The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 2

THE BROOKLYN DAILY EAGLE WEDNESDAY JANTJABY 1898. MISCELLANEOUS, AT WORK ON THE BUDGET. COFFEY LIKELY Tfl RETIRE, New York terminal of the iww East River bridge. I All these drawing are now in the possession of Deputy Bridge Commissioner Henry VAN WYCK LOPS OFF E. BRIDGE HEADS, interest therein shall be taken in the name or the City of Xe.v Vork.

All such real estate, interest therein easements, sites or locations, except such as may be dedicated to the purposes of said improvement, may be purchased of the owner owners at a price to be mutually agreed upon; and such commissioners shall hjvt? the right to acquire the same in the manner and by the special pro ceeding3 provided 'or the condemnation of real property by chapter twenty three of the code of civil procedure or the State of New York, and any acts amendatory thereof or in addition thereto; but such commissioners ehail not be required to state in their petition or to prove that they bad been unable to agree with the owner or owners of said property for the purchase of the same, or the reason of their inability to nuke the purchase thereof. Sec. 4. The said commissioners are also hereby authorized to acquire so much of the land under water or otherwise of the East River as may be necessary for the construction of the piers and towers of the bridge hereby authorized to be constructed and if any portion of the land under water or otherwise so required shall be or shall become the property of any individual or corporation the same may be taken and acquired by proceedings under the condemnation act as above provided in cases where an agreement cannot be had with the owners thereof for the purchase of the same and the commissioners of the land office or' the State of New York are hereby authorized and directed to convey to said city such land under water as may be necessary for the construction of said bridge They saw at once that something unusual was afoot on account of the unusual number of reporters The Mayor's messenger, who had slipped In a moment before, approached each in turn and presented notice of removal. The recipients of these documents read them In silence and one and all refused to comment upon them: Smith Lane, one of Mayor Van Wyck's appointees, had been about the office the whole morning.

His new associates came in at a few minutes before 1 o'clock. Just ahead of them were Messrs. Ingraham and Choate, counsel to the old board. With the new appointees were ex Police Justice and Dock Commissioner Andrew J. White and Assistant Corporation Counsel Ladd.

Promptly at 1 o'clock James W. Boyle, who had been chosen for vice president of the new commission, accompanied by Mr. Lane, walked into Mr. Wales' room to take possession. Mr.

Wales was seated at his desk talking with a friend. The room was filled with newspaper men and the members of the old and new hoards. Mr. Boyle announced, in a loud voice, that he had taken possession. No one did anything, and the new vice presldent to be determined upon a coup.

Walking over to Mr. Wales' desk he beckoned to him. The latter rose and walked a step forward. Mr. Boyle promptly slid Into his seat.

Mr. Wales turned and asked 'what'' Mr. Boyle wished. "Oh, I just wanted to get possession." the latter replied. "I'm in charge I'm in charge," he cried several times.

Mr. WaleB stood looking at him and finally said he wished to remove his privatl papers. "They won't be touched if they are private," declared Mr. Boyle. "It's a case of one board of gentlemen succeeding another.

We're all gentlemen here." The old associates of Mr. Wales, who is a white ha'lrod man of nearly 70 years, expressed in their faces the sense of shame they feat at the discourtesy offered their friend, but there was nothing to be said. Then Mr. Boyle seeing Mr. Nixon enter the room turned to him and said be had taken possession and would 'turn it over to him.

A moment later he cried "The board will now meet. All other persons must get out," The old board members and the reporters filed out and the former grouped themselves in the old board room. Before going there Mr. WaleB attempted to lock his desk, but Mr. Boyle refused to allow him to do so.

The New Board in Session. The new hoard was In session about five minutes. It elected the officers as slated and ordered a notice to be sent to the old board members of their removal from office. The old commissioners and their counsel will flgiht, but they refused to say anything as to their plans. They even d'pilined to state whether tfoeyjvould meet to discuss the situation.

Former Commissioner Sperry when asked about the allegations of incompetency and extravagance of the old board contented him Belt with saying, "We Kave no knowledge of anything ot the kind. We came here today to discharge our duties and found notices of removal awaiting us and a new board already In possession. A regards the personnel of the Brooklyn men appointed I will say that no better appointments could have been made." Engineers to Go, Too. President Nixon declared that the Board of Commissioners, in his opinion, had full authority to make any removals of employes it deemed proper, including the engineers. What it intended to do in respect to such positions had not been considered.

The old commissioners left the building before the new board adjourned, to meet again 1 o'clock to morrow. 'jflayor Van Wyck's Reasons. Mayor Van when asked to give additional reasons for his summary action, pointed to the report of his commissioners of accounts, John C. Hertle and Edward Owen presented two days ago. In this report a brief review of the legislation preparatory bo active work is given and an account of the work from the formation of 'the commission to December 31 lost.

A statement of the expenditures is Included In general items, as follows: Expense 137.879.91 Puml'tiure 2,317.73 Pay rolls 121,278.72 S.2SL64 (Property 377,942.99 Franchise 205,488.88 Borings 20,795.20 Nrw York toweir foundation 150,617.45 Brooklyn tower foundation 39,421.30 If He Can Name His Successor He Will Step Out. HE IS TIRED OF POLITICS. Should Willoughby Street Attempt to Force Him to the Wall, However, the Senator Will Fight for a Renomination. Deputy Sewer Commissioner Brennan Likely to Succeed Ennis as Thirteenth District Leader Republican Ward Meetings. fl was said this morning that Michael J.

