New-York tribune., 1909-03-08
"TOM7PLATT NOW HAPPY
NO Plans FOR FUTURE.
Says Root WM Be Leader and Pri-
maries Bill Will Be Beaten.

II happy. I happy man. happy 70 hs
OF 1t all" This the thought uppermost IN
the mind OF Thomas Collier Platt. who. Thurs
day. when Senator Root was sworn in TO succeed
him United States Senator. retired finally from
a political career extending over more than half
century. This what the Senator said when
asked last night II there not sOmsthing In his
mind he would Ike TO say. now that he had LETT
public life.
Il happy to be at bone" he said as he talked
to a Tribune reporter In his library IN the apart
ments Of Mr.. and Mrs Gustav Abel. with whom
he has made his home IN this city for several years
He expects to stay with his friends who have
made 1t exceedingly pleasant for him; and IN tho
summer they viii 90 away together 10 some quiet
country place Last year they had a cottage at
Woodmere. bIt IT is settled yet that they VII
go back for another season
Ex-senator P1att. who for many years
the Republican leader Of New York state. believes
that Senator Root VIII be the real leader IN the
future. He does not believe IN direct primaries and
does not think Governor Hughes will be able to
get his bill passed.
With a clear eye. much fuller in the face and
with better color than a year ago. the Senator
greeted his caller with Arm grasp OF the hand
Wien he said he happy he looked Il. He has
no misgivings about retiring private life. al
though he acknowledges that he may miss the cid
life in Washington.
DO you expect to run down to Washington oc-
casionally?' he asked
Il can't help It," he said. with smile and with
just touch OF sadness in his voice But
glad to be free from It ali. the worry and care OF
public life"
Have you any plans for the future?' the Senator
asked. DO you plan to travel. that you
free?'
NO. I am not going to Africa" came the reply
like a fash. and ths old man chuckled
The conversation turned upon the question to
whether ex-President Roosevelt would be likely TO
re-enter public life when he returned from his
hunting trip in Africa.
Well" was the reply. well have to wait sni
see He always did like 10 get into things and mix
up in them
Washington" said Mrs. Abel. who sat near by
Yes" said the Senator. tine people always Ike
fighter. have had few fights myself And
he grew reminiscent OF the old days
Asked again il he did not have some word for
the politicians OF the present day as he retired
from the arena he replied: 7 am seveEty-ive
years old now. and entitled. think. to keep my
mouth shut
Il don't want to draw any comparisons" said
the Senator when asked to comment on the changes
j in political methods since the time he active
as a state leader. The who has charge now,
you know. Is Governor Hughes
DO you mean that you consider the Governor
the Republican leader Of the state nOw?
NO" said the Senator slowly Il would not
want to give him that place because do not think
he has enough political Judgment I should con-
slider Senator Root the real leader think he
ought to be. and think he Will be He is an able
TO the satisfaction OF everybody
AS might be expected the Senator does not have
high opinion Of direct primary nominations FOR
this state The Governor talks though he
could shape the destinies OF the Republican party
In this state around direct nominations he said.
but I don't think he succeed in doing any
thing his plan The better sense OF the party
is against it.
: How do you plan to spend your time now Sen
ator?" asked
WHY, expect 10 make things hum down ar the
express company" he said. with note OF defiance
in his voice 10 those who lay him on the shelf
Just because he Is seventy-fve years Old
But don't you think you have earned rest
there. tOo2'
Well YOU see. 7 have got to earn my hvinSs
said the Senator with a merry twinkle in his eye
why should I stop work now2 Nave worked
hard all nv life and I fond OF IL
The Senator says he expects 10 be at his desk m
the offices Of the United States Express Company.
of which ne is president. every business day from
10 o'clock until about 30
The Senator arrived from Washington on Satur-
dav. On Friday he had gone to the Senate cham
her 10 have last look the old surroundings and
clean out his desk. He reached the Abel apart
ments at No. I3S West uth street, on Saturday
night and has seen only few friends since then
as his return has not become generally known His
son called to him yesterday afternoon