New-York tribune., 1900-10-01
OTTENDORFER FIGHTS BRYAN
EDITOR OF THE "STAATs-ZEITUNG'S
VIEWS ON THE ISSUES OF
THE CAMPAIGN

There has been considerable doubt in the
minds Of the German voters as to the views Of
Oswald Ottendorfer, editor and proprietor OF
the "Staats-Zeitung," and although he sup
ported the Republican candidates in the last
general election the friends of Bryan have
placed him in the ranks of the Kansas City can
didate, and have pointed TO him as one of the
converts to the cause of Organism.
Mr.. Ottendorfer seen by a reporter of
The Tribune yesterday at his beautiful home in
the Catshill Mountains. and he denied en-
phatically that he had become a Bryan convert.
II have been here he said. "since last June.
Here we are away from the noise and the excite
ment Of the city, and the place is an ideal one
for real rest. have been away from meetings,
speeches, debates and other campaign features
by which some men are swayed and influenced
but have had much time to do my own think
ing on the subject of the Presidential campaign
and my first conclusion is that neither of the
two candidates inspires with much respect
or admiration. The best idea to Bryan may
be gained by reading his letter of acceptance.
and that letter convinces me of the fact that he
has not drop of Democratic blood in his
body. that as a Democrat he ceases to exist
He is a Populist, Populist pure and simple,
with great leaning toward the Is to idea
ever; but he hides these issues under the cry
an anti-imperialist champion in the light of his
own actions! He sent the silver plank to Kansas
City and insisted on its adoption as a part of
the platform. compelled the Democratic party to
accept 1t. and by his action in that matter
sumed the part of dictator A tyrannical die
tator to rant about imperialism seems paradox
ical, at least
PLAYED THE PART OF A LOBBYIST
Treaty of Paris was under consideration showed
that he had no dignity and no understanding of
higher politics. He played the part there of a
lobbyist, and used his influence with Democratic
Senators in favor of the document. He said
then that the Philippines would be good step
ping stone for US to China. Il is only short
time since then, but the islands have become a
stepping stone out of China for
Then his talk about militarism IS equally un-
worthy of man who aspires to the place Of
President He took commission in the Army
and had no fear that he setting bad ex-
ample He had no fears for the safety of tho
country because of military dictatorship. All
this talk about the military reminds me of an
| incident that took place in the course of the
Civil War. I walked past a recruiting station
one day and saw old friend in a brand new
uniform. with officers insignia and decorations.
The man had never been in the service. knew
nothing about military affairs. and l had my
doubts even as to his patriotism. So asked
him. Why did you enlist?
"'Ah!' said he. that's the only thing to do
! For the next fifty years will amount to
| anything no man win have a chance in politics
| unless he has a military record. Now. advise
you, unless you want to be crowded out and off,
| to go to the Governor and get a commission
What that man said others thought. but our
| sreat army melted awav ana with II the dar-
! gers that alarmed the men who like my
| friend.
| But have faults to find with President Nc
| Kinley also. I believe that he is in deplorable
! condition. I never saw him. and can Judge only
| by his acts. But by these 1 conclude that he
| is badly advised The position which We have
| taken in the Philippine matter is. in my eyes
| scandalous and if Mr.. Mckinley is a sensible
! man it certainly causes him many sleepless
| nights Our Philippine policy, for which blame
| Mr. Mckinley and his advisers will act detri-
| mentally on our institutions. 1t has already
| weakened them. Our standing in our own coun-
| try and toward the rest Of the civilized world