Coffey would not go back to the Senate next year. He has wanted to get out of politics for the past sevral years and took his last nomination onl3' to show that John A. Hen nessey and the people behind him were not not big enough to knock him out. The Sena tor's determination to retire from politics, it is said, is in no way influenced by the present strained relations with Willoughby street. As evidencecf this fact it is stated most emphatically that the Senator expects to name his successor.

If that privilege Is refused him thee nances are ten to one that he will look for a renomination himself, which means that he will go back to Albany. The reasons why the senator wants to quit politics are numerous. In the first place, his family and most intimate friends are verv anxious that he should do so. He has had enough of political honors to satisfy any man. He is wealthy and Is Interested In numerous business matters which promise to make him still wealthier and which occupy all his spare time.

It is said also that the long time leader of the Twelfth Ward would like 'to change his residence and go to the Park Slope or some other more fashion able section of the city. It is a fact worthy of note that 'there is only one street in the' Twelfth Ward which is regarded as a deslra hie abiding place for people with money or social pretensions. This is Fourth place, and some of the residents there had to wait for years before they could hire a house there. This street is on the boundary line of the ward and on two blocks are all the firs: class houses. Said a friend of Mr.

Coffey's to day: The Senator has been in politics for many years and never suffered defeat but once. He Is to day, despite the opposition of Willoughby street, in absolute control of the ward and assembly district. He can retire now with honor. So rapid are the changes in politics that a year or two later he might not be able to do this. He has depended in the past uPn Ryan and the McGarrys to back him ln that he had on hand.

on nrobation into the McLaucthlin fold, and MeGarry is out. He must Stand, to a certain extent, alone. If he consults the wishes and takes the advice of his best friends he will retire when his present term expires. If any attempt is made to push his. cut, anyone who knows Mike Coffey will gamble that he won't Brennan May Run the Thirteenth Assembly District.

It looks very much now as though the Democratic leadership of the Thirteenth. Assembly District was passing rapidly into the hands of William Brennan of the Seventeenth Ward. John Ennis, who has hitherto been the acknowledged leader there, and Brennan are the executive members from the district, which includes Election Districts 3 to 15 of the Fifteenth Ward and 12 to 25 of the Seventeenth. In the Fifteenth Ward ttiere was a flgbt between Ennis and Thomas J. Farrell for supremacy.

The latter came very near winning. In fact, 'it was Brennan who saved him. Unless the signs are wrong, Brennan and Farrell are about to make a combination which will wipe out all pretensions of Ennis to leadership in ward and dienrict. Last Saturday night in the Eleventh District of the Fifteenth Ward, in which Ennis resides, twenty five names were truck from the roll book. Farrel says their only offense was opposition to Ennis.

Brennan has pledged his word that if no other reason exists they will all go back. Last night Farrel secured a mandamus from Supreme Cour Justice Maddox ordering Secretary Hafner of the district association to show cause why he should not enroll one Sherer, who answered all the questions put to him, but who was said to be against Ennis. The answer is returnable on the 28th. Brennan appears to be very anxious to bring about harmony in the Thirteenth District, and as the friends of Farrel, Alfred Gaskell and other anti Ennis men appear to be with him ought to have little difficulty in accomplishing the wished for end. The anti Ennls people have come to believe since he waB turned down by McLaughlin in the dep uty fire commissionership matter that he has lost much of his old time pull with Willoughby street.

Republican Ward Meetings Were Harmonious Affairs. All the Republican ward committees met last night and several filled vacancies in the county committee, which existed as follows: Third Ward. Seventh, Ninth, Flt teentli, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eigh teenth. 1: Twentv first. 3: Tweil tv thlrd.

2: Twenty fourth, Twenty fifth, Twenty sixth 2, or a total of 20 in the thirteen wards. There was no election in the Twenty first Ward, Leader Schrocder deciding not to fill the vacancies there at present. Michael J. Dady's friend, D. H.

Ralston. was elected In the Third Ward. Bert Relss and Isaac wcm inv thf Sixteenth. In several warus uie wen wuu lautrLi uo qumuy an an hA a elected. A fight in the Twenty first Ward over the election of a member of the ward committee disclosed an interesting condition of affairs.

eorge F. Hyde, a County Court officer's place was declared vacant. A man named Plant was chosen in his place by a vote of 27 to 25. He was Schroeder's candidate Hyde declared that on the evening when he should have qualified he was sent by Chief Clerk Van Doren to New York and kept there until too late to attend the meeting. The Republican county committee will meet to night.

BRYMER'S SECOND STEP. Will Comoel His Successor to Show by What Warrant He Holds Office. Alonzo Brymer has taken a econd step, through his counsel, Hugo Hirsh, to obtain the office of Fire Marshal. Mr. Hirsh was recently denied a mandamus by JuBtice Maddox In Supreme Court, special term, to compel Fire Commissioner Scannell to reinstate Mr.

Brymer on the grounds that he is a veteran and cannot be removed except on charges, and also that he is a member of the uniformed fire force and therefore cannot be removed except by cause shown. It was Justice Maddox's opinion in that application that Mr. Brymer's remedy was by quo warranto proceedings. Now Mr. Brynier has made application to the Attorney General of the State to begin such proceedings.

The order in quo warranto proceedings is 1.1 a 11 maae reiui UJtuio "1 mwui uu i nuay 01 tniS 1 week and It was served this morning on J. M. th np.wiv anDointed Fire Marshal (. Hirsh said this morning tnat tne order was handed to Mr. Gray on the lower floor of the fire headquarters, by Clerk Buermyer of Mr.

