New York, 1895
Senator Childs' bill for regulating, planting and protecting oysters in the lands under the public waters seems to be most complete. What we note with special pleasure is the wide field it provides for the use and benefit of the hundreds of our citizens who do not engage in the systematic cultivation of oysters because they have not capital to invest in the business. For several years these deserving people have been crowded to the wall by planters and speculators who grabbed every acre of land that they thought worth grabbing, and particularly the natural growth land, which increased their harvest handsomely. The natural growth land is to be free to all the people, and that is right, for no man or set of men should have a monopoly of the food supply that nature produces. We hope to see the bill become a law.
Brief Editorials
The lift bridge got a black eye in Brooklyn on Monday. Supervisor at Large Fitchie vetoed the resolution of the Kings County board of Supervisors favoring its construction on the ground that it provides for the employment of two engineers. If the bridge is ever built it will be a larger elephant than the macadamized roads. Every feature of it is controlled by patents and, my, but the county will be soaked when it comes to paying for repairs.
Sunday football playing at Ridgewood (Newtown) ended in a riot on Sunday. The players were pretty well drunken before the game began. Next summer, the "sports" say, there is to be Sunday baseball in several parks in Newtown. The police are not expected to enforce the law against it. Of course not.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 4.
Friday, May 30, 2008
It Is Bad Law
New York, 1895
In a case at Flushing to test the validity of the wide tire law, Justice Connorton has decided that the board of Supervisors have no right to enact a road law applicable to the streets within the incorporated village of Flushing. He bases this decision on a provision of the village charter which says that "the streets and avenues shall be under the sole control of the village trustees."
There is no conflict between the village charter and the wide tire law. On the contrary, they are perfectly harmonious. The Supervisors have not sought to acquire "control" of the village streets. The legislature, which granted the village of Flushing its charter, has seen fit to extend the powers of the board of Supervisors so that they may regulate the width of tires on wagons as a means of preserving the highways and curtailing taxation. The legislature had ample power to do this, and in giving effect to the statute the Supervisors are but the agents of the Legislature.
The wide tire law may be invalid, but not for the reason stated by Justice Connorton.
Lawyers
It is surprising what highfalutin eulogies the Bar Association pronounces over dead lawyers whose corrupt records were the distinguishing features of their lives. If the Bar Association was true to itself two lawyers at least would have been dishonorably dismissed from its membership and disbarred from practising.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 4.
In a case at Flushing to test the validity of the wide tire law, Justice Connorton has decided that the board of Supervisors have no right to enact a road law applicable to the streets within the incorporated village of Flushing. He bases this decision on a provision of the village charter which says that "the streets and avenues shall be under the sole control of the village trustees."
There is no conflict between the village charter and the wide tire law. On the contrary, they are perfectly harmonious. The Supervisors have not sought to acquire "control" of the village streets. The legislature, which granted the village of Flushing its charter, has seen fit to extend the powers of the board of Supervisors so that they may regulate the width of tires on wagons as a means of preserving the highways and curtailing taxation. The legislature had ample power to do this, and in giving effect to the statute the Supervisors are but the agents of the Legislature.
The wide tire law may be invalid, but not for the reason stated by Justice Connorton.
Lawyers
It is surprising what highfalutin eulogies the Bar Association pronounces over dead lawyers whose corrupt records were the distinguishing features of their lives. If the Bar Association was true to itself two lawyers at least would have been dishonorably dismissed from its membership and disbarred from practising.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 4.
Have Patience
New York, 1895
The tax-payers need have no uneasiness that the Supervisors will not do their duty toward them in the matter of reducing the cost of keeping the prisoners in the County Jail, nor in their determination to have the prisoners kept somewhere else than in the County Jail. The board has made as much progress with the subject as it consistently could, and there is no serious division of opinion about what should be done. What is to be done will be soon done.
Vacheron
What is Assemblyman Vacheron holding a seat in the Legislature for if not to foster the interests of his district? He is not doing that even a little bit. He seems to have become a full fledged Socialist. We have not seen one bill of real merit that he has introduced, while of bad bills that he has introduced there are a number, and the bad bills that he is supporting are more numerous still.
THE FARMER prints this week in the Albany letter the text of a bill that has been introduced by Mr. Brownell to steal the Normal School from Jamaica and give it to Binghamton. A more outrageous thing was never heard of, and every citizen who reads it will boil with indignation. It would be a monstrous wrong to rob Jamaica of this school after the town has given $10,000 for a site for the building and deeded the site to the State. The deep interest which the people felt in the school was shown by the hearty unanimity with which they voted the money to buy the site.
THE FARMER is not afraid that the robber bill will be passed, for Governor McCormick is a tower of strength at Albany, and Senator Childs has a large influence with the law making body, and Counselor Van Vechten is full of resources, and such a team it would be impossible to overcome. But while basking in this security the reckless indifference of Assemblyman Vacheron demands the severest reprobation.
The introductory clause in the bill reads:
Introduced by Mr. Brownell — Read once and by UNANIMOUS consent referred to The committee on ways and means.
What was Assemblyman Vacheron thinking about when this bill was read that he did not object to it and make a fight against it? The bill shows that it had unanimous approval, consequently it had Mr. Vacheron's approval. The people can have but a poor opinion of a representative who is so blind and neglectful of an interest so vital to Jamaica, and, in fact, to all Long Island.
More Vacheron
The Brooklyn Times is not pleased with Mr. Vacheron's course at Albany. If any one is pleased with him, he should stand up and shout. The Times says:
Assemblyman Vacheron's course in the present legislature, especially in regard to the bills affecting Queens county, is not increasing his popularity in the county. The Assemblyman from the third district is known to be looking for Senator Childs' seat in the upper house, and apparently with a view to bettering his chances he is found in opposition to almost every measure introduced by the senator and having his support. This may be only a mere coincidence, but it is certainly an unusual one. From the expression of public opinion, there is no question about the fact that Mr. Vacheron is on the wrong track, and is not covering himself with glory. Such tactics cannot weaken Mr. Childs in public estimation.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 4.
The tax-payers need have no uneasiness that the Supervisors will not do their duty toward them in the matter of reducing the cost of keeping the prisoners in the County Jail, nor in their determination to have the prisoners kept somewhere else than in the County Jail. The board has made as much progress with the subject as it consistently could, and there is no serious division of opinion about what should be done. What is to be done will be soon done.
Vacheron
What is Assemblyman Vacheron holding a seat in the Legislature for if not to foster the interests of his district? He is not doing that even a little bit. He seems to have become a full fledged Socialist. We have not seen one bill of real merit that he has introduced, while of bad bills that he has introduced there are a number, and the bad bills that he is supporting are more numerous still.
THE FARMER prints this week in the Albany letter the text of a bill that has been introduced by Mr. Brownell to steal the Normal School from Jamaica and give it to Binghamton. A more outrageous thing was never heard of, and every citizen who reads it will boil with indignation. It would be a monstrous wrong to rob Jamaica of this school after the town has given $10,000 for a site for the building and deeded the site to the State. The deep interest which the people felt in the school was shown by the hearty unanimity with which they voted the money to buy the site.
THE FARMER is not afraid that the robber bill will be passed, for Governor McCormick is a tower of strength at Albany, and Senator Childs has a large influence with the law making body, and Counselor Van Vechten is full of resources, and such a team it would be impossible to overcome. But while basking in this security the reckless indifference of Assemblyman Vacheron demands the severest reprobation.
The introductory clause in the bill reads:
Introduced by Mr. Brownell — Read once and by UNANIMOUS consent referred to The committee on ways and means.
What was Assemblyman Vacheron thinking about when this bill was read that he did not object to it and make a fight against it? The bill shows that it had unanimous approval, consequently it had Mr. Vacheron's approval. The people can have but a poor opinion of a representative who is so blind and neglectful of an interest so vital to Jamaica, and, in fact, to all Long Island.
More Vacheron
The Brooklyn Times is not pleased with Mr. Vacheron's course at Albany. If any one is pleased with him, he should stand up and shout. The Times says:
Assemblyman Vacheron's course in the present legislature, especially in regard to the bills affecting Queens county, is not increasing his popularity in the county. The Assemblyman from the third district is known to be looking for Senator Childs' seat in the upper house, and apparently with a view to bettering his chances he is found in opposition to almost every measure introduced by the senator and having his support. This may be only a mere coincidence, but it is certainly an unusual one. From the expression of public opinion, there is no question about the fact that Mr. Vacheron is on the wrong track, and is not covering himself with glory. Such tactics cannot weaken Mr. Childs in public estimation.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 4.
Entering College in 1795
1895
The Bond Required For the Tuition Fee at Rhode Island College, Now Brown.
College authorities were very formal and very careful in former days, as can be seen from this copy of an indenture which hangs in the office of the Hon. Gilbert R. Hawes, providing for the money due for his grandfather when he became a freshman at the college which has since become Brown university:
"Know all men by these presents that we, Joseph Hawes, Gentleman, and Peter Hawes, both of the Township of Franklin and County of Suffolk, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, are held and firmly bound unto Matthew Manchester, Esq., Steward of Rhode Island College, in the sum of Two Hundred pounds, lawful money; to be paid to the said Steward or his certain Attorneys, Heirs, Executors, Administrators, or Assigns. For which payment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, and each of us by himself, for the whole sum; and our and both of our Heirs, Executors, and Administrators, firmly by those presents.
"Sealed with our seals, and dated this 19th day of October, Anno Domini, One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty-seven.
"The condition of this obligation is such that, whereas the said Peter Hawes is admitted a member of said Rhode Island College, if, therefore, the said Peter Hawes shall well and truly pay or cause to be paid, to the said Matthew Manchester, Steward of the said College, or to his successors in the office of Steward, quarterly, and every quarter so long as the said Peter Hawes shall remain in said College, all sum or sums of money as shall be due by the Laws and Regulations of said College, for his support, maintenance, and tuition therein; then the above obligation to be null and void; otherwise to be, and remain in full force and virtue in the Laws.
"Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of Ebenezer Lazell, Herman Daggett, Joseph Hawes, Peter Hawes." — New York Sun.
The Bond Required For the Tuition Fee at Rhode Island College, Now Brown.
College authorities were very formal and very careful in former days, as can be seen from this copy of an indenture which hangs in the office of the Hon. Gilbert R. Hawes, providing for the money due for his grandfather when he became a freshman at the college which has since become Brown university:
"Know all men by these presents that we, Joseph Hawes, Gentleman, and Peter Hawes, both of the Township of Franklin and County of Suffolk, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, are held and firmly bound unto Matthew Manchester, Esq., Steward of Rhode Island College, in the sum of Two Hundred pounds, lawful money; to be paid to the said Steward or his certain Attorneys, Heirs, Executors, Administrators, or Assigns. For which payment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, and each of us by himself, for the whole sum; and our and both of our Heirs, Executors, and Administrators, firmly by those presents.
"Sealed with our seals, and dated this 19th day of October, Anno Domini, One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty-seven.
