South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-04-27
COLONEL ADMITS
ASKING PLATT'S
ADVICE IN 1900
Roosevelt Says He DID Not AC-
Cept Nomination for Vice
President Until After Con-
SuIting the Boss"

COURT HOUSE, SYRACUSE, y. Y,
April 27.-The late Sen Thomas c.
Platt, presiding general Of the old
Fifth avenue Amen corner. and repub-
lican boss" of New York, was the
political mentor, a sort of guide,
philosopher and friend" of Theodore
Roosevelt while he was vice presi-
dent and president of the United
States as Vdl as while he was gov
ernor of the empire state.
The entire morning session of the
sensational political suit was taken up
with the reading of more Roosevelt
Platt and Platt- Roosevelt letters, all
of them tending TO show that the
colonel recognized Platt as the boss
and consulted with him on that basis.
Some of the letters were written
while Roosevelt was vice president
and some while he was president.
on cross examination Of these let
ters Mr.. Roosevelt grudgingly admit
TED that he conferred with Mr. Platt
while he was in the white house.
But you misuse the word advise,
said the colonel Say rather L was in
consultation with Sen. Plat than that
l sought his advice"
Sought PIatt'S Advice.
Col Roosevelt admitted that he did
not accept the republican nomination
for vice president OF the United states
in 1900 until he consulted with I. {.
Plat. He gave other testimony TO
the effect that he considered Platt the
boss while he was governor OF New
York.
Col. Roosevelt's consultations with
the late Sen. Platt regarding the re-
publican Vice-preSidential nomination
in 1900 were the basis of croSS-eX-
animation as soon as court convened.
Mr.. Barnum cross-questioned the
colonel at length upon the contents
of a letter read late yesterday In
that letter Mr.. Roosevelt told Platt
he did not care to be vice-president.
He wanted to run again for governor,
but told Platt he would abide by his
advice.
Didn't Consult Platt as Boss.
Did you accept Mr.. Platts advice
in reference to the vice presidential
nomination. asked Mr.. Barnum.
Il did not" said the colonel.
did you consult him upon the
matter as a bOss?"
81 did not"
your relations with Boss Platt
were most friendly at that time?"
queried Barnum.
Most friendly" affirmed the
colonel.
I'm your letter you said YOU had
thoroughly enjoyed your term as
governor" said Barnum. Did you
enjoy your term?'
Most thoroughly" said the col
onel.
Did Mr.. Platt advise you to run for
! vice-president2 asked Barnum.
John NJ. Bowers, Roosevelt's chief
counsel. objected, and the question
was stricken out.
Mr.. Barnum then read a letter
from Platt to Roosevelt referring to
the New York charter commission
and the canal investigating cOmRis-
sion.
Did Mr.. Platt suggest any names
for the charter commission? ?" asked
Barnum.
Il think not" said the colonel
slowly; "yes, Mr.. Platt suggested the
name of Mr.. Dewitt, but his name
| had previously been mentioned to
me-"
did you consult with Mr. Platt
, about the canal commission"
II did"
What was said? ?"
II don't remember exactly"
What was the Fox Mcfarland re-
pOrt?" asked Farnum.
81 do not remember"
WAS it a report OF canal investi-
gation?"
Yes" I believe it was" admitted
Did you take any step to carry
out the recommendation Of that re
port?'
Il laid it before the legislature"
said the colonel.
Move TO strike out" said Barnum.
stricken out" said Justice An
drews.