The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-10-03
DAMSEN FIRES STRASSNER.
MhJESTA ETSBE Ell IDIGUN ny N
LhNDTOGTS PRIVATE SECRETARY

ne went and Heat His Buss Mt an Election
for Chairman or the Executive Committee
or the Ridderbund. and Moreover Hc was
Suspected or Trying to Deal with TnninihnS'
Herr Damson, the High Sheriff. has a now
private secretary. George Strassncr. who was
his faithful undcrstudy for the three pictur-
esque and stormy years Of Herr Dnmson's Off
cial life, has resigned, and his place has been
filled by n youth named Schultz, whom the
Sheriff imported from Bay Ridge, L. /. The
exact dRto OF the beginning OF the
frost which grew up into n wall oil Ice
between Herr Damson and Herr Strassner isnot
known, nor is there anything in tho records of
the Ridderbund, which are kept in Plattdcutsch,
pertaining TO its origin. This much Is known,
however. The strong political and personal
friendship which existed between the two men
is a thing that was, and they no longer say "Wie
gents T. in passing.
During his time of service with tho Sheriff
Strassner was not idle. and from an obscure
place in the ranks of the Riddcrbund he rose to
power and influence. with his rise came an
itching for higher things. and he dreamed that
one day he might be n Coroner just like Herr
Hoeber. With this end in view he set about TO
arouse n sentiment among the Garoos for q
union with Tammany Hall, thinking that IL he
succeeded the nomination no sought would DO
his.
When the news OF this scheme reached Herr
Damsen's ears he was aghast at the audacity OF
his private secretary. lie Immediately con-
vokcd q council of tho leaders OF the bund. and
thoy sat solennly and secretly in the privacy
OF tho Sherif's office. Herr Tiddcr suggested
that Herr Strassner be called in and confronted
with tho evidence OF his villiany. So a messenger
was despatched for Strassncr, and when he APP
peared before tho council he was jumped on
IVY did you did i'll" one of tho leaders was
reported to have asked. Il didn't did it, was
Strassner 3 alleged answer.
You at been indisgreet alreaty," said Herr
Damsen severely.
Then Strassner, it is said. appeared to grow
angry, and taking a paper from his pocket, laid
1t on The table and withdrew. When the docu-
ment was examined 1t was found to be Strass-
ner's resignation, but 1t was written in English:
When it had boon translated into the official
language of the Bund the council decided not to
act upon i hen. and the document was in.
That night the General Committee OF tho
Garoos held a meeting in the Grand Central
Strassner was approached by some OF tho
Sheriif,s friends and induced 70 stand by his
the Sheriff, but the latter withdrew when he
saw the strength of the opposition, which WAS
led by Jean We'll. and Edward d. Amend was
elected President. Damsen's defeat made him
bitter and suspicious, and the breach between
him and his secretary became wider.
But the blow which smashed the alliance en-
tiroly came later, when a meeting of the ENecu.
tive Committee OF the Bund was held on tho
night of Sept. % to choose n Chairman. Before
the meeting it was decided TO let the new Chair
man select a committee OF four to confer on the
following day with other German organiza.
tions Of New York with a view to BOOM
ing William sohmer for Mayor. 1t was
also decided that the Chairman himself should
be a member eN.oiticio of the conference com
mittee. Damscn. liidder * Co. decided that
Augustus klcinau, the Shcrins auctioncer,w was
the proper man for Chairman, and the thought
OF opposition never entered their heads. Before
the meeting began. however, Frederick Dit
man, a former member OF the auctioneer-
ing firm. announced that he was look
ing for the job, and Strassner came
along with a candidate named Julius Zibbcll.
This time the secretary refused to be coerced
into supporting the Landvogt's candidate.
When the voting began Dittman, seeing that
his own election was impossible, threw his
strength with Strassncr, and Zibbell was elected
by II large majority
This ended Herr Strassners services as private
secretary to the Landvogt. The very next morn
ing Herr Damsen announced that he had aC-
Ceptcd Strassner's resignation. Strassner lin
gered on in the Sherif's office until yesterday,
when Schultz arrived from Bay Ridge. Strassncr
is looking for a nomination for Coroner. He and
Dittman flock by themselves and they threaten
10 go over to Tammany in "A body. The salary OF
Herr Damsen's secretary is 81 300 u year.