"The condition of this obligation is such that, whereas the said Peter Hawes is admitted a member of said Rhode Island College, if, therefore, the said Peter Hawes shall well and truly pay or cause to be paid, to the said Matthew Manchester, Steward of the said College, or to his successors in the office of Steward, quarterly, and every quarter so long as the said Peter Hawes shall remain in said College, all sum or sums of money as shall be due by the Laws and Regulations of said College, for his support, maintenance, and tuition therein; then the above obligation to be null and void; otherwise to be, and remain in full force and virtue in the Laws.
"Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of Ebenezer Lazell, Herman Daggett, Joseph Hawes, Peter Hawes." — New York Sun.
The Spring Campaign
New York, 1895
THE DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE TO BE REORGANIZED. Prominent Men and Tax-payers of Both Parties Urging Justice Lester to Stand for Re-election — The Republicans Will Nominate a Boodle Hunter.
The Democrats seem to be getting together for the Spring campaign. The County Committee has ordained that Town Committees shall consist of one delegate from each election district instead of three as heretofore.
It is almost a certainty that the Republican caucus lately held, and to which we referred last week, has decided upon their candidate for Justice of the Peace, relying more upon the ground swell of last Fall to elect him rather than upon any qualifications of his own. The man has been in town just about long enough to have required the right to vote, and he insists that he must have an office because he is giving his time and substance to the work of upbuilding the Republican party.
The welfare of the town demands that a man shall be elected who not alone has the qualifications to fill the office satisfactorily, but besides has a substantial property interest in the town which will warrant a personal as well as a public interest in an economical and faithful administration of public affairs. The next three years will be fraught with matters of great import to this town. We refer especially to the "Greater New York," the carrying into effect of which involves many questions of vital interest to us.
In the present incumbent of the justice's office, George Lester, the town has the services of a man of sound business judgment, strong individuality, at all times rising above any petty party advantage, courteous alike to all, and who through the years he has sat in the town board has voted steadily for and championed everything that has made for the improvement of the town for residential purposes and the enhancement of its value, notably the improvement of the Town Hall, the extension of the water system, the establishment of lighting districts, the fund to provide a site for the normal school the acquisition of the land to protect and enlarge the Town Hall, the reclaiming of the town burying ground, and in fact all necessary and desirable improvements in all sections of the town. Mr. Lester has acted as secretary to the macadam road commission (all of them serving without pay), a position of very considerable labor. He is an open and pronounced advocate of making a city of Jamaica.
Justice Lester has never used his office to enrich himself. His bills against the town have never exceeded $150 for a whole year's services. He could have made the office pay him $1,200 or $1,500 a year, if he had been so disposed. The man who has been picked out by the Republicans to run for Justice wants the office for the boodle he can get out of it, and for no other reason, and such a man the public should take pains to avoid.
A number of the largest tax-payers, and some of the most prominent citizens in the town, Republicans and Democrats, have asked Judge Lester to consent to run again, but he is rather reluctant about acceding to these requests. In the interest of the whole town, and all the people, it is hoped that the citizens will prevail upon Mr. Lester to allow his name to go before the voters and then to see that for the valuable services already rendered, he is honored with a hearty re-election. His record entitles him to it.
Become a Professional Accountant
Supervisor Theodore Koehler of Long Island City has severed his connection with the East River Gas Company and begun business on his own account as a professional accountant. He is a most accomplished and skillful man in this line of business, and THE FARMER can recommend him to persons or corporations needing first rate ability. Mr. Koehler has also opened a school for pupils in bookkeeping, and pupils will receive his personal attention. He may be addressed at Long Island City.
The New Keeper's Home
The supervisors' committee and the superintendents of the poor met at Barnum Island on Thursday and selected a site for the new residence for the keeper. It was decided to erect a building 35 by 42 feet, two and a half stories high.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 1.
THE DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE TO BE REORGANIZED. Prominent Men and Tax-payers of Both Parties Urging Justice Lester to Stand for Re-election — The Republicans Will Nominate a Boodle Hunter.
The Democrats seem to be getting together for the Spring campaign. The County Committee has ordained that Town Committees shall consist of one delegate from each election district instead of three as heretofore.
It is almost a certainty that the Republican caucus lately held, and to which we referred last week, has decided upon their candidate for Justice of the Peace, relying more upon the ground swell of last Fall to elect him rather than upon any qualifications of his own. The man has been in town just about long enough to have required the right to vote, and he insists that he must have an office because he is giving his time and substance to the work of upbuilding the Republican party.
The welfare of the town demands that a man shall be elected who not alone has the qualifications to fill the office satisfactorily, but besides has a substantial property interest in the town which will warrant a personal as well as a public interest in an economical and faithful administration of public affairs. The next three years will be fraught with matters of great import to this town. We refer especially to the "Greater New York," the carrying into effect of which involves many questions of vital interest to us.
In the present incumbent of the justice's office, George Lester, the town has the services of a man of sound business judgment, strong individuality, at all times rising above any petty party advantage, courteous alike to all, and who through the years he has sat in the town board has voted steadily for and championed everything that has made for the improvement of the town for residential purposes and the enhancement of its value, notably the improvement of the Town Hall, the extension of the water system, the establishment of lighting districts, the fund to provide a site for the normal school the acquisition of the land to protect and enlarge the Town Hall, the reclaiming of the town burying ground, and in fact all necessary and desirable improvements in all sections of the town. Mr. Lester has acted as secretary to the macadam road commission (all of them serving without pay), a position of very considerable labor. He is an open and pronounced advocate of making a city of Jamaica.
Justice Lester has never used his office to enrich himself. His bills against the town have never exceeded $150 for a whole year's services. He could have made the office pay him $1,200 or $1,500 a year, if he had been so disposed. The man who has been picked out by the Republicans to run for Justice wants the office for the boodle he can get out of it, and for no other reason, and such a man the public should take pains to avoid.
A number of the largest tax-payers, and some of the most prominent citizens in the town, Republicans and Democrats, have asked Judge Lester to consent to run again, but he is rather reluctant about acceding to these requests. In the interest of the whole town, and all the people, it is hoped that the citizens will prevail upon Mr. Lester to allow his name to go before the voters and then to see that for the valuable services already rendered, he is honored with a hearty re-election. His record entitles him to it.
Become a Professional Accountant
Supervisor Theodore Koehler of Long Island City has severed his connection with the East River Gas Company and begun business on his own account as a professional accountant. He is a most accomplished and skillful man in this line of business, and THE FARMER can recommend him to persons or corporations needing first rate ability. Mr. Koehler has also opened a school for pupils in bookkeeping, and pupils will receive his personal attention. He may be addressed at Long Island City.
The New Keeper's Home
The supervisors' committee and the superintendents of the poor met at Barnum Island on Thursday and selected a site for the new residence for the keeper. It was decided to erect a building 35 by 42 feet, two and a half stories high.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 1.
Bleeding the Tax-payers
New York, 1895
The Rascally Work Which the Standard is Defending.
Certain constables and deputy sheriffs in the town of Jamaica are doing a big business in tramps, sending from six to twelve a day to the county jail. The expense of arresting, committing and conveying the tramps to jail falls upon the town. The constable or deputy supplies the tramps with tobacco and some whisky. The cost of committing a tramp is from $8 to $12, according to the distance traveled. A pretty bill is therefore being run up against the town. It is nothing short of a conspiracy to bleed the tax-payers, and the Standard is helping it along. The town board should not audit the bills of deputy sheriffs for this work. They have no authority to make the arrests. Some time ago, when these deputies were in a similar conspiracy to draw blood money from the town, the town board, to put an end to it, passed a resolution that no bill of a deputy sheriff would be audited except for services rendered at the request of a justice of the peace. That resolution has never been rescinded. Its strict enforcement is demanded at this time.
Shelton Avenue Lines Mixed
The commissioners appointed to award damages for the land to be taken for the extension (west) of Shelton avenue, Jamaica, held a meeting at the Surrogate's office on Tuesday and finished the taking of testimony. Engineer Conklin testified that he had made a survey of the proposed extension and found that the stakes as laid out by the former surveyor were set six inches to the north of the true line. The avenue as sought to be extended by this application is not a continuation of the avenue laid out on the village map. Emma Sterling, Emily A. Brown, and Maria Sauer testified as to the value of their lots on the Fleet property. Counselor Gillen summed up on the part of the village, Counselor Monfort for property owners, and Counselor Cromwell for Aaron A. Degrauw.
Cases Before Justice Gaynor
Justice Gaynor presided at a special term of the supreme court at the Court House, in Long Island City, on Monday. The calendar contained twenty cases, including four against Long Island City, which, with several others, went off for the term. The action of ex-Gov. Flower against M. F. Claven and the improvement commissioners of Long Island City to prevent the commissioners from going on with the improvement of Borden avenue was set down for argument in Brooklyn. J. Rufus Terry has a similar action pending.
Justice Gaynor dismissed the suit of ex-Mayor Gleason against Mayor Sanford to recover rent for the old Grand avenue school-house. The plaintiff did not appear.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 1.
The Rascally Work Which the Standard is Defending.
Certain constables and deputy sheriffs in the town of Jamaica are doing a big business in tramps, sending from six to twelve a day to the county jail. The expense of arresting, committing and conveying the tramps to jail falls upon the town. The constable or deputy supplies the tramps with tobacco and some whisky. The cost of committing a tramp is from $8 to $12, according to the distance traveled. A pretty bill is therefore being run up against the town. It is nothing short of a conspiracy to bleed the tax-payers, and the Standard is helping it along. The town board should not audit the bills of deputy sheriffs for this work. They have no authority to make the arrests. Some time ago, when these deputies were in a similar conspiracy to draw blood money from the town, the town board, to put an end to it, passed a resolution that no bill of a deputy sheriff would be audited except for services rendered at the request of a justice of the peace. That resolution has never been rescinded. Its strict enforcement is demanded at this time.
Shelton Avenue Lines Mixed
The commissioners appointed to award damages for the land to be taken for the extension (west) of Shelton avenue, Jamaica, held a meeting at the Surrogate's office on Tuesday and finished the taking of testimony. Engineer Conklin testified that he had made a survey of the proposed extension and found that the stakes as laid out by the former surveyor were set six inches to the north of the true line. The avenue as sought to be extended by this application is not a continuation of the avenue laid out on the village map. Emma Sterling, Emily A. Brown, and Maria Sauer testified as to the value of their lots on the Fleet property. Counselor Gillen summed up on the part of the village, Counselor Monfort for property owners, and Counselor Cromwell for Aaron A. Degrauw.
Cases Before Justice Gaynor
Justice Gaynor presided at a special term of the supreme court at the Court House, in Long Island City, on Monday. The calendar contained twenty cases, including four against Long Island City, which, with several others, went off for the term. The action of ex-Gov. Flower against M. F. Claven and the improvement commissioners of Long Island City to prevent the commissioners from going on with the improvement of Borden avenue was set down for argument in Brooklyn. J. Rufus Terry has a similar action pending.