Hirsh's office. When Mr. Gray was told the nature of the papers he threw them on the oflor and said that the proper place for the receipt of such papers was on the upper floor In headquarters and not In the pubile hall. Then he went up stairs on the elevp.tor. Mr.

Hirsh jaid that the papers were not picked up and taken to Mr. Gray. WILL CONSIDER ESTIMATES. Tho Board of Estimate and Apportionment at its meeting this afternoon will consider the pstimAt fmm thn Hoard of Public Imnrnvn, w.i any commission or person seeking to build a new structure at that site. The Uhlmann Bridge Company also has detailed drawings of a structure, practically covering the same site and the officers say that no bridge can be built there without violating the provisions of their charter, obtained from the Legislature.

While none of these officers or Mr. Uhlmann would talk for publication to day in regard to the Brennan bridge it is known that thev are far from pleased at the outlook. The Brennan bill provides for the repeal of any former act inconsistent with it, and It is a question if this does not include the Hud son avenue charter of the Uhlnian Bridge Company. So far as allowing the new com i mission to UEe or copy their plans, officers of that company do not hesitate to say it will not be allowed unless it is paid for. They say the Legislature can repeal the former enactment, givng the charter to the Uhlmann company, but no Legislature can give away another man work and for which many thousands of dollars were spent.

No I opinion could be obtained from the Uhlmann people in regard to whether the Brennan bili, wiped out their charter, but it was said sig nificantly: "The Brennan bill is not a law yet." Commissioner of Bridges John L. Shea, who is investigating the subject of an all railroad bridge for the Board of Public Improvements, was greatly interested in the provisions of the Brennan bill, but he would not express any opinion in regard to it. Mr. Shea's position in the matter, however, is well known and is shared by the other officers of the city. He is opposed to any legislation from Albany in regard to the bridge and thinks that a th charter gives the city the right to build the bridge no interference from Albany should be tolerated; and If the bridge is built it should be authorized and constructed by those officials designated in the charter.

Mr. Shea was not willing to say to day when, his report will be presented to the Board of Public Improvement, but he and his fellow committeeman, President Holahan, are working on their report, which will be presented as soon as possible. Former Bridge President Berri, who has been prominent in the agitation for an all railroad bridge and who is named as one of the commissioners in the Brennan bill, was seen to day by an Eagle reporter in regard to that measure. Mr. Berri said that so far as he was personaly concerned, he would rather that his name had been left out the com mission, but that he had permitted it to be included after much persuasion on the part of the men behind the measure.

"Personaly," continued Mr. Bern, my one object is to get the bridge built and I think this bill will do much to accomplish that, even if it does not become a law. The personnel of the men named in the commission is very high and no objections can be found on that score. There is no politics in the bill and the measure is one that, it is felt.can be supported by members of both parties." "While the charter provides that bridges shall he built cn the authority of the city government, it is held tha it was not intended that large structures like our Brooklyn Bridge should be buirt by one man and is a question if Mr. Shea would care take this responsibility.

Many lawyers have expressed the opinion that the charter means tbat only minor bridges shull he built by the department, as no provision is made in the charter for condemnation proceedings. "Again, all the other Mg bridges have been built by commissions and there is no reason why this precedent should not he followed in the case of the all railroad bridge. The question of condemning land is a most important one, as without land the bridge can never he bufflt. Even if the city authorities should authorize the erection of a bridge they would have to go to the Legislature for privilege to condemn land, and, beside, the procedure of obtaining the necessary authority under the city government is so long that it is felt that by going to the Legislature at once the project will not be unnecessarily delayed. "Whatever is the outcome of this agitation I feel sure that this Brennan bill will answer one good purpose and that is, it will hurry up action so that we will get the bridge under way.

The capacity cf the present bridge will be fully tested in the course oE another two iudu nueie win we oe if we can get the new bridge under way at once we win nave it an reauy for operation in time for the growing needs of Brooklyn and when cars will be operating on the present bridge to their full capacity. "There Is still another point in regard to the advisability of having the bridge built by legislative enactment in preference to having the city build it. This is in regard cue vuuueuiuuLiun ui property lor the u.se i of the railroads. While the bridge has other i features the principal idea is to have a structure for the use of railroads. In order I to get on this structure the railroads will have to condemn private property, and only I the Legislature can give them that right As the structure is now planned it will be without terminals and the railroad crossing A1 from Brooklyn will continue on the tracks New York.

This will offer realtbrough tran sit to the public and will eventually be fol lowed by the consolidation of all the railroad Interests in the two cities. This subject has been talked of for years and it is by reason of these bridges that it will be brought about. "Personally I think that the elevated roads will 'be the first to conao lldate, eo xhat Mr. Uhlmann 'is statement of transit from "the Bronx to Coney Island," will come true and wbh the advantages of this apparent, the surface roads win be obliged to follow suit. Thie will give the greater city an Ideal sys tem of transportation and the first step in this direction Is the building of an all railroad bridge, and as a citizen and taxpayer, with the Interests of the city at heart, I want to see the bridge bull't, irrespective of who au thorizes ox constructs it." TO BUILD A BICYCLE TRACK.

Nassau Railroad's Improvement at Its Coney Island Terminus. The Nassau Railroad Company is having a bicycle track laid out on the grounds in front of its Coney Island terminus and the track will be ready for the wheelmen by spring. A number of other alterations on the grounds and the pavilion are being made, freshening the place up for the coming season. It was rumored that the company intended to build at its Coney Island terminus a handsome theater and place therein as the attraction one of the leading comic opera companies now appearing in New York, and lay out the grounds around the theater for goit, Dase nan ana cricuet. In addition It o.o luujviey biinc civ lu oe a IR hnl Ofl.fe bar A.nd bil? nrrton 7 nf'Ji'Z'J LlfLlt tt 5ea5mB Olympia.

