New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-03-08
THE GERMANS ENLISTED AGAINST TIE
CHARTER


HALL-sPEECHEs OF MARCUS oTTERBoURG,
HENRY CLAUsEN, OSWALD 0TTENDoRFER,
AND OTHERS.
The large German element of this city,
without the support Of which Mayor Havemeyer ana
the Republican members of the Board OF Aldermen
would have been elected expressed itself last nght
in unmstakabe language opposed to the provisions
of the proposed Charter that aims TO deprive the Mayor
OF all executive authority by concentrating power In
partisan and irresponsible Board of Aldermen No
angry oubursts Of passion violent defamation were
used TO name excite the auditors. but calm, deter
mined spirit Of opposition 10 the allies who had De-
trayed them was manifested by the speakers and ex-
pressed in the resolutions opinions which had been
framed upon mature reflection, and which would be
maintained to the end II was no partisan
gathering that filed Beethoven Hall, but Re
publcans and Democrats united IN concerning
the Charter The belief that Governor Dix will use his
prerogative prevent the passage OF the Charter
seemed TO be generally entertained while the resolution
requesting the State Senators 10 ignore in the discussions
concerning the Charter all considerations and influences
inconsistent with furnishing the city an able and eco
poical government was received with prolonged ap-
plsuse coupled with shouts of appreciation The sen-
ment that the German citizens will abate no efforts 10
rescue the city from the control of partsans that pres
en-; defeat Will deter them from pursuing their ef
forts, and that they pledge their support and CO.
operation 10 all who are laborlng TO accomplish the
same end we're received with enthusiastic applause
An effort was made by few persons holding office I'M
der the Government 10 disturb the proceedings aud to
break up the meeting but it signaly failed One OF the
speakers in commenting upon the general atmosphere
Of corruption which everywhere prevails, incidentally
mentioned Credit Mobiler, whereupon an excited man
arose and exdeavored 20 create sentiment anagonisc
10 the purpose Of the meeting by charging the speaker
with a disposition 10 make the meeting partisan He
was quickly answered by Mr. Oterbourg, Who III a few
well-timed remarks, carried the audience with him.
The meeting called to order at el6 H. by Marcus
Otterbourg who said that Chairman OF the Executive
Committee Of the German Reform Association he had
been asked 10 perform the pleasant duty of welcoming
the auditors 10 the hall They had no doubt been in
formed of object Of the meeting He said that 1t was
due 10 the principles advocated and TO the general Ger
man sentiment that call should be made, 30 that they
might be able discuss their interests and reassert IN
earnest form that party politics should exercise no
influence municipal affairs He said that the general
sentiment OF the German voters harmonized with the
views OF the members Of this organization, Who when
entering hail. leave behind them their party aha'
tons agreeing TO vote only for the reform candidates.
and thereby 70 promote the welfare Of the CITY, He said
in conclusion that he considered 1t most appropriate
that the Chairman Of the German Reform Association
should preside az the meeting.
Remarks OF HENRY cLAusEN.
Henry Caupen, the President, was tlSfa introduced.
thank you, gentlemen. he said, that you have called
me to preside this meeting understand that this
meeting called 10 protest against the effort made by
faction Of party dstOrt the meaning of the victory
We gained last Fall and to impose upon the people of
this city charter inspired only by partisan feeling and
desire for plonder. The object which is attempted
is similar which induced the leaders of old cor
rupt TammaDy 10 legisate for the benefit OF certain
persons alone Was the candidate Of the reformers last
Fall asked whether ne was Democrat OF Republican
Not at all simply asked whether ne was in favor
Of reform and opposed to dishonest government But now
he
ent irrespective Of party affiliations legsate in favor
of particular party and make laws for the city only for
the purpose OF perpetuatDg their faction and providing
places for their particular adherents The Credit Mobi
her in contracting circles sends its sentiment OF coup
ton because unrebuked in Congress- into State Cap
ital and with diminishing spheres into our City
Government. II sets example which will be fatal to
our institutions Of government IL it be permitted TO ad
vance without hinderaDce.
A gentleman here arose in the audience, and inter-
rupting the speaker said that the remarks indicated
partisan feeling, and that insnuatiOn had been lev
eled against the Republicans present. He deprecated
such action. and it effort TO make political
capital out Of meeting Marcus Otterbourg remarked
that anything said had offended any member present.
IL was because blow had struck enthusiastic
applauseland that the meeting had been called 10 OPP
pose fraud and corruption wherever it exists and that
while the immediate purpose was to express disappro
val Of municipal wrong, the general sentiment was
tagonistic to corruption everywhere, in high or low
places Enthusiastic applause greeted his words after
which the following were adopted
THE RESOLUTIONS.
Whereas, The citizens OF German descent in the City
Of thoroughly nt that ony by a
prosperity of community well as the welfare and
ta o. ts WITH s nan@y
cpal abuses which have been nurtured by the ambition
and upscrupulousness OF leading officials, and by the
Vaccinations Of parties and rings aud they have ap
proved OF aud supported all efforts made TO secure TO the
fba NJ
sons for the administration of the common interests,
and to introduce INTO the organization OF our mu-
essential TO prevent abuses aud insure an efeien man
ase% 1estet that in the nomination and
election df the principal officers ability and trust
worthness alone should he considered without regard 10
political affiliations and influences foreign 20 faithful
administration Of the public affairs They discovered
whose ftness for position has been duly ascer
tanned, and TO bestow public offices as reward
tgated as much as possible wise and energetic
invested with the power OF renedying abuses. They
deem it unwise TO transfer Praetcaly the appointing
power to the Legislative branch OF the City Government
while the Executive shall be made a mere TOOL, as
contemplated by the Charter now before the Leelsla
ture They regard IL the part OF sound pCcal economy
to put under strict contioi the ehpendte Oh MONEY
levied by taxation, and 70 prevent me payment
Of fraudulent or excessive claims 10 lnaugu
rate a better system in the administration OF the
manner OF contracting debts to enhancelthe credit OF
improvements so essentially necessary 10 make our
metropolis what IL should benaIn6ly the PRIDE Oh the
IN an extent that must ultimately result In bankruptcy
and 10 that end they demand that municipal elections
They admit that opinions may differ as 70 the means
whereby their purposes shall be accomplished fIopos
monS Nv The same sincere desire 10 promote
the gTeatest good 70 the greatest number, may
oeers and aiotting TO the different Departments their
respective share OF the public duties ana 70 provide
system Tor their internal workings. In Training ihe
Charter now before Legislature IL Is apparent tnat
enfca zeal adj