Justice Gaynor dismissed the suit of ex-Mayor Gleason against Mayor Sanford to recover rent for the old Grand avenue school-house. The plaintiff did not appear.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 1.
Three Strong Names
New York, 1895
WOOD, VAN NOSTRAND AND TOWNSEND FOR COMMISSIONERS.
The Supervisors Name Them and Send Their Compliments to Our Representatives at Albany — Brooklyn Has a Tricky Bill in the Legislature — Seeking to Escape Paying Taxes.
The board of Supervisors met at Long Island City on Tuesday. Supervisor Siebs was absent, being ill with a severe cold.
The most interesting feature of the day's proceeding had relation to the bill now pending in the Senate, and introduced by Mr. Childs, creating a tax arrears bureau for the county. At the previous meeting of the board it was stated that Senator Childs was holding the bill in committee until he could learn the views of the board respecting it.
Supervisor Pople brought the matter to the attention of the board by calling from the table his resolution that the board name the persons who should become the commissioners if the bill is enacted into a law. After remarks by Supervisors Pople and Koehler, the board, on motion of Mr. Koehler, resolved itself into a committee of the whole, with Supervisor Everitt in the chair, and held an executive session.
The result of the board's deliberations was that the commissioners should be Martin V. Wood and John E. Van Nostrand, Republicans, and Solomon S. Townsend, Democrat. Mr. Wood and Mr. Townsend were already named in the bill. Mr. Van Nostrand was substituted for Colonel Jones, of Jamaica. A resolution was unanimously adopted, requesting Senator Childs to insert the above three names in the bill and secure its passage, if possible; also requesting the members of the Assembly to give the bill their best support.
The name of Colonel Jones was not dropped by the board out of any feeling, but for the purely business reason that Newtown, having more lands in arrears for taxes than any three towns, should be represented in the commission, and a better man than ex-Supervisor Van Nostrand could not be found in the town of in the county.
Permission was granted to St. Bridget's church at Westbury to acquire two acres of land adjacent to the church for cemetery purposes.
A new range has been provided for the Court House at a cost of $425. It is a nine-foot French range, having two fires and three ovens.
Counselor Wallace brought to the attention of the board a bill introduced by Assemblyman Ray, of Brooklyn, which provides that any action or special proceeding against the City of Brooklyn shall be brought in a court in said city. It is designed to prevent the trial in Queens County of cases brought by citizens of the county against Brooklyn for damages to property by the extension of the city's water system.
Supervisor Denton offered, and the board adopted, a resolution requesting the county's representatives at Albany to oppose the passage of the bill.
Supervisor Pople said that he learned while in Albany that the state of New York was liable for the whole or a part of the expense of building and maintaining the bridges over Newtown Creek, and he thought it was a subject worth the while of counsel to the board to inquire into.
Counselor Moore presented an application in behalf of J. L. Hamilton of Flushing, for the correction of an erroneous assessment. The taxes amount to $382.26, which is more than the value of the lots. The town board authorized the taxes to be rescinded on payment of $100. The town holds the land under a tax-sale lease. The application was granted.
Mr. Cumming presented an application for relief from an assessment on property on Beach Channel, in the town of Jamaica, which Thomas S. Smith leased from the town for hotel purposes. The taxes for 1889-1894, inclusive, have not been paid. He wanted the taxes vacated because of improper description, there being, in fact, no description at all. However, when Mr. Smith tries to pass title to the property he is met with the objection that the taxes are a lien. It was referred to Supervisor Everitt.
Counselor VanDeWater, of Flushing, again brought to the attention of the board the matter of erroneous assessments in Flushing. Supervisor Pople said it would be setting a bad example to grant the counselor's request. Mr. Pople said it was a deserving case and he had offered to contribute to a fund for the relief of the person complaining. The matter was referred to Mr. Pople.
Counselor Fitch of Flushing said that certain property in Newtown was advertised to be sold for taxes on which the taxes had been paid, and he held the receipts. It was referred to the Supervisor of Newtown.
Mr. Munger, representing the Charles Pratt estate, who manufacture oil on Newtown creek, appeared before the board and advocated the construction of a lift bridge over the creek at Hunter's Point. He was opposed to the bill now before the Legislature providing for two bridges on Newtown creek, the second bridge proposed being at the mouth of the creek.
Counselor Ingraham, of Hempstead, stated some time ago the town of Hempstead made a lease of land at Rockaway inlet to Daniel Lord and others, so that they could erect a bridge across the channel to the ocean beach. The lease was subsequently assigned to a corporation. The channel is fast closing up and the bridge may not become necessary. If the bridge is erected, the company wants to collect tolls thereon, and it is the duty of the Supervisors to fix the rate of toll. Mr. Ingraham asked the authority of the board to erect a temporary bridge until such time as it can be determined whether or not the inlet will so close up as to make any bridge unnecessary. If the inlet does not close up, the United States government may insist on a draw-bridge. The government has consented to a temporary bridge. Supervisor Wood said he had no objection to what Mr. Ingraham proposed.
On motion of Supervisor Underhill, the board proceeded to appoint a physician to the county jail. Dr. Taylor, Republican, received 4 votes, and Dr. Barry, Democrat, 2 votes. Dr. Taylor was appointed. The salary was fixed at $300.
It costs $150 a month for disinfectants for the county jail. That is said to be $100 a month more than it costs for disinfectants for the Kings County Penitentiary, where there are 1,100 prisoners.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 1.
WOOD, VAN NOSTRAND AND TOWNSEND FOR COMMISSIONERS.
The Supervisors Name Them and Send Their Compliments to Our Representatives at Albany — Brooklyn Has a Tricky Bill in the Legislature — Seeking to Escape Paying Taxes.
The board of Supervisors met at Long Island City on Tuesday. Supervisor Siebs was absent, being ill with a severe cold.
The most interesting feature of the day's proceeding had relation to the bill now pending in the Senate, and introduced by Mr. Childs, creating a tax arrears bureau for the county. At the previous meeting of the board it was stated that Senator Childs was holding the bill in committee until he could learn the views of the board respecting it.
Supervisor Pople brought the matter to the attention of the board by calling from the table his resolution that the board name the persons who should become the commissioners if the bill is enacted into a law. After remarks by Supervisors Pople and Koehler, the board, on motion of Mr. Koehler, resolved itself into a committee of the whole, with Supervisor Everitt in the chair, and held an executive session.
The result of the board's deliberations was that the commissioners should be Martin V. Wood and John E. Van Nostrand, Republicans, and Solomon S. Townsend, Democrat. Mr. Wood and Mr. Townsend were already named in the bill. Mr. Van Nostrand was substituted for Colonel Jones, of Jamaica. A resolution was unanimously adopted, requesting Senator Childs to insert the above three names in the bill and secure its passage, if possible; also requesting the members of the Assembly to give the bill their best support.
The name of Colonel Jones was not dropped by the board out of any feeling, but for the purely business reason that Newtown, having more lands in arrears for taxes than any three towns, should be represented in the commission, and a better man than ex-Supervisor Van Nostrand could not be found in the town of in the county.
Permission was granted to St. Bridget's church at Westbury to acquire two acres of land adjacent to the church for cemetery purposes.
A new range has been provided for the Court House at a cost of $425. It is a nine-foot French range, having two fires and three ovens.
Counselor Wallace brought to the attention of the board a bill introduced by Assemblyman Ray, of Brooklyn, which provides that any action or special proceeding against the City of Brooklyn shall be brought in a court in said city. It is designed to prevent the trial in Queens County of cases brought by citizens of the county against Brooklyn for damages to property by the extension of the city's water system.
Supervisor Denton offered, and the board adopted, a resolution requesting the county's representatives at Albany to oppose the passage of the bill.
Supervisor Pople said that he learned while in Albany that the state of New York was liable for the whole or a part of the expense of building and maintaining the bridges over Newtown Creek, and he thought it was a subject worth the while of counsel to the board to inquire into.
Counselor Moore presented an application in behalf of J. L. Hamilton of Flushing, for the correction of an erroneous assessment. The taxes amount to $382.26, which is more than the value of the lots. The town board authorized the taxes to be rescinded on payment of $100. The town holds the land under a tax-sale lease. The application was granted.
Mr. Cumming presented an application for relief from an assessment on property on Beach Channel, in the town of Jamaica, which Thomas S. Smith leased from the town for hotel purposes. The taxes for 1889-1894, inclusive, have not been paid. He wanted the taxes vacated because of improper description, there being, in fact, no description at all. However, when Mr. Smith tries to pass title to the property he is met with the objection that the taxes are a lien. It was referred to Supervisor Everitt.
Counselor VanDeWater, of Flushing, again brought to the attention of the board the matter of erroneous assessments in Flushing. Supervisor Pople said it would be setting a bad example to grant the counselor's request. Mr. Pople said it was a deserving case and he had offered to contribute to a fund for the relief of the person complaining. The matter was referred to Mr. Pople.
Counselor Fitch of Flushing said that certain property in Newtown was advertised to be sold for taxes on which the taxes had been paid, and he held the receipts. It was referred to the Supervisor of Newtown.
Mr. Munger, representing the Charles Pratt estate, who manufacture oil on Newtown creek, appeared before the board and advocated the construction of a lift bridge over the creek at Hunter's Point. He was opposed to the bill now before the Legislature providing for two bridges on Newtown creek, the second bridge proposed being at the mouth of the creek.
Counselor Ingraham, of Hempstead, stated some time ago the town of Hempstead made a lease of land at Rockaway inlet to Daniel Lord and others, so that they could erect a bridge across the channel to the ocean beach. The lease was subsequently assigned to a corporation. The channel is fast closing up and the bridge may not become necessary. If the bridge is erected, the company wants to collect tolls thereon, and it is the duty of the Supervisors to fix the rate of toll. Mr. Ingraham asked the authority of the board to erect a temporary bridge until such time as it can be determined whether or not the inlet will so close up as to make any bridge unnecessary. If the inlet does not close up, the United States government may insist on a draw-bridge. The government has consented to a temporary bridge. Supervisor Wood said he had no objection to what Mr. Ingraham proposed.
On motion of Supervisor Underhill, the board proceeded to appoint a physician to the county jail. Dr. Taylor, Republican, received 4 votes, and Dr. Barry, Democrat, 2 votes. Dr. Taylor was appointed. The salary was fixed at $300.
It costs $150 a month for disinfectants for the county jail. That is said to be $100 a month more than it costs for disinfectants for the Kings County Penitentiary, where there are 1,100 prisoners.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 1.
County Court and Sessions
New York, 1895
Judge Garretson will begin the March term of the County Court and Court of Sessions at Long Island City on Monday. The Grand Jury will be charged at the opening of the court. The grand jurors drawn from Jamaica are William E. Clark, Charles E. Twombly, James C. Hendrickson, William B. Mills, and William McCrum. The calendar of civil cases is as follows:
Anderson vs Phillips, Barrett vs Smith, Gering vs Marr, Houser vs Klinker, Hawkins and Hawkins vs Freeman and Riley, Jones vs Vinque, Loux vs Duell, Lang vs Hagner, Obery vs The Long Island railroad company, Purdy vs Schalkenbach, Randles vs Youngs, Reinheimer vs Rachor, Sahr vs Scholle, Stahl vs Eller, Schmand vs Schalkenbach, Smith vs Smith, Suhr vs Hoerring, Solly vs Graur, The People of the State of New York vs Dion, Wyckoff as Overseer vs Leonardi, Whitins vs Lichtenstein, Weeks vs Pacher, White vs Jacob & Sons.
