New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-12-17
4 DOEBLE LOSS.

The stock of civic virtue in this community
has been seriously depleted by two deaths
occurring the same day. Oswald Often
dorfer. the proprietor of the "StaatsZetung.'
was known TO be in precaTious condition. and
the public as we'll as the circle OF his personal
friends was prepared TO hear that his useful
career had ended; but Charles c. Beaman's
death is both a shock and a grief 10 all. The
lives of these men may not have touched at
many points, but they possessed in common the
excellent and too rare trait of practical solicit
tude for the general welfare. and il is therefore
suitable that their names should be associated
in a tribute to their memory.
The young manhood of Mr. ottendorfer was
strange and adventurous and can scarcely be
reckoned as a natural introduction TO the activi-
ties which he destined 10 pursue in after
life. But his energetic temper was combined
with a sober judgment, and the influences of
his stormy years did not bend him to rash and
erratic courses when once he had found a place
and a career in the New World. He quickly
adapted himself 10 the favorable conditions
with which it was his good fortune to be sur
rounded after his arrival in this country, and
soon became the editor of what he has made
the most important American paper printed in
the German language. 1t is probably true that
=
moulded the political opinions of so large a pro-
portion of its readers as it unquestionabiy did
for a considerable period. because there is less
solidarity of sentiment and feeling among Ger
man-American citizens than formerly existed.
But that change, which is not TO be regretted,
was in no slight measure due TO Mr.. Ottendorfer
himself. We do not need 10 say that we have
not always thought that his influence was
wisely eXerted, but there has never been
doubt of his sincerity or Of his patriotism. 4
steadfast supporter OF principles which he
deemed sound and of causes which he con-
sidered important to the public welfare, he was
sometimes deceived and disappointed. but more
often had the satisfaction of finding his judg
ment approved by the event. In private life
his benevolence was constant, thoughtful and
discriminating, and in all respects he was true
TO a high standard of citizenship.
The career of Mr.. Beaman seems less COM
plete, because he died in the prime of his
mature powers and while the public was ex-
pecting a long continuation of his interest and
activity in its behalf Differing in political con-
victions from Mr. Ottendorfer. he was equally
animated by a sense of the responsibility Of the
individual for the welfare of the community.
His private obligations were insistent but he
gave much time and strength TO the service of
MS IeLoW cluzens. 1t was in truth gift, for
he had no selfish ambitions TO foster but uni
formly rejected the visible rewards of political
effort. At this time, when the need of intel-
gent devotion 10 the work of redeeming New
York is perhaps more clearly and widely recog-
nized than ever before these men, whose fidelity
and wisdom have been abundantly proved, will
be greatly missed. We can only hope that their
spirit will survive and permeate the city and
produce results which they would have rejoiced
10 see.