At the office of the Nassau Railroad Ccm pany, at Fifth avenue and Twentv third street, this morning, the Ktcry was said to have no foundation beyond the building of i the bicycle track. IN FAVOR OF SMALL PARKS. The committee on municipal affairs of the Chiropean diccussod the subject of uninll parka for the EaBtern District, at a meeting hold this forenoon at the homo of Mrs. J. Barron.

4G1 Bndford avenue. A petition to tho loRinlature, tho contents of which have already been printed, praying for tho I passage of an aot similar to the small parks net of 1897 or the appointment of commit fion with powers similar to thoso tho! i i 1 i 1 i i 1 Estimates for Sewers and Highways Taken Up. The Board of Estimate met this afternoon at 2 o'clock, in the Mayor's office, for the consideration of the budget. President Callahan of the Board of Public Improvements was called for, but was not present. The Department of Sewers was taken up and appropriations asked as follows: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Richmond, $36,500.

Commissioner Keating of the Department of Highways sent in his provisional estimate, which was very long and detailed. hTe totail asked for In the Borough of Manhattan was $1,354,586, against $845,450 asked for last year. During the reading of the cominlB sloner's estimate the Mayor comnlimented hdm upon its thoroughness. RATCLTFFE'S RELEASE ORDERED The Actor May Not Enjoy His Liberty as It Is Said His Rearrest Has Been Ordered. Justice Dickey this afternoon ordered the release of actor Edward J.

Ratcliffe and a messenger started for the Tombs in Manhattan with the papers. It is probable, however, that Batoliffe will not be released as a warrant for the rearrest of Ratcliffe will be served ed on the prisoner on a charge of perjnry, in wearing that he had not married before he was wedded to hfg present wife, for beating whom was recently convicted in the general sessions in New Vork and sentenced to Bix monthB. in the penitentiary. Bail had been fixed by Justice Dickey in" the Supreme Court a fortnight ago on his granting a certificate of reasonable doubt of the merit of the conviction. The bail was for $2,500.

Mirabeau L. TownB appeared for the prisoner this noon before Justice Dickey and asked for the admission of the prisoner to bail as offered by John J. "Wheeler of. 540 Bergen street. Mr.

Wheeler was put on the witness stand by Mr. Towns and questioned as to the valu? of his property. He said that he owned clear of all debt the honse at 540 Bergen street, worth 912.000, also 713 Dean street, worth $4,000, and a third of 504 Fulton worth 845,000. Justice Dickey eaid that Mr. Wheeler ws evidently goodMor $2,500 and the bond wai approved.

Assistant Distriot Attorney Lloyd of New York and Distriot Attorney Gardiner were present at tho proceedings and Mr. Llovd examined the bondsman. Mr. Lloyd said in conversation that the perjury proceedings were for swearing falsely that the EriHoner had not married whereas he ad married Caroline Ravenhill. Mr.

Lloyd showed a picture of Batoliffe taken, he eaid. at the time of tho first marriage or the actor with Miss Ravenhill in England. It showed the face of a young fellow with a new moustache Mrs. Batoliffe. alleged to be No.

1, is expected to arrive from England on Friday. An officer from the Bail Department of Jubtice Dickey 'b Court called at the Tombs this morning with the bond, but as it was an ordinary bail bond, District Attorney Gardiner refosed to accopt it. Another attempt will be made this afternoon. DARING ESCAPE FROM PRISON. Alleged Swindler, Who Is Said to Have Operated in Brooklyn, Gets Out of Jersey City Jail.

Jersey City, N. January 19 Henry E. Straight, who was arrested last Thursday, after the police had been looking for him for the past six months, escaped the city prison here to day and has not yet been recaptured. Straight was awaiting extradition to New York City, where there are several indictments pending against him. He is alleged to have operated by means of forged drafts of lading and to have swindled merchants and different companies In New York Brooklyn and other cities.

Straight made his escape by sawing one of the iron bars on a window leading to an alleway. The police learned that Straight applied for the loan of a hat in a Baloon on Grand street near Bishop, at 9:45 o'clock. After leaving that place, storekeepers in Fairmont avenue noticed Straight running at breakneck speed down Fairmont avenue and near Summit street. He had no coat and the manner in which he was covering gronnd attracted attention to him. It is the opinion of the police that he was making for tho woods along the Hackensack Biver.

The authorities Bay he cannot get outside of Jersey City as ail avenues of ebcape have been cut off. Straight was to have been extradited to New York to day. Captain McClusky had ordered two deteotives to Jeney City to get the man when ho heard of his. eBcape. Captain McClusky said that Straight is wanted in a number of cities.

He was also known to the police under the alias of E. N. Bates. Shortly before noon the polioo received information that a man answering his description and wearing a blue cap. was riding on the rear car of a West Shore freight train going North through Weehawkon.

According to the police of Brooklyn Borough Straight is not wanted here. Some time ago he had a letter box in lower Fulton street where he received his mail. GIRL ATTEMPTS SUICIDE. Poi6on Snatched From Lena Hinrich's Lips in Time to Save Her Life. Lena Hinrlchs, 20 years odl, swallowed a quantity of carbolic acid with suicidal intent In Thomas' saloon at 109 Nassau avenue at 2 o'clock this morning.