To Sell Out the Association
The annual meeting of the Amityville agricultural fair and driving park association was held Thursday. The matter of dissolving the association was talked over and it was almost unanimously agreed to sell out the association's effects, The proceeds to be used in paying the debts.
Edward Freel Gets $82,000
Edward Freel has won his mandamus case against the city of Brooklyn. Justice Gaynor handed down a decision Monday in which Freel is awarded $82,000, the amount sued for. In 1893 Freel completed the Millburn reservoir under the supervision of Robert Van Buren, Chief Engineer of the city. The work was accepted by the proper authorities, but the reservoir failed to hold water, and the Comptroller refused to pay the contractor the $112,000 due him.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 1.
Judge Garretson will begin the March term of the County Court and Court of Sessions at Long Island City on Monday. The Grand Jury will be charged at the opening of the court. The grand jurors drawn from Jamaica are William E. Clark, Charles E. Twombly, James C. Hendrickson, William B. Mills, and William McCrum. The calendar of civil cases is as follows:
Anderson vs Phillips, Barrett vs Smith, Gering vs Marr, Houser vs Klinker, Hawkins and Hawkins vs Freeman and Riley, Jones vs Vinque, Loux vs Duell, Lang vs Hagner, Obery vs The Long Island railroad company, Purdy vs Schalkenbach, Randles vs Youngs, Reinheimer vs Rachor, Sahr vs Scholle, Stahl vs Eller, Schmand vs Schalkenbach, Smith vs Smith, Suhr vs Hoerring, Solly vs Graur, The People of the State of New York vs Dion, Wyckoff as Overseer vs Leonardi, Whitins vs Lichtenstein, Weeks vs Pacher, White vs Jacob & Sons.
To Sell Out the Association
The annual meeting of the Amityville agricultural fair and driving park association was held Thursday. The matter of dissolving the association was talked over and it was almost unanimously agreed to sell out the association's effects, The proceeds to be used in paying the debts.
Edward Freel Gets $82,000
Edward Freel has won his mandamus case against the city of Brooklyn. Justice Gaynor handed down a decision Monday in which Freel is awarded $82,000, the amount sued for. In 1893 Freel completed the Millburn reservoir under the supervision of Robert Van Buren, Chief Engineer of the city. The work was accepted by the proper authorities, but the reservoir failed to hold water, and the Comptroller refused to pay the contractor the $112,000 due him.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 1.
Threaten to Go Out on Strike
New York, 1895
The girls employed as cutters in the gold and silver leaf shops at Hicksville are threatening to go on strike. They say wages have been reduced and they might as well starve as continue at present rates of pay. The two firms of Michael Schultz, in Eight street, and Schultz Bros., in Houston street, New York, control the work here. There is one independent shop which pays the old wages.
Pay Up or Stand Suit
The Standard seems to be in final distress again. At any rate, its creditors are pressing hard for their pay. The Vernon Valley Paper Company has been unable to collect its money for goods delivered. The company has sent its claim to Counselor Van De Water, of Flushing, with instructions to sue for its recovery.
Meeting of Highway Commissioners
The Jamaica highway commissioners held a meeting at the Town Hall on Tuesday. Commissioner Wolff presided. The meeting was for the purpose of receiving estimates from the district overseers of the amount of money needed for road repairs during the present year. Only two estimates were received and the matter was laid over until the next meeting.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 1.
The girls employed as cutters in the gold and silver leaf shops at Hicksville are threatening to go on strike. They say wages have been reduced and they might as well starve as continue at present rates of pay. The two firms of Michael Schultz, in Eight street, and Schultz Bros., in Houston street, New York, control the work here. There is one independent shop which pays the old wages.
Pay Up or Stand Suit
The Standard seems to be in final distress again. At any rate, its creditors are pressing hard for their pay. The Vernon Valley Paper Company has been unable to collect its money for goods delivered. The company has sent its claim to Counselor Van De Water, of Flushing, with instructions to sue for its recovery.
Meeting of Highway Commissioners
The Jamaica highway commissioners held a meeting at the Town Hall on Tuesday. Commissioner Wolff presided. The meeting was for the purpose of receiving estimates from the district overseers of the amount of money needed for road repairs during the present year. Only two estimates were received and the matter was laid over until the next meeting.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 1.
A Robber Bill
New York, 1895
Trying to Steal the Normal School from Jamaica.
IS VACHERON WILLING?
He Made No Protest When the Robber Bill was Read.
THE SENATOR SHOWS FIGHT.
Messrs. Childs, McCormick and Van Vechten Will be Able to Defeat the Bill.
THE OYSTER PLANTING ACT.
ALBANY, Feb. 28.
(Special Correspondence of the Farmer,)
Counselor Van Vechten was at the Capital on Tuesday arguing a case in the Court of Appeals. His court labors over, he dropped in at the Assembly chamber and looked over the file of bills lately introduced. he found one that gave him a mental and moral shock. Following is a copy of the bill:
STATE OF NEW YORK. No. 950. IN ASSEMBLY, February 20, 1895: introduced by Mr. Brownell—read once and by unanimous consent referred to the commit? too on ways and means.
AN ACT To amend chapter five hundred and fifty-three of the laws of eighteen hundred and ninety-three, entitled "An act to establish a normal and training school in the village of Jamaica, in the county of Queens," so as to establish said school in the city of Binghampton, county of Broome.
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section one of chapter five hundred and fifty-three of the laws of eighteen hundred and ninety-three, entitled "An act to establish a normal and training school in the village of Jamaica, in the county of Queens," is hereby amended to read as follows :
§1. There shall be established in the city of Binghamton, county of Broome, a normal and training school, provided, however, and upon condition that within one year from the passage of this act, one or more persons shall convey to the State a suitable site in such city for said institution to be approved and accepted by the commissioners named in section one of chapter four hundred and sixty-six of the laws of eighteen hundred and sixty-six, entitled "An act in regard to normal schools."
§2. The title to such chapter five hundred and fifty-three of the laws of eighteen hundred and ninety-three is hereby amended to read as follows: "An act to establish a normal and training school in the city of Binghamton, county of Broome."
§3. The sum of one hundred thousand dollars heretofore appropriated by such chapter five hundred and fifty-three of the laws of eighteen hundred and ninety-three, is hereby reappropriated out of any moneys in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated, for the erection of a normal and training school in the city of Binghamton, in pursuance of chapter five hundred and fifty-three of the laws of eighteen hundred and ninety-three, as amended by this act. Such money shall be payable by the treasurer upon the warrant of the comptroller, upon certificates approved, by the superintendent of public instruction, the comptroller and the board of managers of such school.
§4. This act shall take effect immediately.
Mr. Van Vechten at once secured a copy of the bill and went straight to the Senate in search of Mr. Childs. To say that the Senator was surprised is to but feebly express the state of his mind. Here it was February 26th, and the date on the bill showed that it had been introduced on the 20th. Six days had elapsed and not a word had been heard from Assemblyman Vacheron about the existence of the robber bill. The conclusion was inevitable that he knew all about it, for a copy of it was on the file on his desk. His silence seemed more than suspicious.
Another striking thing about the bill was the introductory clause. It shows that when Mr. Brownell introduced the bill, and it was read, Mr. Vacheron made no objection to it, and it was referred to the proper committee by unanimous consent. Mr. Vacheron makes no explanation of his peculiar conduct.
Mr. Van Vechten and Senator Childs hustled around among some of the more prominent members of the Assembly, Ainsworth, Malby, Nixon, and others, and even saw Speaker Fish, and the bill is not going to have on easy time in spite of Mr. Vacheron's indifference to it, or even his willingness to let it go through unopposed.
Ex-Governor McCormick of Jamaica has been communicated with about the matter, and although he has not come here yet (his presence is not necessary at present) several of the prominent Assemblymen and some of the state officers have heard from him. Mr. McCormick will come here if his presence is required.
The bill, you will observe by reading it, also grabs the $100,000 appropriated last year for the Jamaica school. There is hardly a possibility of so rascally a measure getting through the Assembly, but for its defeat credit will be due to Mr. Vacheron. If, however, it should be bowled through the Assembly, it is bound to die in the Senate. Mr. Childs will be all powerful there. Mr. Van Vechten is coming back next week to renew his warfare upon the bill.
Senator O'Connor, the Republican leader, has a similar grand larceny bill in his charge. When Senator Childs heard of it, he went right up to O'Connor and told him what he thought of him. Senator Child's bill to appropriate $50,000 more for the Jamaica normal school is in the finance committee.
The Senator will demand a favorable report on this bill. If it is not made at once, he will call it up in the Senate and fight it out there with O'Connor. Mr. Childs will win, because O'Connor and the Republican majority are often in need of his vote, and they dare not throw him down.
Senator Childs has introduced his promised bill for the protection of shell fish. The bill is designed to correct abuses which have stranded hundreds of men who got a living for themselves and their families by working in the public waters. The bill has the approval of the baymen and the oyster planters, who ought to know what is best for their interests. The bill is applicable only to Queens, Suffolk, Westchester and Richmond Counties.
The board of Supervisors are to have a map made of all public land under tide water in the county, to show the extent and area of the natural growth shell fish bottoms and of other bottoms under such water. All natural growth lands are to be set apart and marked and shall not thereafter be saleable or leaseable. The Supervisors are authorized to enact laws authorizing town boards to lease lands, and appeals may be had from the town board to the county board, but only land which contains no natural growth shellfish shall be leased. Lessees are to have exclusive rights in the land ceded to them. The lessee must have been an inhabitant of the town for at least one year.
No person shall be alloted more than six acres of land. He must clearly define his patch by stakes. At least fifty bushels of oysters must be sown on each acre of land, and any person not so planting his land within six months forfeits all claim to it. If he violates this statute in any particular he forfeits his privilege to what land he may possess or to any other land. Before any lease is granted the applicant must prove to the satisfaction of the town board that the land is not bearing shell-fish of natural growth, or a bed of legally planted oysters, and he must prove himself an actual inhabitant of the town.
The annual rental is to be $5 per acre and a fee of $1 for each certificate granted. The income is to be applied to the current expenses of the town. A fine of $100 is imposed for taking oysters from any planted bed, or for disturbing the bed in any manner. The owner of the bed may bring the action and keep the penalty. Criminal prosecution is also provided for. Any person who moves out of town forfeits his lease, but he is to have six months in which to remove his oysters from the land. The rights of all persons now holding leased land are to expire on November 1st next, unless they sooner acquire the same land under the provisions of this new law. Dredging is forbidden, and a fine of $100 or 60 days' imprisonment is imposed. Seine fishing must not be obstructed by stakes or buoys in what are known as "runs."
