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