New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-10
Situation ReviveS Talk of
His Availability as Tam
many Candidate
EX-AMBASSADOR MAY
SEEK HIGHER PLACE
Wigwam Leaders Realize
That Close Organization
Man Cannot Win

The prospect Of exAmbsssador Oe-
rard's early return has revived the DIS
cussion among Tammany leaders Of his
availability as a mayoralty candidate
next fall. Some OF these leaders say
that Mr.. Gerard would make the strong
est candidate Tsmmany could pit against
Mayor Mitchell and another fusion
ticket. II is pretty we'll settled IN po-
l.tical circles that Mayor Mitchell and
most Of the elective members Of his
administration will be renominated on
a fusion ticket.
Tammany has been seeking a suitable
candidate for a long time. The Demo-
cratic leaders feel the absolute neces-
sity of picking the strongest man, for
they realize that a close Tammany or
ganization man cannot win. For that
reason the names Of Sheriff Alfred Z.
Smith. Senator Robert F. Wagner and
other favorite sons of Tsmmany Hall
have been discarded. .,
Some of these sons probably VIII
figure for other Offices on the 1917 Tam
many municipal ticket. but not Tor
Mayor, unless conditions should unex-
pectedly change and Mayor hitchel
could not be persuaded 70 head fusion
ticket again. The Mayor has told close
friends that he would rather not run
again. but he will do so If the fusion
forces insist upon his candidacy.
Believe He Would Run
Most of the Tammany leaders take 1t
for granted that Mr.. Gerard would con-
sent TO run. The eX-ambassadors
friends outside of Tammany councils
are not so sure, asserting that he de-
serves a higher Office. They intimate
that his own ambitions reach 70 higher
planes in political life. His name mas
been associated with a future nomina-
ton for Governor, and even for fresi-
dent. in the general political talk.
Mr.. Gerard loomed high in the minds
of the Tammany leaders as a mayoralty
candidate when he was in this coun-
try recently His availability was ear
nestly discussed IN Tammany's inner
circles. But the leaders hesitated 20
20 further than that az the time on
account Of the critical international
situation.
After he returned 20 Berlin the pos
sible candidacy Of William r. Hearst
received serious consideration in Tam
many circles. Hearst's chief strength,
from the Tammany point OF view, ap-
peared to lie in his feelings against
Mayor Mitchell and in the votes OF his
own political organization. the indie
pendence League The value OF the
Hearst newspapers in a vitriollc cam
uaign against Mitchell was not lost sight
of. II is understood, however, that
Tammany will readily put Hearst in
the discard il Gerard will, enter the
lists.
Smith for Borough Chief
Sheriff Smiths name is heard just
now. more than any other. IN Tammany
circles for the Office Of Borough Presi-
dent of Manhattan. There is little
doubt that Frank L. Bowling will be
renominated for President o. the Board
OF Aldermen. Some Tammany leaders
favor Bird S. Coler, of Brooklyn, as
candidate for Controller
Meanwhile the fusion leaders are not
worrying about the outcome. They be-
lieye that with Mayor Mitchell at the
head of the ticket they can beat any
Tammanyized ticket that may be Of
fered. particularly for the ONCE or
Mayor. They think that Mitchell would
carry the rest of the ticket to victory
-