Assemblyman Vacheron has introduced a bill which compels any county in the state to pay $500 for the death of any volunteer fireman killed in the performance of duty at a fire. The money is made payable to the executor or administrator of any deceased fireman.
Speaker Fish has a good deal of patience, but he found it necessary to sit down rather hard on Assemblyman Vacheron during the discussion of the bill to require ladies to remove their hats in the theatres. Mr. Vacheron essayed to make a speech on the occasion, but the language he used in reference to the women aroused the indignation of many members. Speaker Fish brought his gavel down with a whack which woke the echoes in the chambers, and ordered Mr. Vacheron to take his seat. How much more offensive Mr. Vacheron might have become if he had not been cut off is left to conjecture.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 1.
Trying to Steal the Normal School from Jamaica.
IS VACHERON WILLING?
He Made No Protest When the Robber Bill was Read.
THE SENATOR SHOWS FIGHT.
Messrs. Childs, McCormick and Van Vechten Will be Able to Defeat the Bill.
THE OYSTER PLANTING ACT.
ALBANY, Feb. 28.
(Special Correspondence of the Farmer,)
Counselor Van Vechten was at the Capital on Tuesday arguing a case in the Court of Appeals. His court labors over, he dropped in at the Assembly chamber and looked over the file of bills lately introduced. he found one that gave him a mental and moral shock. Following is a copy of the bill:
STATE OF NEW YORK. No. 950. IN ASSEMBLY, February 20, 1895: introduced by Mr. Brownell—read once and by unanimous consent referred to the commit? too on ways and means.
AN ACT To amend chapter five hundred and fifty-three of the laws of eighteen hundred and ninety-three, entitled "An act to establish a normal and training school in the village of Jamaica, in the county of Queens," so as to establish said school in the city of Binghampton, county of Broome.
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section one of chapter five hundred and fifty-three of the laws of eighteen hundred and ninety-three, entitled "An act to establish a normal and training school in the village of Jamaica, in the county of Queens," is hereby amended to read as follows :
§1. There shall be established in the city of Binghamton, county of Broome, a normal and training school, provided, however, and upon condition that within one year from the passage of this act, one or more persons shall convey to the State a suitable site in such city for said institution to be approved and accepted by the commissioners named in section one of chapter four hundred and sixty-six of the laws of eighteen hundred and sixty-six, entitled "An act in regard to normal schools."
§2. The title to such chapter five hundred and fifty-three of the laws of eighteen hundred and ninety-three is hereby amended to read as follows: "An act to establish a normal and training school in the city of Binghamton, county of Broome."
§3. The sum of one hundred thousand dollars heretofore appropriated by such chapter five hundred and fifty-three of the laws of eighteen hundred and ninety-three, is hereby reappropriated out of any moneys in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated, for the erection of a normal and training school in the city of Binghamton, in pursuance of chapter five hundred and fifty-three of the laws of eighteen hundred and ninety-three, as amended by this act. Such money shall be payable by the treasurer upon the warrant of the comptroller, upon certificates approved, by the superintendent of public instruction, the comptroller and the board of managers of such school.
§4. This act shall take effect immediately.
Mr. Van Vechten at once secured a copy of the bill and went straight to the Senate in search of Mr. Childs. To say that the Senator was surprised is to but feebly express the state of his mind. Here it was February 26th, and the date on the bill showed that it had been introduced on the 20th. Six days had elapsed and not a word had been heard from Assemblyman Vacheron about the existence of the robber bill. The conclusion was inevitable that he knew all about it, for a copy of it was on the file on his desk. His silence seemed more than suspicious.
Another striking thing about the bill was the introductory clause. It shows that when Mr. Brownell introduced the bill, and it was read, Mr. Vacheron made no objection to it, and it was referred to the proper committee by unanimous consent. Mr. Vacheron makes no explanation of his peculiar conduct.
Mr. Van Vechten and Senator Childs hustled around among some of the more prominent members of the Assembly, Ainsworth, Malby, Nixon, and others, and even saw Speaker Fish, and the bill is not going to have on easy time in spite of Mr. Vacheron's indifference to it, or even his willingness to let it go through unopposed.
Ex-Governor McCormick of Jamaica has been communicated with about the matter, and although he has not come here yet (his presence is not necessary at present) several of the prominent Assemblymen and some of the state officers have heard from him. Mr. McCormick will come here if his presence is required.
The bill, you will observe by reading it, also grabs the $100,000 appropriated last year for the Jamaica school. There is hardly a possibility of so rascally a measure getting through the Assembly, but for its defeat credit will be due to Mr. Vacheron. If, however, it should be bowled through the Assembly, it is bound to die in the Senate. Mr. Childs will be all powerful there. Mr. Van Vechten is coming back next week to renew his warfare upon the bill.
Senator O'Connor, the Republican leader, has a similar grand larceny bill in his charge. When Senator Childs heard of it, he went right up to O'Connor and told him what he thought of him. Senator Child's bill to appropriate $50,000 more for the Jamaica normal school is in the finance committee.
The Senator will demand a favorable report on this bill. If it is not made at once, he will call it up in the Senate and fight it out there with O'Connor. Mr. Childs will win, because O'Connor and the Republican majority are often in need of his vote, and they dare not throw him down.
Senator Childs has introduced his promised bill for the protection of shell fish. The bill is designed to correct abuses which have stranded hundreds of men who got a living for themselves and their families by working in the public waters. The bill has the approval of the baymen and the oyster planters, who ought to know what is best for their interests. The bill is applicable only to Queens, Suffolk, Westchester and Richmond Counties.
The board of Supervisors are to have a map made of all public land under tide water in the county, to show the extent and area of the natural growth shell fish bottoms and of other bottoms under such water. All natural growth lands are to be set apart and marked and shall not thereafter be saleable or leaseable. The Supervisors are authorized to enact laws authorizing town boards to lease lands, and appeals may be had from the town board to the county board, but only land which contains no natural growth shellfish shall be leased. Lessees are to have exclusive rights in the land ceded to them. The lessee must have been an inhabitant of the town for at least one year.
No person shall be alloted more than six acres of land. He must clearly define his patch by stakes. At least fifty bushels of oysters must be sown on each acre of land, and any person not so planting his land within six months forfeits all claim to it. If he violates this statute in any particular he forfeits his privilege to what land he may possess or to any other land. Before any lease is granted the applicant must prove to the satisfaction of the town board that the land is not bearing shell-fish of natural growth, or a bed of legally planted oysters, and he must prove himself an actual inhabitant of the town.
The annual rental is to be $5 per acre and a fee of $1 for each certificate granted. The income is to be applied to the current expenses of the town. A fine of $100 is imposed for taking oysters from any planted bed, or for disturbing the bed in any manner. The owner of the bed may bring the action and keep the penalty. Criminal prosecution is also provided for. Any person who moves out of town forfeits his lease, but he is to have six months in which to remove his oysters from the land. The rights of all persons now holding leased land are to expire on November 1st next, unless they sooner acquire the same land under the provisions of this new law. Dredging is forbidden, and a fine of $100 or 60 days' imprisonment is imposed. Seine fishing must not be obstructed by stakes or buoys in what are known as "runs."
Assemblyman Vacheron has introduced a bill which compels any county in the state to pay $500 for the death of any volunteer fireman killed in the performance of duty at a fire. The money is made payable to the executor or administrator of any deceased fireman.
Speaker Fish has a good deal of patience, but he found it necessary to sit down rather hard on Assemblyman Vacheron during the discussion of the bill to require ladies to remove their hats in the theatres. Mr. Vacheron essayed to make a speech on the occasion, but the language he used in reference to the women aroused the indignation of many members. Speaker Fish brought his gavel down with a whack which woke the echoes in the chambers, and ordered Mr. Vacheron to take his seat. How much more offensive Mr. Vacheron might have become if he had not been cut off is left to conjecture.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 1, 1895, p. 1.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
A Bird's-eye View of Jamaica
New York, 1895
D. L. Hardenbrook has in contemplation the issue of a bird's eye view or map of the village of Jamaica, which will give accurately every street and avenue, and the location of every house. He has made arrangements with the well known map makers, O. H. Bailey & Co., of Boston, for its production.
Marginal views of the principal business houses and finest residences will be introduced, and an index will be appended for readily locating any point.
This is the first time any attempt has been made to produce such a map, and the accuracy of this one will make it extremely useful. The execution will be the best that can be done, so that as a work of art alone it will be valuable.
The size of the map will be 25x36, and it will be printed.on the finest mounted paper.
The cost will be $1 per copy, and no one should fail to get one.
A sample copy can be seen at D. L. Hardenbrook's office, and either he or his representative, Mr. Charles Christensen, the hustling real estate man from Van Wyck avenue, who has taken charge of the soliciting for the map and has received a large number of orders, you will never have an opportunity again to send a map away to your friends for such a small figure. Don't fail to get a cut of your business place or residence on the border of the map at special rates within the reach of all.
J. L. L. C.
The Madam Lineff Russian Peasant Choir concert will be given on the evening of February 28. The concert will be one of the most interesting ever given in this village.
The singers are all Russian, and will be dressed in Russian costume. An interesting feature of the concert will be several peasant dances.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
D. L. Hardenbrook has in contemplation the issue of a bird's eye view or map of the village of Jamaica, which will give accurately every street and avenue, and the location of every house. He has made arrangements with the well known map makers, O. H. Bailey & Co., of Boston, for its production.
Marginal views of the principal business houses and finest residences will be introduced, and an index will be appended for readily locating any point.
This is the first time any attempt has been made to produce such a map, and the accuracy of this one will make it extremely useful. The execution will be the best that can be done, so that as a work of art alone it will be valuable.
The size of the map will be 25x36, and it will be printed.on the finest mounted paper.
The cost will be $1 per copy, and no one should fail to get one.
A sample copy can be seen at D. L. Hardenbrook's office, and either he or his representative, Mr. Charles Christensen, the hustling real estate man from Van Wyck avenue, who has taken charge of the soliciting for the map and has received a large number of orders, you will never have an opportunity again to send a map away to your friends for such a small figure. Don't fail to get a cut of your business place or residence on the border of the map at special rates within the reach of all.
J. L. L. C.
The Madam Lineff Russian Peasant Choir concert will be given on the evening of February 28. The concert will be one of the most interesting ever given in this village.
The singers are all Russian, and will be dressed in Russian costume. An interesting feature of the concert will be several peasant dances.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
The Surrogate's Court
New York, 1895
Surrogate Weller on Friday admitted to probate the wills of Maria Cox, John J. Cox, and Margaret Fogarty. Decree was entered in the administration case of Jacob Dean.
Surrogate Weller yesterday admitted to probate the will of Mary Ann Clark.
Testimony was taken in the contested accounting of the executors of the estate of Jacob Baldwin.
Testimony was also taken in the contested will case of Elbert Ludlum, of Oyster Bay.
