
think best
AxsempIyman Wadsworth was at the Hotel
Manhattan last night with AssemblyInan
Prentice
he said: Il have nothing to say about what
Mr.. Merritt what Senator Malby or what the
Governor says. 1 have no idea how many votes
are behind me. My attitude is well known, and
stand upon that. There is nothing to
say
James T. Rogers said last night:
/ was prevailed upon TO withdraw without
having a full understanding of the situation as
it exists to-day. l have been asked to recon
slider that determination by several members
of the Assembly, including some who were not
previously supporting me. I shall consult with
nv friends and consider the matter very care<
fully before reaching any decision The situa-
tion is one that requires that the welfare OF the
party be placed above all personal ambition.
Mr. Merritt gave out another statement last
night Just as he was handing it out Senator
Malby said:
Merritt was on the gas investigating com
mittee Rogers is on the insurance investiga-
ton committee. Up until Wadsworth was in
tected into the fight the race seemed TO be be-
tween them. Both have offended the interests
nearest and dearest TO the heart of Thomas 2.
Ryan. Wadsworth is brother-in-law OF Payne
whitney son of Ryan's old partner and mentor.
William c. Whitney. The relations between
Ryan. Whitney and Wadsworth are intimate.
II was good stroke of business to knock out
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