THE MAN WHO REFUSED TO BE SHELVED
Now Roosevelt came to the crisis of his career. The events of the next few years made him later President of the United States. Politicians conspired against him, but Fate fought with him. He was indeed a “Man of Destiny.”
In spite of his agreement with Senator Platt to consult him upon important matters of government—a pledge Roosevelt faithfully kept—he still became a thorn in the side of Platt and the machine politicians.
Immediately after his inauguration Governor Roosevelt cleaned house in whirlwind fashion at Albany. Superintendent of Insurance Lou F. Payn, who was thrown out of a job, ran to Senator Platt with this cry:
“I warned you that this fellow would soon have you dangling at his chariot wheel. You would not believe me. He has begun by scalping members of your ‘Old Guard.’ He’ll get you, too, soon.”
The big dispute between Roosevelt and Platt came when Roosevelt determined that corporations must pay a franchise tax. He had bills drawn up to this effect. His party leaders rebelled. Roosevelt gritted his teeth and drove through the Legislature this franchise tax law. Following this, Roosevelt let it be known that he would be the candidate for renomination as Governor.
Platt and his henchmen decided that they had had quite enough of him. To eliminate him from state politics they decided to shelve him in the office of Vice-President. Platt and his friends went to the Republican National Convention at Philadelphia determined to carry this plan through. Mark Hanna was opposed to nominating Roosevelt as a candidate for the Vice-Presidency. Platt joined forces with Senator Quay.
Roosevelt discovered the plan to get rid of him, and gave the newspapers an interview in which he stated positively that he would not accept the nomination; that his most valued friends had advised him against being a candidate, and that he would follow their advice.
Senator Platt went on with his plans. He conferred with Senator Hanna. Roosevelt came to Platt’s rooms.
“I shall go to the New York caucus and tell the delegates that I shall, if nominated for Vice-President, arise in the convention and decline.”