Points for the Assessors
Mr. Kammerer, who owns store property on Fulton street, Jamaica, paid $8,500 for it six years ago and values it as $15,000 now. This property is assessed at $3,500.
The Denton property next the Town Hall is valued at $10,000 as it stands, It is assessed at $800.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
Surrogate Weller on Friday admitted to probate the wills of Maria Cox, John J. Cox, and Margaret Fogarty. Decree was entered in the administration case of Jacob Dean.
Surrogate Weller yesterday admitted to probate the will of Mary Ann Clark.
Testimony was taken in the contested accounting of the executors of the estate of Jacob Baldwin.
Testimony was also taken in the contested will case of Elbert Ludlum, of Oyster Bay.
Points for the Assessors
Mr. Kammerer, who owns store property on Fulton street, Jamaica, paid $8,500 for it six years ago and values it as $15,000 now. This property is assessed at $3,500.
The Denton property next the Town Hall is valued at $10,000 as it stands, It is assessed at $800.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
The Athaeneum Association
New York, 1895
Women Who Propose to be Aggressive in Public Affairs.
It is desired by those most interested in the success of the Athaneum Association, that the membership be most comprehensive and representative. In order that the objects and methods of the association may be clearly understood by those women not yet identified with it, the following outline is given:
The association has been formed for the purpose of building an Athaneum (the name chosen in preference to Lyceum), where the various organizations may find comfortable accommodations. When the building is completed the members will have one room devoted to their own use exclusively, supplied with periodicals and writing materials; a woman's club room, where friends may meet and chat. The association meetings will also be held in this room. It Is proposed that this organization, including women of all denominations and social sets, shall be a power in Jamaica, not content with the building of an Athaneum, but prepared to meet other needs of a progressive community. It is earnestly requested that every woman not already identified with the association be present at the next meeting at Union Hall on Thursday, Feb. 28, at 3.45 o'clock, pay the membership fee of one dollar, sign the constitution, and become personally interested in this movement in behalf of the women of Jamaica.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
Women Who Propose to be Aggressive in Public Affairs.
It is desired by those most interested in the success of the Athaneum Association, that the membership be most comprehensive and representative. In order that the objects and methods of the association may be clearly understood by those women not yet identified with it, the following outline is given:
The association has been formed for the purpose of building an Athaneum (the name chosen in preference to Lyceum), where the various organizations may find comfortable accommodations. When the building is completed the members will have one room devoted to their own use exclusively, supplied with periodicals and writing materials; a woman's club room, where friends may meet and chat. The association meetings will also be held in this room. It Is proposed that this organization, including women of all denominations and social sets, shall be a power in Jamaica, not content with the building of an Athaneum, but prepared to meet other needs of a progressive community. It is earnestly requested that every woman not already identified with the association be present at the next meeting at Union Hall on Thursday, Feb. 28, at 3.45 o'clock, pay the membership fee of one dollar, sign the constitution, and become personally interested in this movement in behalf of the women of Jamaica.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
Is it for the Chub Club?
New York, 1895
The property of George R. Jones on North Washington street, Jamaica, and running through to Herriman avenue, has been purchased by Messrs. Twombly & Eldert for $3,500. It is said to have been purchased for the Chub Club, who will erect a suitable building for club purposes.
Constable Swift's Tramp Bill
Constable Swift of Brooklyn Hills appears to be doing a good business arresting and locking up tramps. His bill for services as constable from January 23rd to February 14th, 23 days, being $53.60. With but two exceptions, all of the persons arrested were tramps.
Jamaica Brevities
You can get Conklin's Wild Cherry Cough Balm at Peck's Hall of Pharmacy and Rodger's Red Cross Pharmacy.
A fair in aid of the Sunday school building fund of the Reformed church opened in the Town Hall last evening and will continue this afternoon and evening. A fine display of goods are offered for sale.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
The property of George R. Jones on North Washington street, Jamaica, and running through to Herriman avenue, has been purchased by Messrs. Twombly & Eldert for $3,500. It is said to have been purchased for the Chub Club, who will erect a suitable building for club purposes.
Constable Swift's Tramp Bill
Constable Swift of Brooklyn Hills appears to be doing a good business arresting and locking up tramps. His bill for services as constable from January 23rd to February 14th, 23 days, being $53.60. With but two exceptions, all of the persons arrested were tramps.
Jamaica Brevities
You can get Conklin's Wild Cherry Cough Balm at Peck's Hall of Pharmacy and Rodger's Red Cross Pharmacy.
A fair in aid of the Sunday school building fund of the Reformed church opened in the Town Hall last evening and will continue this afternoon and evening. A fine display of goods are offered for sale.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
The Village Cleaned the Walks
New York, 1895
The village ordinance compels every property owner or occupant to have their sidewalks cleaned within twenty-four hours after a snow fall. Quite a number of persons failed to comply. In some localities the sidewalks were covered with ice and snow until Tuesday last, when Superintendent of the streets Wright, by direction of Trustee Van Allen, with a force of men cleaned the walks. The owners or occupants will have to pay the village $2 for not cleaning the walk and 25 cents for every hour it was neglected.
Union of R. A. Councils
Jamaica council, R. A., is preparing for a gala time on March 14, at which time a grand union of the various councils in Queens and Suffolk counties will be held. Chill W. Hazard, supreme regent and staff, together with Grand Regent Justin F. Price and other officers of the grand council are expected to be present.
Highway Commissioners Meet
The Jamaica Highway Commissioners met at the Town Hall on Tuesday. Commissioner Wolff presided. The following bills were paid: Richard Gray, 24 days' work opening Three Mile Mill road and removing snow, $36.50; John M. Zwieg, 118 days work opening roads and removing snow, $172.50.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
The village ordinance compels every property owner or occupant to have their sidewalks cleaned within twenty-four hours after a snow fall. Quite a number of persons failed to comply. In some localities the sidewalks were covered with ice and snow until Tuesday last, when Superintendent of the streets Wright, by direction of Trustee Van Allen, with a force of men cleaned the walks. The owners or occupants will have to pay the village $2 for not cleaning the walk and 25 cents for every hour it was neglected.
Union of R. A. Councils
Jamaica council, R. A., is preparing for a gala time on March 14, at which time a grand union of the various councils in Queens and Suffolk counties will be held. Chill W. Hazard, supreme regent and staff, together with Grand Regent Justin F. Price and other officers of the grand council are expected to be present.
Highway Commissioners Meet
The Jamaica Highway Commissioners met at the Town Hall on Tuesday. Commissioner Wolff presided. The following bills were paid: Richard Gray, 24 days' work opening Three Mile Mill road and removing snow, $36.50; John M. Zwieg, 118 days work opening roads and removing snow, $172.50.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
Shelton Avenue Extension
New York, 1895
The commissioners to appraise the value of land to be taken for Shelton avenue extension in the village of Jamaica, met in the Surrogate's office Friday. Counselor Cromwell, for Aaron A. Degrauw, offered to show what it would cost to move the Judd house and billiard room. It was ruled out.
William A. Warnock testified that the Judd house was worth a rental of $1,000 a year. The renting value would be lessened by the street going through it.
Mary Gunther valued two lots on Kaplan avenue that she owns at $500 each. John W. Magee recently sold two lots belonging to his mother on Kaplan avenue for $525. He valued the lots on the Fleet property at the same price. Mrs. Brown's plot, fronting on Fulton street was worth $1,200.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
The commissioners to appraise the value of land to be taken for Shelton avenue extension in the village of Jamaica, met in the Surrogate's office Friday. Counselor Cromwell, for Aaron A. Degrauw, offered to show what it would cost to move the Judd house and billiard room. It was ruled out.
William A. Warnock testified that the Judd house was worth a rental of $1,000 a year. The renting value would be lessened by the street going through it.
Mary Gunther valued two lots on Kaplan avenue that she owns at $500 each. John W. Magee recently sold two lots belonging to his mother on Kaplan avenue for $525. He valued the lots on the Fleet property at the same price. Mrs. Brown's plot, fronting on Fulton street was worth $1,200.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
Republican Politicians Moving
New York, 1895
Apparent Deal With the Holcraft-Goeller Democratic Faction.
It is reported that certain Republicans of Jamaica held a caucus Saturday night to fix a slate for the Spring election. B. Frank Wood wants the nomination for Justice of the Peace. He ought to get it. He cannot live out of his newspaper, but as a Justice of the Peace he could get a good living by working the tramp racket.
Some of the men at the caucus favored nominating Colonel William A Jones for justice. Mr. Wood had the most votes and be will be nominated.
The Holcraft-Goeller Democratic faction are relied upon to support Mr. Wood for justice. They are particularly friendly to him because of the sympathy the Standard showed for them when they were indicted for taking a $2,000 bribe.
One thing in favor of Mr. Wood is his promise to see that the excise law is rigidly enforced on Sunday, and he also promises that the excise commissioners will find him ready to act on their complaints. Mr. Schilinger, of Woodhaven, who also wanted the nomination, is a German. The caucus thought Woodhaven well taken care of already.
The caucus decided to nominate Edward Bourke for Assessor.
When it came to the office of overseer of the poor there was but one man who favored renominating Mr. Wyckoff. It was the opinion that he would swamp the whole ticket. There is to be another caucus. Thomas W. Clary is now mentioned as an available candidate.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
Apparent Deal With the Holcraft-Goeller Democratic Faction.
It is reported that certain Republicans of Jamaica held a caucus Saturday night to fix a slate for the Spring election. B. Frank Wood wants the nomination for Justice of the Peace. He ought to get it. He cannot live out of his newspaper, but as a Justice of the Peace he could get a good living by working the tramp racket.
Some of the men at the caucus favored nominating Colonel William A Jones for justice. Mr. Wood had the most votes and be will be nominated.
The Holcraft-Goeller Democratic faction are relied upon to support Mr. Wood for justice. They are particularly friendly to him because of the sympathy the Standard showed for them when they were indicted for taking a $2,000 bribe.
One thing in favor of Mr. Wood is his promise to see that the excise law is rigidly enforced on Sunday, and he also promises that the excise commissioners will find him ready to act on their complaints. Mr. Schilinger, of Woodhaven, who also wanted the nomination, is a German. The caucus thought Woodhaven well taken care of already.
The caucus decided to nominate Edward Bourke for Assessor.
When it came to the office of overseer of the poor there was but one man who favored renominating Mr. Wyckoff. It was the opinion that he would swamp the whole ticket. There is to be another caucus. Thomas W. Clary is now mentioned as an available candidate.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
Town Board Proceedings
New York, 1895
Brooklyn Hills People Still Kicking About the Lights.
The town board held a meeting at the Town Hall on Friday. Supervisor Everitt presided. Oyster land leases were granted as follows: Thomas Remsen, 2-1/2 acres, $12; George S. Munroe, 3 acres, $15; William M. Remsen, 3 acres, $15.
Some Brooklyn Hills people asked that the lamps recently put up in the village be so placed that they would be a benefit to all. They asked that the board fix a time to meet the citizens and go over the streets at night with them. The committee also wished to know why the tax for the light was on the tax bills for 1894.
