New-York tribune., 1906-05-06
HANDS OFF
NO STATE INTERFERENCE.
Mr.. Roosevelt Not in Chairman8hip
Fight, Coz. Higgins Says.
[From The Tribune Pureau. ]


Washington, May 5.-President Roosevelt had
politics with Governor Higgins this evening.
After the consultation Governor Higgins an
nounced that the President would take no part
whatever in the selection Of a state committee
chairman. Beyond this the Governor was
inclined to be noncommittal and either refused
the subject to the weather.
It is understood that the Governor came TO
Washington to discuss the subject of certain
federal appointments in the Empire State, and.
according to his intimations. left the White
House with the Presidential 20. K" in his
pocket as far as the candidacy Of his friends
was concerned
Governor Higgins reached Washington shortly
before p. m, and after a brief stay at the
Willard Hotel went to the White House for
dinner Other guests at the dinner were Admi-
raj and Mrs. COwles. Senator Lodge and Nicholas
Murray Butler, president Of Columbia Univer-
sIty. The dinner was later than usual because
OF the late return home OF the PRESIDENT and
Mrs. Roosevelt. who had taken trip down the
river to Mount Vernon In the afternoon and IL
was about 10 o'clock before the President and
Governor Higgins adjourned 70 the library to
take up the matters they wished TO discuss.
At 1875 the Governor left the White House.
The President will take no part in the selec-
tion Of a chairman for the state committee
said the Governor, almost as soon as he had
emerged from the great glass portal OF the ex-
ecutive mansion. Beyond that have very lit
tie 20 say" he continued, he walked toward
his hotel. II have been trying to get over to
see the President FOR some time. About two
Ta~&a @an lent
inviting to come over and spend the night at
the White House, but at that time told him
could not get away from Albany. promised
20 come over however. just as soon as the Leg
islature adjourned, and here am. We took UP
a number Of matters that l wished to talk with
him about, and number that certain other gem
tlemen wanted me to broach to him. may say
that the interview was eninently satisfactory to
me-"
WAS the matter of the chairmanship dis
cussed?" the Governor was asked.
..I told you what the President said about
that" replied the Governor The chairman
ship is matter that must be settled by the
state committee have nothing to do with It.
The members are perfecly competent 70 settle
the question for themselves and, not being 2
member of that body myself have positive
information on the subject. In fact, 1 am glad
have not for have had plenty to occupy my
mind, and expect to have all want to do for
some time to come. I have had fairly busy
winter, and one reason that l came over here
was to get away from work for day or 30.
From Washington I will go to Atlantic City to-
morrow morning and expect TO stay there until
Monday night Then l will go back to Albany
to take up the thirty-day bills. That is about
all the spring programme that I have mapped
out"
/ nIViu ,o,l he a candidate TO succeed yourself,
Governor?"
When a man goes into battle he does not
usually state his intentions beforehand" re-
piled the Governor. That is a bridge that l
win cross. If I do. when get to it. Until l
do reach that bridge do not think will make
any effort to cross over
The Governor said that he regarded the po-
| litical situation in New York State more
satisfactory than II six months ago, but
he added. there is still room for Improvement -
Asked If the room indicated at the head of
the Republican State Committee. the Governor
remarked that he had never before seen Wash
ington looking pretty as il did just now