New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-04-17
Mr. LATTEPBACHS FR4NKNESS.

y Mr.. Edward Lauterbach may lack discretion,
but he is certainly not deficient in frankness.
In his speech of acceptance upon the presenta-
ton of $50 pieces of silver by the Republican
County Committee in token of their apprecia-
lion of his unsefsh labors in behalf of the
party, he INDUCED in a burst of candor which
produced mild sensation of surprise even on
the part of those who joined in the applause
ELECTED by his eloquence A well-grounde1 sus-
picion has existed for long time-certainly ever
since Mr.. Lauterbach has been at the head Of
the County Committee-thar the Republican ma
chine managers would much prefer the rule
Of Tammany in municipal affairs TO the success
of any non-partsan movement committed 10
good government honest administration and
municipal reform. But declaration to that eff
feet by the chairman of the Republican County
Committee in a public meeting was hardly ex-
pected Such brutal candor wac in the nature
of a surprise. Not that the fact itself was new
20 his hearers. 1t was no revelation 10 them
that the Republican machine. of which they are
the subordinate parts, regarded Tammany De
mOcracy with greater favor than any other pos
sible political organization except the one it
controlled itself But the cold-blooded and
brazen publication of the fact by the accredited
organ of the machine must have given them a
shock 1t is said that they do not yet quite un-
derstand it.
But is there really any mystery about it? Was
Mr.. Lauterbach actually indiscreet as well as
ngenuously frapk? Let US see. If Mr.. Lauer-
bach really believed the success of straight
Republican ticket for Mayor Of Greater New
York 10 be possible, there can be but one opinion
as to the lack Of discretion and good judg-
ment shown in making declaration that could
have no other effect than 10 offend and drive
away thousands Of Republicans who might
otherwise have supported a straight Republican
candidate There was nothing TO be gained. but
clearly and Enthusiastically great deal put at
risk by it, Knowng-as he must have known,
being q man Of ordinary intelllgence-that he
was clubbing Republican voters away instead Of
winning them to the support of a straight party
ticket, what could have been his motive? If this
were the first time he had publicly and Osten-
tatiously given utterance 10 sentiments and
opinions offensive 10 a large body Of Repub-
lican voters, II might be explained upon the sup
position that he had made an Involuntary eX-
posure In the excitement Of the moment and
upon hasty impulse. But il Is not the first
tine by any means that he has done precisely
the same thing. He began II upon his election
as president Of the County Committee, with an
utterly uncalled-for attack upon the Union
League Club He has repeated 1t upon almost
every occasion since when opportunity has Of
fered. 1t Is not too much 20 say that he has done
more than any other man, not excepting Senator
Plat himself, 10 imbitter factiOna feeling in
the party and keep all sores wide open.
This Is not accidental Mr. Lauterbach has
purpose in it-and a well-considered, far-reach-
ing purpose. He knows, and his associates
know. first. that The success Of a straight Repub-
llcan ticket in Greater NewYork is in existing
conditions not only improbable. but actually i'm
possible. And they all know thar were II DOS
slble it would be from their point Of view I'M
desirable, for the reason that the largeness OF
the party vote would reduce the proportion Of
spells TO be divided among the machine man
ayers and their following. 1t is vastly to their
advantage to have the party in a minority so
long as they can keep In control of 1t and use
ifs name and prestige for trading purposes with
the Tammany Democracy. These men have