New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-10-23
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
John Harsen Rhoades Tells Why Ban
nard Should Be Elected.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: As every intelligent citizen knows.
the important object in the coming election
is the defeat Of the Tammany candidates
for the Board of Estimate. This is not 70
say that the question of Mayor is neglieible.
Far from it, We must have an able Mayor
The writer wants 70 present TO the voters
a few arguments and indulge In a few per-
sonalities.
First-To those who think Of voting for
Gaynor and the bulk Of the Republican
fusion ticket. Such disposition indicates
that these voters are opposed TO Hearst,
that they are ignorant OF Bannards ster-
ling qualifications and that they are iru-
pressed by the independent attitude as
su:i.ed by Gaynor, contending that he has
not associated himself with Tammany. but
that Tammany has associated itself with
him. The independence professed by Gay
nor appeals to them.
If they are looking for an independent
spirit they will find one in Otto I. Barnard.
He is a man who cannot and will not be
led While Endorsed by the party. he could
never come under the influence of the Re-
publican machine. He is nobody's puppet.
He is fearless, unwavering. a clear headed
thinker and man Of honor-a leader. not
a follower.
Barnard is a self-made man, type at
tractive to every American citizen. What
money ne has made he has made honestly.
He is an intelligent philanthrOpist. charita-
BILE, but not insanely so. He does not en-
courage the professional beggar.
AS an illustration OF Bannard's loyalty
and independence. II may be mentioned that
he was appointed receiver Of the Knick-
erbocker Trust Company. He knew that
handsome fee went with the position. He
declined the appointment. his answer being
that, as president Of another concern. his
time was theirs
The men who know Barnard will vote
for him. The men who do not know him
should make his acquaintance His public
utterances are free from abuse; they are
dignifed. thoughtful and worthy OF cOnsid-
Grafton. He is not an orator, never was
and probably never will be. but OratOrical
utterances are not needed from the Mayors
chair.
Second-Those enemies of Tammany who
think of voting for Hearst because DON'T
mated by no political party should remem-
Der his newspaper affiliations. They should
know Bannard's Independent spirit and re-
alize that he is absolutely untrammelled.
AS matter of fact. he is Endorsed by the
fusionists, party composed OF Republicans
and Democrats. Granting that Hearst IS
competent in his own line. does he measure
up to Barnard in those qualifications which
should distinguish the Mayor? Is he as
well fitted, is he as economical. is he as
conversant with financial questions? Is
Hearst absolutely sincere?
If he be a Judge of men and things, he
knows that Barnard is specially qualified,
TO be Mayor. He may reason that Ban
nard, being comparatively unknown, the
defeat of Tammany required his (Hearst's)
acceptance of a nomination; if so, he is 20
be commended. But If he believes. as an
able man must that Barnard is well fitted
for the position. why does Hearst attack
Bannard's qualifications?
No matter what Hearst may say in the
future. he is on record as saying substan-
TALLY that Barnard is a weakling. 1t is
amusing to suppose that the time could
come when Hearst could persuade Barnard
TO act contrary to his conception OF what
was right.
Third-Those enemies of Tammany who
think of voting for Hearst on the ground
that Barnard. although better fitted, has
no show, have been misled by Tammany's
tactics. Tammany spread the news that
Barnard was TO be withdrawn. Tam
many is attempting to confuse the people
as to Bannard's chances. Barnard had a
chance from the start. his chances have
steadily improved. and a few more votes
your vOte-wiu elect him. But IL there be
a doubt, nevertheless why vote for Hearst?
Your one desire is TO defeat Tammany
You can do so by voting for Barnard and
his ticket.
To sum up it is wholly unnecessary for
any opponent Of Tammany. convinced of
Bannards superior qualifications, TO vote
for any other candidate.
We have before us the opportunity Of a
lifetime, Let us vote for Barnard and elect
him. JOHN HARSEN RHOADES.