New-York tribune., 1902-01-02
KNIFE BELMONT THE ORDER
wAANIANY MEN TOLD TO SUPPORT
LINDINcIR OR LESSLER-FRITZ
WANTS : JOINT DEBATE.

While Richard Croker is loudly protesting that
he will support Perry Belmont for Congress IN
the With District If the latter is declared by
the courts to be the regular Democratic nom
inee, and while the other Tammany leaders. TAX
ing their cue from the boss are saying they will
do all they to carry Belmont through in
case Of such an outcome it became known yes
terday that word had gone all through the dis
trict to the loyal Tammany to knife Bel
mont and vote for Lindinger or Lessler, or not
20 vote at all 1t was also learned that the fire
men in the district were working in Lessler's
behalf
A development Of the day a challenge
issued by Fritz Lindinger the independent
Democratic candidate, for joint debate He
suggested that the managers OF the campaign
arrange for a meeting. in which Mr.. Lessler, the
Republican candidate; Mr.. Belmont and himself
should take part. "Carpetbaggers as candi-
dates" he suggested the subject for the dis
cussion. 81 am not much OF an orator." said
Mr. Lindinger yesterday, but / think could
talk interestingly on that subject"
Lindinger is regarded the candidate of
Tom" Foley. leader of the lid District. Foley
wanted Lindinger named the regular Tam
many candidate. When this could not be eff
fected, and it was evident that Belmont would
get the nomination. Lindinger entered the race
as an independent 1t is now openly charged
that Lindinger's candidacy is for other rea-
son than TO defeat Belmont. Apparent sub
sanitation of this charge given yesterday,
when ii announced in the Lindinger camp
that if the courts declared Belmont the regular
nominee Lindinger would stay in the race. If.
on the other hand, O'Grady should be declared
regular Lindinger would urge all his friends
TO withdraw support from himself and vote for
O'Grady.
Bird s. Coler called upon Mr.. Belmont at his
headquarters in the Astor House, yesterday.
Mr.. Coler is taking an interest in Mr.. Belmont S
candidacy, and will speak in his behalf in the
course Of the campaign 1T is said that it was
Hugh Mclaughlin and +. NJ Shepard who pre-
vailed upon Croker to make the pacific remarks
about supporting Belmont in case he should be
declared regular Croker compelled to
come into line, but his true feelings are appar-
ent and his thinly veiled intention to defeat
Belmont If he do so is well understood. 1t
became known yesterday that Mr.. Shepard has
written letter TO Mr.. Belmont pledging him
support.
e The politicians We're saying yesterday that
Belmont, should he win, will be a candidate for
Governor next year; that he is making this fight
on anti-Croker platform; that he will carry
the fight to the next State Convention and try to
form a combination TO overthrow Croker's DOM
fnance in the State Committee and in the State
Convention.
Montague Lesser the Republican candidate
is reapng the benefit of this factional contest in
the Democratic ranks. He is working hard and
help Of many of the f,remen and other city en-
poyes in the district, and il is said he will also
have the vote of a large number of Tammany
men. who want 10 insure the defeat of Belmont.