Supervisor Everitt explained that the tax for the lights must be collected in advance, as the lights are paid for under the contract semi-annually.
On motion of Justice Lott, Supervisor Everitt designated the board a committee of the whole to meet the citizens at Stroh's hotel, Brooklyn Hills.
The committee on desks for the town board room reported in favor of purchasing oak desks, double, with flat cloth covered tops.
The Town Hall committee were empowered to have the side walls in the room papered and the ceiling and wood work painted.
The following bills were ordered paid, Jamaica electric light company, electric light for Town Hall for the month of January, $41.66; Stephen Wright, repairing portable house at Springfield, $17.68; Roberts and Bokee, books for town Clerk's office, $21; Joseph Barret, deputy sheriff, $15.50; James F. McLaughlin, legal opinion furnished Supervisor, $10; Abraham A. Wyckoff, services as Overseer of the Poor from January 1st to February 8th, $70; Hugh J. Swift, services as constable from January 23rd to February 14th, $53.60; Farmer, printing and advertising, $222.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
Brooklyn Hills People Still Kicking About the Lights.
The town board held a meeting at the Town Hall on Friday. Supervisor Everitt presided. Oyster land leases were granted as follows: Thomas Remsen, 2-1/2 acres, $12; George S. Munroe, 3 acres, $15; William M. Remsen, 3 acres, $15.
Some Brooklyn Hills people asked that the lamps recently put up in the village be so placed that they would be a benefit to all. They asked that the board fix a time to meet the citizens and go over the streets at night with them. The committee also wished to know why the tax for the light was on the tax bills for 1894.
Supervisor Everitt explained that the tax for the lights must be collected in advance, as the lights are paid for under the contract semi-annually.
On motion of Justice Lott, Supervisor Everitt designated the board a committee of the whole to meet the citizens at Stroh's hotel, Brooklyn Hills.
The committee on desks for the town board room reported in favor of purchasing oak desks, double, with flat cloth covered tops.
The Town Hall committee were empowered to have the side walls in the room papered and the ceiling and wood work painted.
The following bills were ordered paid, Jamaica electric light company, electric light for Town Hall for the month of January, $41.66; Stephen Wright, repairing portable house at Springfield, $17.68; Roberts and Bokee, books for town Clerk's office, $21; Joseph Barret, deputy sheriff, $15.50; James F. McLaughlin, legal opinion furnished Supervisor, $10; Abraham A. Wyckoff, services as Overseer of the Poor from January 1st to February 8th, $70; Hugh J. Swift, services as constable from January 23rd to February 14th, $53.60; Farmer, printing and advertising, $222.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 12.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The Supervisors Should Fight
New York, 1895
The Flushing Journal tries to make it appear that Supervisor Pople favors the improvement of Strong's Causeway under the conditions which surround the question, but it is not true, for no honest man could do that, and Supervisor Pople is honest all the way through. This proposed improvement is a conspiracy against all the people, for it is proposed to make the whole county pay for it. All the facts indicate that it is a most scandalous job. The only reason for making the improvement on the scale proposed is that the Brooklyn City railroad company wants it. Now any one would say that the company ought to pay for it. But the company proposes that the people shall pay for it, and there are public officers in the conspiracy to help put the burden on the people. It seems to us that the Grand Jury in the March term of the Court of Sessions cannot do better than investigate this business. Perhaps the Flushing Journal would not be pleased with the result.
In the efforts to impose the job on the public without awakening suspicion, fictitious figures were put forward to deceive the people as to the cost of the improvement, and make it appear a trivial affair. For example, it was asserted that 26,500 cubic yards of earth filling would be necessary. This was based on the misrepresentations of the railroad company's engineer. The fact is that 55,000 cubic yards of earth filling will be necessary, and this doubling of the work and expense is conceded by the jobbers, and adopted by them, not because they want to be right, but because they think the job has passed the stage where it can be interfered with. In this they are mistaken. The job can be attacked and beaten, and THE FARMER knows how, and it is the duty of the board of Supervisors to attack it and defeat it, and that duty, we believe, the board will discharge with a wholesome vim.
In cementing this job the officers who have had to do with it have been most magnanimous. The railroad company felt so much in need of the roadway and the bridge that it offered to give $5,000 outright toward the expense. This would have been a benefit all around by reducing the expense to $15,000, $7,500 of which would fall upon Flushing and Newtown, and $7,500 upon the county. The Flushing officers protested that this would not do at all. It would be enough if the company paid half of the expense that would fall upon that town, which would be $5,000 of the $20,000, thus making the company's share of the expense $2,500, and making the company a present of the other $2,500 it had offered to give. Newtown was not taken into this part of the deal. The company ought to have a high appreciation of the liberality of Flushing's officers. What opinion those same officers have of the pleasant qualities of the corporation we may but guess.
If this were a matter that concerned only Flushing and Newtown we might leave it there, particularly in the case of Newtown, which is used to being jilted in every manner of way. But it concerns the whole county, for fifty per cent. of the cost of the improvement is to fall upon the county, be what it may. We need not multiply words to prove what a wrong it would be to impose such a burden upon Jamaica, Hempstead, Oyster Bay, and North Hempstead for the benefit of a private corporation solely. It is highly creditable to Supervisor Pople that he recognizes the injustice of it and is opposed to it. The Supervisors as a body have expressed antagonism to the job, and have sought to disrupt it by legislation. Senator Childs has actively co-operated with the Supervisors, and has passed through the Senate a bill to make the job an impossibility. That bill is now pending in the Assembly. There is another bill there, too, one introduced by Mr. Fairbrother, which is intended to perpetuate the job and eventually to consummate the wrong. The Supervisors asked Mr. Fairbrother to withdraw his bill and support the bill pushed along by the Senator. Mr. Fairbrother's bill is the product of the railroad company and the combination of jobbers. Just how Mr. Fairbrother received the Supervisors' request, and just how he stands toward this job, is clearly indicated in the following letter:
ALBANY, Feb'y. 4, 1895.
Mr. Robert Seabury:
MY DEAR SIR — I cannot withdraw my bill. Supervisor Siebs is in favor of the bill which I introduced, therefore I disagree with the document which you have sent me with the approval of the board of Supervisors. I do not agree with the Supervisors "on the grounds that the same is against the interest of the tax-payers."
Yours truly,
JAS. S. FAIRBROTHER.
Now let Mr. Fairbrother pass his bill, or kill the Senator's bill, which is the same thing. The Supervisors should not lay a straw in his way. The time for the Supervisors to assert themselves heroically will come when they are asked to give their sanction to this imposition. They can, and no doubt will, refuse to become accessories to the job, and the jobbers will be driven to the courts to carry their point. In this open field the people will get fair play, and they will win. THE FARMER knows what it is talking about. We are so firm in our opinion that this job can be beaten at law that we would undertake to win the case or pay the expenses.
The Supervisors must fight.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 4.
The Flushing Journal tries to make it appear that Supervisor Pople favors the improvement of Strong's Causeway under the conditions which surround the question, but it is not true, for no honest man could do that, and Supervisor Pople is honest all the way through. This proposed improvement is a conspiracy against all the people, for it is proposed to make the whole county pay for it. All the facts indicate that it is a most scandalous job. The only reason for making the improvement on the scale proposed is that the Brooklyn City railroad company wants it. Now any one would say that the company ought to pay for it. But the company proposes that the people shall pay for it, and there are public officers in the conspiracy to help put the burden on the people. It seems to us that the Grand Jury in the March term of the Court of Sessions cannot do better than investigate this business. Perhaps the Flushing Journal would not be pleased with the result.
In the efforts to impose the job on the public without awakening suspicion, fictitious figures were put forward to deceive the people as to the cost of the improvement, and make it appear a trivial affair. For example, it was asserted that 26,500 cubic yards of earth filling would be necessary. This was based on the misrepresentations of the railroad company's engineer. The fact is that 55,000 cubic yards of earth filling will be necessary, and this doubling of the work and expense is conceded by the jobbers, and adopted by them, not because they want to be right, but because they think the job has passed the stage where it can be interfered with. In this they are mistaken. The job can be attacked and beaten, and THE FARMER knows how, and it is the duty of the board of Supervisors to attack it and defeat it, and that duty, we believe, the board will discharge with a wholesome vim.
In cementing this job the officers who have had to do with it have been most magnanimous. The railroad company felt so much in need of the roadway and the bridge that it offered to give $5,000 outright toward the expense. This would have been a benefit all around by reducing the expense to $15,000, $7,500 of which would fall upon Flushing and Newtown, and $7,500 upon the county. The Flushing officers protested that this would not do at all. It would be enough if the company paid half of the expense that would fall upon that town, which would be $5,000 of the $20,000, thus making the company's share of the expense $2,500, and making the company a present of the other $2,500 it had offered to give. Newtown was not taken into this part of the deal. The company ought to have a high appreciation of the liberality of Flushing's officers. What opinion those same officers have of the pleasant qualities of the corporation we may but guess.
If this were a matter that concerned only Flushing and Newtown we might leave it there, particularly in the case of Newtown, which is used to being jilted in every manner of way. But it concerns the whole county, for fifty per cent. of the cost of the improvement is to fall upon the county, be what it may. We need not multiply words to prove what a wrong it would be to impose such a burden upon Jamaica, Hempstead, Oyster Bay, and North Hempstead for the benefit of a private corporation solely. It is highly creditable to Supervisor Pople that he recognizes the injustice of it and is opposed to it. The Supervisors as a body have expressed antagonism to the job, and have sought to disrupt it by legislation. Senator Childs has actively co-operated with the Supervisors, and has passed through the Senate a bill to make the job an impossibility. That bill is now pending in the Assembly. There is another bill there, too, one introduced by Mr. Fairbrother, which is intended to perpetuate the job and eventually to consummate the wrong. The Supervisors asked Mr. Fairbrother to withdraw his bill and support the bill pushed along by the Senator. Mr. Fairbrother's bill is the product of the railroad company and the combination of jobbers. Just how Mr. Fairbrother received the Supervisors' request, and just how he stands toward this job, is clearly indicated in the following letter:
ALBANY, Feb'y. 4, 1895.
Mr. Robert Seabury:
MY DEAR SIR — I cannot withdraw my bill. Supervisor Siebs is in favor of the bill which I introduced, therefore I disagree with the document which you have sent me with the approval of the board of Supervisors. I do not agree with the Supervisors "on the grounds that the same is against the interest of the tax-payers."
Yours truly,
JAS. S. FAIRBROTHER.
Now let Mr. Fairbrother pass his bill, or kill the Senator's bill, which is the same thing. The Supervisors should not lay a straw in his way. The time for the Supervisors to assert themselves heroically will come when they are asked to give their sanction to this imposition. They can, and no doubt will, refuse to become accessories to the job, and the jobbers will be driven to the courts to carry their point. In this open field the people will get fair play, and they will win. THE FARMER knows what it is talking about. We are so firm in our opinion that this job can be beaten at law that we would undertake to win the case or pay the expenses.
