New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-03
THE COyFIRMATION or PAYN.


The nomination of Louis f. Payn as Super
intendent of Insurance was confirmed yesterday
by the Senate, as was generally expected. The
opinion of The Tribune regarding this appoint
ment is already well known to its readers. From
every point of view it seems TO The Tribune to
he deplorable mistake. First, and above all,
because of public considerations. Mr.. PaynS
notoriety as a lobbyst-even though it be true,
Is. claimed by his friends that he has not been
convicted of bribery or corruption in that rela-
tion-could not be considered otherwise than as
a positive disqualification. were he in other re-
spects qualified by familiarity with the business
of insurance by training or experience, for the
delicate and responsible duties of the office. That
he has not these qualifications Is well known.
In this view. of the appointment-that is of its
positive unftneSs as well as lack Of fitness-it
was subversiye of public morals Even If the
grosser charges against Mr.. Payns character
are upfOunded and he be- as alleged the victim
of unreasoning newspaper clamor, the fact re-
mains that in the public Judgment what IS
known and undenied concerning his career as
a politician and lobbyist disqualiies him for the
Mace The appointment is accordingly set down
as an unfit one made solely for political rea-
sons BY q large majority Of voters it will be
considered as prostitution Of office to base uses
and the violation of sacred trust by the GOV
ernor.
Nor is il a sufficient answer 10 this that the
insurance companies of the State, which have
enormous interests at stake and naturally
powerful motive 10 secure the appointment OF a
Superintendent in whom they have confidence,
have offered no opposition 10 Mr.. Payn. Inc
representatives Of these corporations are too well
aware Of the opportunities enjoyed Icy an I'M
friendly head of the Insurance Department Tor
ANNOYANCE obstruction and interference in their
business to run the risk Of offending any one
who had reasonable chance for the appoint
ment. And they are equally well aware that
any active Interference on their part IN forward
ing or opposing the appointment OF an officer
whose function ii Is 10 supervise their business
transactions would prejudice them in public
estimation The amount Of capital invested in
and controlled by Insurance corporations Is
probably greater than in any other single form
of investment. Ii manifests in proportion the
proverbial timidlty of capital The silence OF
the insurance companies themselves during the
tendency OF this appointment has therefore no
significance. 1t may also be said that If all the
reports Of Mr. Payn's capacity for resentment
are true they will have no reason 10 repent their
non-interference.
As TO the effect upon the Republican party. no
one will have the hardhood TO deny that II must
be damaging II lowers the standard Of Gualh-
cation FOR public office so evidently and we
may almost say shameessly. that The great body
OF Republican voters, who have believed in the
partys professions Of devotion TO pure politics
and high standards, Will say they have been be-
trayed. and withdraw their confidence ana sup
port 1t is hardly necessary TO say that the Re
publican party cannot afford to drive Off these
men to crafty the active politicians who hold
or seek the Offices The very men who have
been harpiDg upon the need Of harmony 80
long have given it q most serious and perhaps
disastrous blow. The whole proceeding offers