and that Payn would not be retained. If he could not get his successor
confirmed, he would make the appointment as soon as the Legislature
adjourned, and the appointment would stand at least until the
Legislature met again. Platt declared in turn that Payn would be
reinstated as soon as the Legislature reconvened. Roosevelt admitted the
possibility, but assured his opponent that the process would be repeated
as soon as that session came to an end. He added his conviction that,
while he might have an uncomfortable time himself, he would guarantee
that his opponents would be made more uncomfortable still. Thus the
matter stood in the weeks before final action could be taken. Platt was
sure that Roosevelt must yield. But once more he did not know his man.
It is curious how long it takes feudal overlords to get the measure of a
fearless free man.

The political power which the boss wielded was reinforced by pressure
from big business interests in New York. Officials of the large
insurance companies adopted resolutions asking for Payn's reappointment.
But some of them privately and hastily assured the Governor that these
resolutions were for public consumption only, and that they would be
delighted to have Payn superseded. Roosevelt strove to make it clear
again and again that he was not fighting the organization as such, and
announced his readiness to appoint any one of several men who were good
organization men--only he would not retain Lou Payn nor appoint any man
of his type. The matter moved along to the final scene, which took place
at the Union League Club in New York.

Mr. Platt's chief lieutenant asked for a meeting with the Governor. The
request was granted. The emissary went over the ground thoroughly. He
declared that Platt would never yield. He explained that he was certain
to win the fight, and that he wished to save Roosevelt from such a
lamentable disaster as the end of his political career. Roosevelt again
explained at length his position. After half an hour he rose to go. The
"subsequent proceedings" he described as follows:

"My visitor repeated that I had this last chance, and that ruin was
ahead of me if I refused it; whereas, if I accepted, everything would
be made easy. I shook my head and answered, 'There is nothing to add to
what I have already said.' He responded, 'You have made up your mind?'
and I said, 'I have." He then said, 'You know it means your ruin?' and I
answered, 'Well, we will see a