ministration. It was especially so at this time in view
of the scandals which had arisen under the previous Administration over
the Erie Canal, the most important responsibility of this department.
Now, the man whom the boss had picked out was an excellent fellow, whom
Roosevelt liked and whom, incidentally, he later appointed to an office
which he filled in admirable fashion. But Roosevelt had no intention of
having any one but himself select the members of his Administration. He
said so frankly and simply. The Senator raged. He was unaccustomed
to such independence of spirit. Roosevelt was courteous but firm.
The irresistible force had met the immovable obstacle--and the
force capitulated. The telegraphic acceptance was not accepted. The
appointment was not made.

Mr. Platt was a wise man, even if he was arrogant. He knew when he
had met one whom he could not drive. So he did not break with the new
Governor. Roosevelt was wise, too, although he was honest. So he did not
break with the "easy boss." His failure to do so was a disappointment
to his impractical friends and supporters, who were more concerned with
theoretical goodness than with achievement.

Roosevelt worked with Platt and the party machine whenever he could.
He fought only when he must. When he fought, he won. In Senator Platt's
"Autobiography", the old boss paid this tribute to the young fighter
whom he had made Governor: "Roosevelt had from the first agreed that he
would consult me on all questions of appointments, Legislature or party
policy. He religiously fulfilled this pledge, although he frequently did
just what he pleased."

One of the things that particularly grieved the theoretical idealists
and the chronic objectors was the fact that Roosevelt used on occasion
to take breakfast with Senator Platt. They did not seem to think it
possible that a Governor could accept the hospitality of a boss without
taking orders from him. But Mr. Platt knew better, if they did not. He
was never under any illusions as to the extent of his influence
with Roosevelt. It vanished precisely at the point where the selfish
interests of the party and the wishes of the boss collided with the
public welfare. The facts about the famous breakfasts are plain enough.
The Governor was in Albany, the Senator in Washington. Both found it
easy to get to New York on Saturday. It was natural that they should
from time to time have matters to discuss for both were leaders in their