The phial from which she drank the acid was snatched from her lips by John Gavin of 255' Klngsland avenue and Walter Jones, the bartender, in "time to prevent her from taking enough of the poison to produce flatal results. The woman was taken to St. Catharine's Hospital. She is net yet out of danger. Tbe girl was a domestic servant in a family at 633 Bedford avenue.

MARINE BARRACKS INQUIRY. Washington, D. January 19 Secretary Long hn appointed a court of inquiry, with Captain Morrill Miller of the Vermont as solo member and Lieutenant Commander Kelley as judge advocate, to investigate allegations of irregularities in the business methods of the Marine Barracks at Brooklvn. especially in connection with the awards of contracts of general supplies. OBITUARY.

Thomas F. Morris, the former chief of the engraving department at Washington, D. 0., died at his homo, 622 Willoughby avenue, yesterday, from a tumor of tho eye. Mr. MorriB had to resign hiB position on account of his ill ness four months ago and since then had been under treatment at his home.

The late Mr. Morris was born in New York forty five years ago and has been a resident of Brooklyn for fifteen years. He entered tho service of i the American Bank Note Company as an office boy and during a service which extended over twenty years worked bis way to the head ot mo designing department. He was afterward superintendent of the Homer Le Banknote Company, which position he re linocl to go to Washington. He was a member of Be Long Council No.

725, Eoyal Aroanum. He waB well known in musical eiroles and was at one time a member of the Brooklyn Hill Quartet. He is survived by a widov and four children. The funeral arrangements are not yot completed. Mrs.

G. Ogilvy Haig, formerlyiMrs. J. Coleman Drayton, left with her husband on the American Liner Paris this morning ffnr their London home. Other passengers on the) Paris were Marshal Ha'lstead, United States Consul at Birmingham, Alexander McDonnell aidB.

H.wart. Established 1867. Approvea Dy rime, xtsre. Buy your wines of the makers. We are tne matters.

IT IS Bottled Health. "OLD PORT I This is unquestionably the best wine made for the weak and debili tated, it being delicate in bouquet, rich in flavor and easily digested. It fsnirlt. Pftmitrn nfirlp jwi.a uca vt; uuui POftT. OLD PORT.

"8 Vearc f)M. vo rM Per Bottle, 75c. Per Bottle, $1.00 Per Gallon, 4.00 Per Case. 8.H0 PrrCnw in nn Goods delivorod FREK by the Ballon or case Jr n.nnfa. 1.

55 uv UiurflSS. v9 7 u.iwvu rime H. T. Dewey Sons' .1.00 1' UXVJLUi rJL.t A I. QUINN ASKS FOB $800,000 To Clean Brooklyn Streets During the Coming Year.

DEFICIT; TO BE MADE UP, The Deputy Commissioner for This Borough Says That Money Is Urgently Needed to Continue and Extend the Work Deputy Commissioner of Water Supply Moffett Wants the Sum ot $1,200,000 for Current Expenses. Deputy Commissioner of Street Cleaning P. H. Quinn will go before the Board of Estimate either this afternoon or to morrow and ask for $800,000 to be used for cleaning the etrets in this borough for the coming year. As is well known to Brooklynltes, the Department of City Works ran short of money last year for street cleaning and finished the year In debt $22,527.97.

For "this reason Deputy uinn has had to go slow so far this year and do only the necessary work. This work, which has been considered necessary, includes the cleaning of the asphalted streets and the streets paved with granite blocks. There were last year 64 1 3 miles of streets paved with asphalt and 38 miles paved Willi granite, all of which are cleaned daily. On the asphalt, however, the contractor is al lowed only "one third mileage," as it la, termed in the department. This means tha whereas the contractor has to clean the irtio'le mileage every day, tie is allowed, mileage on only one third of the total.

The same rule holds on the granite pavements, the mileage being one half. The work which the department started out to do at the beginnig of last year, but which had to be discontinued when the funds ran, low, beside the work already noted, included 83 miles of night service, including streets paved in ways other than asphalt or granite, which it was thought could be done better at night, and 267 miles of cobble stone pavement, included in the day 'schedule, cleaned during the summer once' a week. The total mileage laid out for "cleaning last year footed up to 453 miles. The miles will be" slightly increased this year, there' having been' about 25 miles of asphalted streets laid during the year, principally in the Eastern District. At the beginning of the year 1897 the street cleaning department had as a balance from 1896 $41,303.87.

The appropriation for 1897 was $610,000.00. This was less than the atpouut asked for, but the department had to suffer as all the other departments of the city did from the small amounts granted by the Board of Estimate. During the year 1897 the department received as cash receipts $2,791.33. This money1 came from the sale of old articles of no further use to the department, etc. It was in September that the department first began to run short of funds and to cut down, in consequence, the amount of tho work done.

In September $30,681.41 was transferred to the street cleaning account from other balances, and with this sum the work was carried on, although greatly less in quantity, until December, when the money again ran out. This time $24,058.98 was transferred to the department and the work went along until that was used up. Just at present there i'3 no money on hand with which to pay anything at all, but the contractors who are doing the work are doing so with the expectation that when the appropriation of 1898 is. made they will receive their money for 1897. The deficiency in the department is now about $26,527 and the appropriation estimate prepared by Deputy Quinn include an item for this amount.

