New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-07-16
PLATT "A YEARS OLD.
SENATOR'S VIEWS SPICY.
Legs Wabbly, but Head Level"
He Tells HIS Friends.


Senator Thomas c. Plat was seventy-four years
old yesterday and he told his friends at the ORR
entail Hotel. Manhattan Beach, where he is spend
ing the summer, that he felt first rate The SEN
ator looked 1t. He also told his friends and the
reporters a lot Of other things and some of them
would cause uneasiness in the Republican organi-
cation II the Senator at the head Of a
chine as potential it when he celebrated
his sixty-fourth anniversary.
My legs wabbly. but my head is level" said
the Senator with low chuckle. Sitting the
rear porch of the hotel yesterday afternoon. he
shook hands with score more Of personal
friends and read kilograms and letters from those
who could not pay him visit. One of his letters
was from Ex-Governor Odeu
Il expect to him before the summer Is over"
said the Senator
He used to be good pupil in your Sunday
school,, 1t was suggested.
Yes" said the Senator he was a good pupil
until he became superintendent" and then the SEN
ator laughed until the moisture gathered in his
eyes. Continuing about Mr.. Oden. he said seri-
ousy
Ben Odeu knows more about politics in this
state than any of them. and he is a compare
lively young man yet he will be heard from
again"
who Is the Republican leader now?'
Why Governor Hughes. of course" said the
Senator with one of his old fashioned grns He's
the leader OF the independent Republicans the
Mugwumps. the Democrats and various other scots,
but just where he is leading them 1 don't know
What children they up in Albany he went
on They don't know what they want; they don't
know what the Governor wants. and sometimes I
think maybe he doesn't know himself what he
wants. There they quauelling like a lot OF
schoolboys. Raines, and Wadsworth, and TuIy, and
the of them and after all they are not going
to accomplish anything. There doesn't seem to be
much chance of their reaching an agreement now
anyway. AT least. that is the latest information
have the subject
What do you think of the workings OF the
Public Service Commission as far as 1t has gomez
Cndoubtedly 1t is the greatest measure ever put
on the statute books. but I've got my fingers
crossed when say it, said the Senator chuck
And what is your best guess on the Presidential
situation?"
II think likely Taft will be the Republican can
didate. Roosevelt wants him. and every one that
Is following Roosevelt these days is likely TO fall
into line for Taft. The Senators from his own
state Will not allow him TO be nominated for Pres
ident If they can help it, but the drift seems to be
Tafts way
Hasn't Hughes a good chance?'
We'll. l haven't noticed that Roosevelt was
working overtime for him. have your" More
mirth from the Senator.l
What do you think OF Hughes?"
Well. wrote him half dozen letters last win
ter. and he never even acknowledged one OF them.
Wasn't that nice OF him.
Have you any intention of resiguing from the
Senate?' asked
Not the slightest" said the Senator Il shall
remain in the Senate until the end Of my term,
less L should shuttle of this mortal coil. and
don't feel as II was going 10 shuttle. I'm feeling
pretty we'll. thank you. After I've been down here
Il WIllIe snail 20 DdCk 10 town. IO-nlorTOW eA-
pect 10 up to my office and look after business.
as usual That's fine building we have there"
he continued. referring TO the new United States
Express Building near Trinity Church we have
rented about 70 per cent OF the Offices and soon
all of them will be taken. Our stockholders, on
the strength OF our prosperity. want per cent
dividends. instead Of 4. but don't think conditions
warrant the Increase at this time.
How do you find business the country over.
Judging by the information received from your
agents and Heutenants?"
1T is pretty good now said Senator Platt. but
7 looking for Industrial and business de-
preston We the ragged edge OF II now
and II will not be long deferred.
What is the reason back OF your opniOn?'
II think that the prevailing uneasness among
business is IN large part due to the disposition
of the Roosevelt administration to keep up the
agitation against the heads OF the great industrial
enterprises The administration seems 10 be pos
sessed of hystericaI energy for investigating
things Continued prosperity for our railroads and
tnduStTials prompts the suspicion on the part or
friends in Washington that there is something
rotten-that something's needs to be attacked or
investigated. and It is forthwith attacked and
shown up with brass band and red fire accOmpani-
ments.
This disposition on the part of the admnistra-
ton IS dsquieting TO business men. They don't
know what is going to hit them or how soon they
will be struck Things are in q shaky condition
all along the line. and think there are breakers
ahead"
Reverting to political themes he said:
Il think Morgan ought to succeed Wilcox
postmaster From all that can learn Morgan is
a first rate official and good Republican have
written the President in favor OF Morgan"
A message OF COngratulatOn his anniversary
which seemed particularly to please Mr.. Plat
the following from former State Railroad Commits
sioner I. V Hakcr. Of Washington County:
Hearty congratulations. If everybody you have
helped should send the Oriental would be
| submerged"
Senator Plat said he would have had a birthday
party but for the fact that his daughter-in-law.
Mrs. Harry r. Plat. died the home of her
mother near Wilkes Barre on Sunday.