Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1906-09-24

are not hampered by an Independent
although IL Is admitted the In
dependence league may poll some repubH-
can votes Its principal influence, II the
full state ticket goes on the ofiicial ballot.
will be felt. however. by the democrats.
Popular opinion arrays state Chairman
odell against Governor Frank W. Higgins
In the struggle for control OF the Saratoga
convention and of the republican party
in this state. Two years ago Mr.. odell
and Mr.. Higgins were quite intimate. II
was not long after Governor Higgins was
inauEurated that there came rumors OF
differences existing between the governor
and the state chairman. There was no
open breach. however, until the tight last
winter for the assembly speakership. Chair
man Odell let ~ be known that his cand-
date for the once was Assembiyman Nor
rift. OF St Lawrence county. Governor
Higgins openly advocated the election OF
Assemblyman James W. Wadsworth. jr., a
son OF Congressman Wadsworth. who as
chairman OF the house committee on agri-
culture came into prominence this spring
during the meat investigation at washing
ton.
RooseveIt's Hand Seen.
During the speakership tight a number
to Washington and were In conference with
President Roosevelt. When they returned
to Albany there were Immediate assure noes
that young Mr.. Wadsworth would be
chosen speaker He was 50 chosen on the
first ballot. 1t then became generally noised
about that the president had aligned him
self morally IL not openly with Governor
Higgins and his followers in the state.
Chairman Odell was nettled at this and
the further report that every effort would
be made to overthrow his leadership OF
the state committee. He CALLED upon his
friends for support and the fight which
still continues was begun.
In the only test vote OF the state COM
mittee taken this year, Chairman Odell
was accredited with a victory by a margin
OF one vote. The friends of Governor
Higgins claim that the one absent member
or the committee was aligned with the
governor and had sent his proxy to the
committee, but 1t arrived too late. This
vote they claim, would have made the
division OF the committee a tie. Governor
Higgins friends also declared that too
great Significance should not be attached
to the vote, for a new state committee is
to be named this year.
Governor Higgins was a recent visitor to
Oyster Bay. where he was in consultation
with the president. Thus once more at
critical juncture the president has implied
his position without openly stating II. He
has given accent to Governor Higgins
visit by inviting former Lieutenant Gov
ernor Timothy L. Woodruff to luncheon at
Oyster Bay. Mr.. Woodruff IL one Of Mr..
Higgins most outspoken adherents.
Higgins is Not Talking.
Governor Higgins has not openly stated
whether or not he will be a candidate for
renomination. Chairman Odell has publicly
stated that he is opposed to the renomina-
ton of Governor Higgins on the ground
that the history OF the state has shown
candidates for reelection to be poor can
didates. He thinks a stronger man could be
found elsewhere. Allied with Chairman
odell are United States Senator Thomas c.
Platt and Lemuel Ely Quigg.
There is a we'll founded belief that Presi-
dent Roosevelt is lending his implied infiu-
ence to Governor Higgins for the purpose
OF helping him gain control Of the state
convention. Then It is intimated that the
governor will withdraw and himself nomi-
nate his successor. who will be a man be-
lieved to be capable Of drawing the votes
OF both factions OF the party and will also
be cordially approved by President Roose-
velt
The suggested candidates other than Gov
ernor Higgins are quite numerous and
cover a wide range OF personalities. The
number has been multiplying as the day Of
the convention approaches. Among them
is Charles F. Hughes. the lawyer, who was
nominated for mayor OF New York City
last fall by the republicans but declined the
r.
the legislative committee which Investi-
gated the gas situation in New York City
and the life insurance companies of the
state. Ex-Governor Odell has claimed Mr..
Hughes as a candidate and 1t has also been
suggested that he was favored by President
Roosevelt. Mr.. Hughes says he has made
no promises to anyone. Chairman Odell is
also credited with suggesting the name of
Secretary of State Elihu Root. now on
tour of South America.
One OF the latest of the suggested repub-
llcan candidates is Postmaster General
George b. CorteIyou who is also chairman
OF the republican national committee, and
Mr.. Cortelyou is out with an announcement
that he is giving his attention to the work
of the Postofhce department. Many OF the
names have been suggested without consul
tation with the principles. 1t is said. but
have been mentioned merely as possibilities
and as men whom the party night call upon
In its hour OF need.
The republican fight is all The more inter-
esting from the fact that the party is at
present in power in the state and has been
for several years past.
Hearst's League In the Field
The Independence league. which is an
incorporated body with Mr. Hearst as
president held its convention in Carnegie
hall. New York City, September IL and
~. 1t was the largest delegate conven-
ton in the history of the state, over
1900 representatives of the various coun-
ties being in attendance There was a
move to have the convention postpone
the making of nominations. II being repro
scented that a fusion with the democrats
at Buffalo on September 25 was possible.
as many delegates to the democratic con.
vention had been instructed to vote for
MIR. Hearst for governor first, last and
all the time" The suggestion that The
independents postpone the making of nom
nations came from Norman E Mack.
democratic national committeeman for
New York state and from William J. Con-
nors of Buffalo. The latter presented A
memorial in behalf OF himself and other
delegates TO the Buffalo convention.
The temper OF the delegates was against
fusion. however, and after an all night