The ashes contract last year cost $280,000, which was paid out of the general fund. About the same amount will be needed for this year. Deputy Quinn said this morning tJhat he was very anxious to get hia appro prlaxion, eo that he might get the department Started. "There are a number of streets that ought to receive regular attention," said he, "but which, under the present straitened circumstances, I am unable to touch. There ace some business streets, Columbia, for Instance, and Fifth avenue, both of which are important, and Third avenue, as well as many others I might name.

They do not come under either the asphatt or granite schedules, both of which are special contracts, and' so are not now bcinu cleaned. Fulton and Washington streets, foe Instance, comes under the granite block contract and are rekularly Montague' street, Clinton street, Henry street and others are under the asphalt street contract, ai well as the asphalt streets throughout the city. As soon as I get my money I can get my department In wortlng order. Deputy Moffett's Estimate for Current Expenses. Deputy OanMnlsslomer of Water Supply Moffett went to New York this morning ask the Board of Bstilmalte for $1,200,000 for current expenses, in ad'Htiond to the special appropriation of $2,000,000 for Increasing the water supply, of Brooklyn.

This sum includes the amounts needed lor office expenses, repairs and the like, and is larger by $95,000 than the amount granited last year. The budget increases about 10 per cent, eaoh year, owing to the growth of the city, larger demands for water and consequently more repairs, pipe laying and general work to be dome; In Other Departments. Application has been made to the Corporation Counsel's department of the Borough ot Brooklyn by the Greenwood Athletic Club for an opinion as to the validity of its license for holding boxing shows. Deputy Corporation Counsel Jenks had nothing to say concerning the matter when sen by an Eagle reporter to day. Captain G.

W. Sumner of the Navy Yard has written to Borough President Grout asking that the city ordinances be enforced on Navy street and Flushing avenue in the matter of street obstructions. He states that tho streets are now obstructed by trucks and wagons. Charles M. Winant has been appointed confidential clerk by Police Commissioner W.

B. Phi'lips. He was formerly a clerk of the Board of Aldermen and his office was abolished on Monday lyast. He is a resident aT the Second District of the Twentieth Ward, TO BE BROUGHT HERE. Caleb Smith, aged 33, of 117 Leonard street.

Frederick Albrecht, 222 Snydam street, anq John Allix, 873 South First street, who wera arrested some time ago in Jersey City, were to day turned over to tho borough police headquarters on'the char go of burglary. They are accusea or tne roDDery tnat took place on Jan i nary 8 in the storage warehouse of .3 .3 9 in ti ja Continued From Page I. Robert A. an Wyck, Mayor of the City of New York, by virtue of the power vested in me by law, it being my judgment that the public interest so requires, do hereby remove aoh of the following named persons, viz: Salem H. Wales, Richard Deeveo, Francis B.

Thurber, Andrew D. Baird, James A. Sperry and Henry Batterman, from the office of commissioner created and existing under and pursuant to chapter 789 of the laws of 1895, entitled "An Act to authorize the construction of a bridge over the East River between the cities of New York and Brooklyn and the several acts amendatory thereof and supplementary thereto, said removals tp take effect immediately. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my band and affixed my seal of office this 19th day of January A. D.

1898. (Signed) ROBERT A. VAN WYCK, (Seal.) Mayor. "And we have our commissions with us, too," said Mr. Lane, as he exhibited an official paper which read as follows: City of New York, Office of the Mayor.

Know all men by these presents, that by virtue of the power vested in me1 by law, I do hereby appoint SMITH LANE to the office of commissioner created by and existing under and pursuant ot Chapter 789 of the Laws of 1895, entited "An act ot authorize the construction of a bridge over the Eas River, between the cities of New York and Brooklyn," and the several acts amendatory thereof and supplemental thereto. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed by seal of office this 19th day of January, A. one thousand eight hundred and ninety eight. ROBERT A. VAN WYCK, Mayor.

New Commission Organizes With Mr. Nixon as President. Commissioner Wales was so surprised at what appeared to him as assurance on the part of the newly appointed commissioner that he simply stood speechless and listened to what the different commissioners had to say. Finally Commissioner Lane suggested that the new board organize at once. All were of the opinion that it would he a good plan to do so, and as a result Lewis Nixon was elected president of the commission and Smith E.

Lane secretary. Mr. Lane wanted to know when the commissioners would be at the office, and one of the clerks replied that there would be a meeting at 2 o'clock. "Very well," said Mr. Lane, "It is better that we adjourn until that hour." As soon as the clerks in the bridge office realized what had happened they telephoned to the different members of the old commission.

"This appointment was, of course, a great surprise to me," said Secretary Lane to an Eagle reporter. "I did not know that I was to be made a bridge commissioner until the moment I was sworn in. We were all summoned to the Mayor's office this morning and I am sure that no one knew that he was appointed a member of the commission. I expected an appointment, but I did not know what it would be. I have been connected with Tammany Hall for the past twenty years.

I don't know what we will do as yet and, of course, I can't say until after to day's meeting. Therefore, it is impossible for me to say whether or not the engineers will be retained." Notice of Removal Served. The following notice was served on the commissioners this afternoon: New York, January 19, 1898. To Salem H. Wales, Richard Deeves, Francis B.

Thurber, Andrew" D. Baird, James A. Sperry and Henry Batterman Take notice that pursuant to the statute in such case made and provided the Hon. Robert A. Van Wyck, Mayor of the City of New York, has this day appointed Lewis Nixon, James W.

Boyle, Smith E. Lane, Julian D. Faircbild, John W. Webber and Thomas S. Moore to be the office of commissioners created by an act existing under and pursuant to chapter 789 of the laws of 1895, entitled "An Aot to authorize the construction of a bridge over 'the East River between the cities of New York and Brooklyn," and the several acts amendatory thereof and supplemental thereto.

