New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-12-22
HIGGINS ANSWERS ODELL.
ISogs r-GoUernor Mast Hare For
gotten Thar Last Conference.

Albany, Dee. Ex-Governor Higgins te-night
replied in part TO the statement made IN New
York to-day by Ex-Governor B. B. OdeI. IT,
chairman of the Republican State COMMITTEE
in reference to the Governors action in propes-
ing Assemblyuan James ". Wadsworth, Jr- OF
Livingston County, for Speaker OF the state
Assembly The Governors statement was made
verbally. but dictated with more than ordinary
care and deftberation to the group OF news
rspsr correspondents.
sT have read the statement of Governor Odell
cert out this afternoon from New-Yerk and
published IN the evening papers. in which he
states that I said that I would not be for any
candidate for Speaker of the Assembly from
either Of the large cities Of the state, the
Governor said. 81 think he must have forgot
ten our last conference in New-Yerk last Fri
DAY.
Previous to my going to New-York I had
learned. through several members Of the As
semhly that called upon me, that Governor
odeu was using nay name for the purpose of Sc
curing pledges for Mr. Merritt for Speaker /
asked him by what authority he was using my
name. He told me he thought that at con-
ference month previous he had satisfied me
that Mr.. Merritt was the proper man 10 sup
port for the place. I, at that time Oast Fri
day, asked him if ne would agree upon any
other candidate-any man in the legislature.
he toIQ me ne WOULD not. Th2I ne vas pledSta
70 Mr. Merritt. and Mr. Merritt would not with
draw. do not care TO discuss with Governor
oael. through the press questions OF honesty
Or dishonesty.
so far as the future of the Republican party
IS concerned think that can safely be trusted
with the press and the people, as to whether
sny action is wise or Unwise
That is all I care TO say on the subject.
Governor Higgins referred this afternoon TO
Tire statement sent out last night from Wash
sngton, in which il was declared win authority
that President Roosevelt had not known in ad-
vance Of the Governors suggestion of James
NJ Wadswerth, 1r-. Of Livingston. for speaker
Of the State Assembly.
u believe the statement is true" said the
Sovernor L know it TO be true
I wish 10 say further that have had no
communication with the President. verbal or
otherwise. on the subject of the speakership.
On my recent visit TO Washington I had an
extended conversation with him, but the Speak
srship was not among the subjects discussed"
Then the Governor added: While it is true
that the President is not interfering, and I be-
Sieve would not interfere in the election of a
Speaker of the Assembly of this State, I have
every reason to believe that he would be very
much pleased 10 hear that the Assembly had
chosen Mr.. Wadsworth IS Speaker"
The Governor asked about Senator
-daiby's allusion to possible impeachment pro-
oeeoings against him as a consequence of his
Hetion in connection with the Spsakership. He
I am not easily frightened" was all he would
say.
Governor Higgins said nothing had come to
situation, his estimate of the votes which would
support Mr. Wadsworth. his own plan Of ac-
Ioll. IN me matter He had planned to go to
clean tonight but announced at noon that he
would be unable to go until tomorrow night.
He said he would not go TO New-York in con
rection with the conference of the Assernblynea
called for Tomorrow.
Have you heard from Asse1nblyIlan Burnett
IN connection with Mr.. Wadsworths candidacy"
was asked.
Z have. He has indicated that he will sun
port Mr.. Wadsworth. replied the GovePfor.