New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-23
MR.. LAUTERBACH'S MISSION.

MR.. LAUTERBACH'S MISSION
The impression prevails very generally that
Mr. Iauterbachs mission to Canton in so far as
it related to the representation Of this State in
the Cabinet was not successful. He has report
ed however, that his interview with the Presi-
dent-elect was very satisfactory. and sharply
denied the story that he not invited to lunch
con at the Mckinley cottage on the day OF his
visit His mission, as appears from puDlshed
interviews with him since his return. was 10
suggest the names Of certain New-fork citizens
from which Mr.. Mckinley could make seec-
ton for the Cabinet which would be agreeable
TO the Republican organization of this state.
He has neglected to make public the sources OF
his authority to represent the organization. or to
say whether he was duly commissioned to ac, IN
the capacity of Intermediary by formal appoint
ment from the Republican State or County Com
mittee or whether the three names when he
suggested for the Cabinet had been agreed upon
by either of those executive bodies. In the ab-
sence of any public announcement that such
action had been taken we suppose it to he safe
to assume that there was none. and that MT.
Lauterbach was self-appOinted to the mission
he undertook Or. if not self-appOnted. within
one of it.
However that may be. he appears to have met
with courteous and kindly reception, no ques-
ton being raised as to his authority and no call
made for his credentials. 1t is whispered that
in addition to the three names which lie declares
that he proposed for the Cabinet there was at
least one other suggested for diplomatic ap-
pointment That. however. is unimportant.
The fact that this visit to the President elect
with it's accompanying communication to him
of the wishes of the Republican organization or
the State was postponed until after the choice
of United States Senator had been made has
given rise to some suspicious as to its real sig
nfcance There are Republicans unchartahle
enough to say that in their belief the names con
veyed to Canton by Mr.. Lauterbach were not
proposed with any idea on the part OF the or
ganizatior, or Mr. Platt or Mr.. Lauterbach him
self that their consideration would be seriously
entertained. They say that the intention was
| incidentally to make it pleasant for the gentle
| men named by giving them prominence as Cab
| met possibilities but mainly to give the Presi-
| dent elect fair notice that in making his appoint
mens the Republican organization of this state
through its newly elected Senator had TO be
reckoned with. and that the power of the Senate
TO confirm or reject must be taken into account.
| But though it must be admitted that there are
considerations which lend plausbty TO this
| ". IL
with all his faults has at least demonstrated dur
ing the last sixteen years his Willingness and ca
pacity to learn something from the lessons of ex-
perience. He is not likely at the outset or his
new Senatorial career to repeat the experiment
| Of antagonzing an Administration OF his own
party. which. according to the testimony of his
| friends. he did so much to elect. He cannot have
| forgotten how futile was his opposition to the
| .t,,;c hotr, Aicoc
upon the party and how nearly fatal to himself.
Nor can he hope, in the light of his previous
record in the Senate. to influence that body adj
versely to the incoming Administration. True,
he opposed the nomination Of Mckinley with
| unusual bitterness. not unmxed with reflections
upon his personal integrity. But much is par
doned to partlsanship in heated canvass, and
Il is not to be denied that after the nomination
he withdrew his opposition and supported the
ticket. He is not so unreasonable as to suppose
| that he can dictate the appointments of the new
Administration or influence it by anything like
| threats of defeating combinations. We conse-
ouently reject the theory that Mr.. Lauterbachs
mission had any such purpose as some unchari-
! table persons ascribe to II.
| And as to Mr.. Lautcrbach. whether he went to
Canton duly commissioned or of his own volt
ton. The Tribune congratulates him upon his
having met with so courteous a reception and
an invitation to luncheon with the President
elect. There is much compensation in this for
the failure TO impress Mr. Mckinley with the
claims of the gentlemen whose names he offered
| for q Cabinet position And while on this sub
iect we congratulate him also upon the easy
grace with which he deferred to the expressed
| wishes Of the County Committee and consented.
with hardly the show Of reluctance TO serve that
body as president pro tempore