Also that the said Mayor has removed you several commissioners from office. We hereby demand from you all books, vouchers, documents, moneys in your pos scssi'0 and all other property of every name and kind whatsoever. LEWIS NIXON, President Smdtlh E. Lane, Secretary. New Commission Afraid Old Board Will Give Out Contracts.

It was understood about the office that there might be a conflict between the old board and the new. It was said that the former, when it met last night, gave out a contract for certain work that has been under consideration for some time. The new board, it was declared, repudiate any such contract, if made, on the ground that the old commissioners, having been removed, had no longer any authority in the premises. The clerks and attendants in the office were on the anxious seat, not knowing just how secure their positions might be with the new board. Commissioner Boyle hurried into the Mayor's office this afternoon and told the Mayor that he expected trouble with the old board.

The old board, he said, were determined to let a contract involving several thousands of dollars and to go on without recognizing the new board. Corporation Counsel Wrhalen was summoned to confer about what to do. Old Commissioners Surprised. An Eagle reporter was the first to communicate the news of the appointment ot a new commission by Mayor Van Wyck to Bridge Commissioner James A. Sperry.

Mr. Sperry was seen in the Times office at 24 Broadway at 11:45 o'clock. He was asked if he had anything to say as to Mayor Van Wyck's action. "I have nothing to say in the premises until I hear more definitely," paid Mr. Sperry.

"We have certainly received no official notification, although these may he in the office in New York now, for all I know. Before such a step was taken I should imagine we would have received official notification." A few minutes after he had con versed with the reporter Mr. Sperry received an important telephone message. Then he turned to the reporter and admitted that the rumor in circulation in regard to the appointment of a new commission was true. In the meantime, Henry Batterman, one of the other Brooklyn commissioners, reached the main office of the Times and waited to accompany Mr.

Sperry to tho usual Wednesday meeting in New York. When the two commissioners met they laughed heartily and Joked over the announcement. "Well," Mr. Batterman said, "I will have nothing to say until we get over there. However, if it 1b true and we are to go out, then, I have lots of other matters to cake up my time." Andrew D.

Baird, president of the old commission, when seen by an Eagle reporter this noon, said: "I know absolutely nothing about it. This is the first intimation I have received that the old commissioners have been relieved of their duties. As regards any possible removal of Chief Engineer Buck or his assistants I am unable to say. I do not know what power the new board will have." H. C.

M. Ingraham, counsel for the old commission refused to be interviewed. How the Change Was Made. The news of their removal was a complete surprise to the members of the old commission when they arrived at their offices In Chambers street. Salem H.

Wales was the first to hear of the change, arriving long bo fore his former colleagues. Former Commisalonora Sperry, Baiferman ad BAtrd arrived ebortl? before 1 o'clock. and which may still remain the property of the state, but nothing in this act shall be construed to allow the commissioners hereby appointed to take or acquire any lands under water or above water which at the time of the passage of this aot are owned or leased and used as a ferry by any corporation under the laws of the State of New York. And land belonging to the City of New York situated on the Bast River or under the water thereof and necessary for such bridge shall be set apart by a deed of dedication In writing for such purpose, which deed shall be executed by the controller of the City of New York for and In the name of such city, recorded in the office of the register of the county in which such lands are situated. Sec.

5. The cost of constructing said bridge and the approaches and appurtenances thereto, and the acquisition of the necessary land and rights way. including ail expenses of the commissioners and their counsel, salaries of engineers, surveyors and other subordinates, and compensation of the cemmis siocers, and the expenses oE any and all condemnation proceedings shall be borne by the City of New York, and in order to meet the same, the mayor, controller and city clerk of said city are hereby directed to issue and sell from time to time upon the requisition of such commissioners "corporate stock of the City cf New York" sufficient to realize the sum certified by such commissioners to be then required and the commissioners of the singing fund of said city shall fix the terms and conditions as to payment of the stock as to be issued as they are generally required to do, with reference to the corporate stock Issued by said city. The proceeds from the sales of such stock shall be paid to the chamberlain of Bald city, and shall be drawn and paid for the purposes authorized by this act, upon itemized vouchers duly certified by the presnt and treasurer of said commission. Said commissioners shall receive for their services three thousand dollars per annum each, payable In equal monthly installments.

Sec. 6. Such bridge when completed shall be a public highway for the use of street, Euxface and elevated railroad cars, for bicycles and foot passengers. No car of any railroad company shall cross such bridge except upon the following terms: All track structures wires, posts, supports, machinery and structures of every kind necessary for such cars or the operation or transportation thereof shall be paid for by the company or companies using such bridge, tne intent being that the City of New York shall provide a only; and all expellee approach for cars or railroads to such bridge shall be paid for by the railroad companies using the same. All expenses of maintaining, repairing, renewing or keeping such bridge (other than police protection) shall be paid by the railroad companies using the same.

The commissioners appointed as hereinbefore provided may contract with railroad companies lor the right t.o such bridge for the purposes aforesaid and may fix a rental according to the number or size of cars, or according to the number of passengers carried by the respective companies. Such rental (shall be so fixed as always to provide a revenue sufficient to meet and pay all charges for maintenance, repairs, preservation and protection cf such bridge; and such further or other rental as such commissioners shall deem in the public interest All surplus rental shall be paid to the credit of the revenue fund of said city. Any railroad company that has made such a contract and that has a railroad In operation in the Borough of Brooklyn within one thousand feet of the terminus of such bridge may purchase or acquire by condemnation any land or interest in land necessary for a proper approach by its cars to such bridge; but no such approach eball be so acquired or made except upon lines and elevations and in the manner allowed and approved by such commissioners. Sec. 7.

