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superseded.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,