Within one year after the said bridge ehall be completed the said commissioners shall make their final report of all the matters connected therewith, all expenses Incurred and all payments made, and shall file a copy of the same with the controller of the City of New York, and thereafter its control and management and the exercise of all power here given so far as such power has not then been executed shall be vested in the department of bridges of the City of New York. Sec. S. All acts and parts of acts Inconsistent with this act are hereby repealed. Sec.

9. This act shall take effect immediately. How the Bill May Affect the Uhlmann Interests Mr. Berri's Opinion. Assemblyman Brennan's all railroad bridge hill provides for a bi partisan commission, the structure to be erected between the Brooklyn Bridge and the new East River Bridge, and is designed for the purpose of operating railroads, with the additional fea tures of a bicycle path and a foot path.

The commissioners are named in the bill and include the following: Benjamin F. Tracy, Frederick A. Schroedcr, William Berrl, Silas B. Dutcher, Hugh J. Grant, Setih L.

Keeney, the Mayor of the Oity of New York and the Controller. By the above ic will be seen that the new bridge commission will be composed of four Democrats and four Republicans. The men behind the scheme do not hesitate to say that they have picked out the very best names that courd be found and for this reason they expeot that the bill will receive considerable support. The bill is a most comprehensive one and it places in the hands of the commissioners, who are to be paid at the rate of $3,000 per annum, all the necessary powers to condemn property and construct the bridge, the expense to be borne by the City of New York. No estimate is made of the cost of the proposed structure, which, the bill provided, Bhall begin in this borough between the Fulton Ferry and the Navy Yard and connect with the Borough of Manhattan.

The bill will go Into effect immediately upon passage. One clause of the bill is regarded as very significant by the men who have examined its provisions, and this Is to the effect that "the commisssion shall have the right to examine, use or copy any plans, calculations or data of any kind for a bridge across the East River belonging to said city, or in the possession of any board, officer or corporations constructing or controlling a bridge across such river." This clause is evidently put in the bill for two reasons. The first Is that the new commission may utilize the work done by the Brooklyn bridge engineering force under the late ex Mayor Howell's term as president the board, and also, it is said, may acquire the plans and specifications of the East River Bridge Company, controlled by the Brooklyn Elevated Company interests, that sold the charter to the new bridge commission for something over $200,000. When Mr. Howell was president of the Board of Bridge Trustees ho took a great Interest in the projected all railroad bridge and acting under his orders the bridge engineering force drew up detailed plans of an all railroad structure, to run from Hudson avenue, in Brooklyn, to Pitt and Willets streets.

In New York, about a block away from the Total $984,493.82 Unexpended balance 590,156.18 The commissioners in comment upon the figures say: "There are no duplicate vouchers on file in the office, but simply typewritten copies of the bills, the original bills being attached to vouchers filed with the Controller for payment which agreed with the amounts entered upon the day book and as posted into tho ledger; but the distribution of the amounts was faulty In method, as may be Been from the analysis of the expense account which is appended and shows that out of a total expenditure charged to that account from September, 1S95, to December 31, 1897, of $37,379.91, but $5,308.52 is properly so chargeable. An analysis oltexpense account follows. In Which is include, an item miscellaneous for $5,308.52. They find also that the amount charged to furniture and fixtures is $2,317.73, and that it properly should be $1,157.23. The unexpended balance December 31, 1897, Is found to be $90,156.18 from former bond issues and the net amount to be provided, $1,383,797.59.

The commissioners find that the total estimated payments to June 30 next amount to $1,472,953.77, as follows: Sundries, contracts to December 29, 1897, American Sugar Refining Company, interest', $6,300. Counsel fees have amounted to $45,500. The commissioners suggest that in future all bills be required to be rendered in duplicate, one to be lodged with the Controller and the other in the office of the commission. They also recommend that the accounts be kept separate, no Items except those of running expenses to be charged to the expense account. Other accounts should 1 kept of legal services, apprailsat, arbitration, advertising and damages.

Recommendation is made that the furniture and fixture account be divided into three accounts, furniture, personal property and engineer's supplies. In otheT respects they declare the work of the commission to have been well done. The report Is signed by both commissioners. LETTER CARRIER REDUCTION. Resolution In the Senate to Consider the Matter.

Washington. D. January 19 In the Senate to day Mr. Hoar offered a resolution relative to tho recent order of the Postmaster General reducing the numbor of letter carriers in some of the large citiOB on account of a deficiency in the free delivery appropriation, the resolution providing tbat the committeo on post ofBceB and poat roads should immediately ascertain what amount was necessary to preserve the postal free delivery service of the country. For Ma resolution Mr.

Hoar asked immediate consideration, Mr. Wolcott, chairman of tho post offices and pOBt roads oommittee, objected to the reference of the resolution to bis committee. He said the committee was utterly power ess to afford relief for tho trouble at which tho iresolution waa directed. He thought tho resolution ought by all means to go to tho committee on appropriations. Tho committee on post offices and post roads, he added, is anxious to extend and make mora offioient tho letter carrier system, but were powerlesi.

Tenement House Commission of was pro 1 sen ted and it was shown that it lind bec tho Commissioner of Highways. Tho board Bigned by many of tho most influential to finish its work with tho jomaininsV of the district. tomnii6Bion and boards to morrowl I.