The Supervisors must fight.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 4.
What Should the Supervisors Do?
New York, 1895
THE FARMER'S Albany advices this week are well calculated to arouse public indignation. The tax arrears bill, which was conceived in a right spirit, is to be used to supply patronage for a horde of hungry Republican politicians through the avarice of Assemblymen Vacheron and Fairbrother. The principle and purpose of all legislation should be to effectuate the public business at the least possible cost. These two Assemblymen propose to reverse the principle and prostitute the purpose. Places and salaries must be provided for their friends or they will kill the bill.
The question who shall be commissioners will engage the attention of the Supervisors presently. The two towns having the largest interest in the work should be represented in the official board. It is certain that the Supervisors should name the commissioners. The board should take this stand and maintain it. Senator Childs is willing; in fact, he seems to be wholly disinterested.
It seems to THE FARMER that the Supervisors should indorse one or more qualified persons, not exceeding three, for commissioners. If the Assemblymen refuse to recognize this action and these men, and proceed to make the bill a producer of revenue for unworthy place hunters, the Supervisors should request the Senator to nonconcur in their action and kill the bill for this year.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 4.
THE FARMER'S Albany advices this week are well calculated to arouse public indignation. The tax arrears bill, which was conceived in a right spirit, is to be used to supply patronage for a horde of hungry Republican politicians through the avarice of Assemblymen Vacheron and Fairbrother. The principle and purpose of all legislation should be to effectuate the public business at the least possible cost. These two Assemblymen propose to reverse the principle and prostitute the purpose. Places and salaries must be provided for their friends or they will kill the bill.
The question who shall be commissioners will engage the attention of the Supervisors presently. The two towns having the largest interest in the work should be represented in the official board. It is certain that the Supervisors should name the commissioners. The board should take this stand and maintain it. Senator Childs is willing; in fact, he seems to be wholly disinterested.
It seems to THE FARMER that the Supervisors should indorse one or more qualified persons, not exceeding three, for commissioners. If the Assemblymen refuse to recognize this action and these men, and proceed to make the bill a producer of revenue for unworthy place hunters, the Supervisors should request the Senator to nonconcur in their action and kill the bill for this year.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 4.
Republicans and Democrats of the Right Kind
New York, 1895
Those who have watched the proceedings of the board of Supervisors must have seen reflected in them the corrupt practices of the Jamaica Standard. That pauperized newspaper, which has at last resorted to the game of bunco to live, has time and again suppressed the proceedings of the Supervisors to bide its own infamy. Bribed by promises of patronage, the Standard has abused the Supervisors for showing a disposition to reduce the taxes by emptying the County Jail of the hundreds of tramps that are kept there. In one of these attempts to earn its bribe, the Standard declared that the desire to rid the county of the tramps was a Democratic conspiracy to injure Sheriff Doht, the first Republican to hold the office since Alonzo B. Wright's time. This charge was as false and foul as it was foolish. In fact, it was a criminal libel on the board of Supervisors, and treacherous to the people in general.
Without adverse action by the board of Supervisors the tramp outrage would grow into elephantine proportions. It was never so bad as since Mr. Doht became Sheriff. The men made deputy sheriffs by him are actively engaged gathering in tramps and they keep the county jail crowded. Whether they have adopted this plan to enrich themselves, and incidentally the Sheriff, or whether they have received orders to do as they are doing, we cannot say. The tramp bonanza has always been "worked," but the abuse is fifty per cent. worse now than at any time. It is costing over $1,100 a week for the support of the prisoners now in the jail, four-fifths of them tramps, and the bills that the justices and deputies will have against the several towns will be enormous. If these things continue, and the same price is paid for prisoners' board, the tramps will cost the county $50,000 this year. The expense increased from $11,000 in Sheriff Goldner's time to $29,000 in Sheriff Norton's time. In other words, the cordial reception given the tramps, who flock here from all over the country, has made the office of sheriff worth $60,000, and will make it worth $80,000, unless the county rids itself of these vagabonds.
The Jamaica Standard, as we have said, is doing its puny part in support of this wrong upon the tax-payers. But the Republican and Democratic Supervisors, and the Republican and Democratic people, are going to reform the abuse, if they can. If the Supervisors cannot rid the jail of the tramps, they can cut the price of their board down so low that the Sheriff's deputies will not have a large motive for continuing to throw out their drag nets. The Supervisors who have so far stood up manfully in behalf of the people are:
MARTIN V. WOOD, Hempstead, Republican.
GEORGE POPLE, Flushing, Republican.
AUGUSTUS DENTON, North Hempstead, Republican.
J. N. F. SIEBS, Newtown, Republican.
SAMUEL J. UNDERHILL, Oyster Bay, Republican.
WILLIAM E. EVERITT, Jamaica, Democrat.
These are the gentlemen denominated "Democratic conspirators" by the bribe-taking Standard. They see the awful burden that the tramps have become, and they mean to relieve the tax-payers of as much of the burden as they can. In this they show themselves to be moved by a conscientious purpose, putting political considerations entirely away. It is infinitely to their credit as Republicans. They are the right kind of Republicans, and Mr. Everitt shows himself to be the right kind of a Democrat. If they are "conspirators," so have been two successive grand juries, who denounced this outrage on the county, and so have been Judge Bartlett and Judge Garretson.
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The Deputy Sheriffs all over the county are busy arresting tramps and conveying them to the County Jail. They are proving to Sheriff Doht that he made no mistake in appointing them. Legally a deputy sheriff lacks the power to arrest these wanderers, and their bills should not be paid.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 4.
Those who have watched the proceedings of the board of Supervisors must have seen reflected in them the corrupt practices of the Jamaica Standard. That pauperized newspaper, which has at last resorted to the game of bunco to live, has time and again suppressed the proceedings of the Supervisors to bide its own infamy. Bribed by promises of patronage, the Standard has abused the Supervisors for showing a disposition to reduce the taxes by emptying the County Jail of the hundreds of tramps that are kept there. In one of these attempts to earn its bribe, the Standard declared that the desire to rid the county of the tramps was a Democratic conspiracy to injure Sheriff Doht, the first Republican to hold the office since Alonzo B. Wright's time. This charge was as false and foul as it was foolish. In fact, it was a criminal libel on the board of Supervisors, and treacherous to the people in general.
Without adverse action by the board of Supervisors the tramp outrage would grow into elephantine proportions. It was never so bad as since Mr. Doht became Sheriff. The men made deputy sheriffs by him are actively engaged gathering in tramps and they keep the county jail crowded. Whether they have adopted this plan to enrich themselves, and incidentally the Sheriff, or whether they have received orders to do as they are doing, we cannot say. The tramp bonanza has always been "worked," but the abuse is fifty per cent. worse now than at any time. It is costing over $1,100 a week for the support of the prisoners now in the jail, four-fifths of them tramps, and the bills that the justices and deputies will have against the several towns will be enormous. If these things continue, and the same price is paid for prisoners' board, the tramps will cost the county $50,000 this year. The expense increased from $11,000 in Sheriff Goldner's time to $29,000 in Sheriff Norton's time. In other words, the cordial reception given the tramps, who flock here from all over the country, has made the office of sheriff worth $60,000, and will make it worth $80,000, unless the county rids itself of these vagabonds.
The Jamaica Standard, as we have said, is doing its puny part in support of this wrong upon the tax-payers. But the Republican and Democratic Supervisors, and the Republican and Democratic people, are going to reform the abuse, if they can. If the Supervisors cannot rid the jail of the tramps, they can cut the price of their board down so low that the Sheriff's deputies will not have a large motive for continuing to throw out their drag nets. The Supervisors who have so far stood up manfully in behalf of the people are:
MARTIN V. WOOD, Hempstead, Republican.
GEORGE POPLE, Flushing, Republican.
AUGUSTUS DENTON, North Hempstead, Republican.
J. N. F. SIEBS, Newtown, Republican.
SAMUEL J. UNDERHILL, Oyster Bay, Republican.
WILLIAM E. EVERITT, Jamaica, Democrat.
These are the gentlemen denominated "Democratic conspirators" by the bribe-taking Standard. They see the awful burden that the tramps have become, and they mean to relieve the tax-payers of as much of the burden as they can. In this they show themselves to be moved by a conscientious purpose, putting political considerations entirely away. It is infinitely to their credit as Republicans. They are the right kind of Republicans, and Mr. Everitt shows himself to be the right kind of a Democrat. If they are "conspirators," so have been two successive grand juries, who denounced this outrage on the county, and so have been Judge Bartlett and Judge Garretson.
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The Deputy Sheriffs all over the county are busy arresting tramps and conveying them to the County Jail. They are proving to Sheriff Doht that he made no mistake in appointing them. Legally a deputy sheriff lacks the power to arrest these wanderers, and their bills should not be paid.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 4.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Shot At His Wife
New York, 1895
The people living in the vicinity of the Bayes farm at East Meadow on Friday night were startled by the report of a pistol. James Bayes had attempted to kill his wife. Bayes formerly lived in Brooklyn. Officer Gildersleeve arrested Bayes upon a warrant issued by Justice Seamean. Mrs. Bayes made the complaint. A loaded pistol was found upon Bayes' person.
A Dishonest Farm Hand
Luke Maloy, who was employed by Silas A. Williams at Westbury and robbed his employer of $87, was arrested at Roslyn by Constable Seaman on Sunday. The officer found him secreted in a vacant house in a secluded part of the village. Justice Losea held Maloy for the action of the grand jury.
Threatened by Fire
The residence of Mrs. James L'Hommedieu, at Great Neck, narrowly escaped being burned Friday evening. The fire started in the basement near the furnace, and was caused by some timbers becoming overheated. It was extinguished with a trifling loss.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
The people living in the vicinity of the Bayes farm at East Meadow on Friday night were startled by the report of a pistol. James Bayes had attempted to kill his wife. Bayes formerly lived in Brooklyn. Officer Gildersleeve arrested Bayes upon a warrant issued by Justice Seamean. Mrs. Bayes made the complaint. A loaded pistol was found upon Bayes' person.
A Dishonest Farm Hand
Luke Maloy, who was employed by Silas A. Williams at Westbury and robbed his employer of $87, was arrested at Roslyn by Constable Seaman on Sunday. The officer found him secreted in a vacant house in a secluded part of the village. Justice Losea held Maloy for the action of the grand jury.
Threatened by Fire
The residence of Mrs. James L'Hommedieu, at Great Neck, narrowly escaped being burned Friday evening. The fire started in the basement near the furnace, and was caused by some timbers becoming overheated. It was extinguished with a trifling loss.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
Tips For Tax-Payers
New York, 1895
STRIKING THINGS GLEANED FROM THE SUPERVISORS' AUDIT.
Some Comparative Figures That Show Why Taxes are on the Increase — The Poorhouse vs. The County Jail — A Specimen of Extortion.
We direct the attention of tax-payers to some striking things that appear in the annual audit of the board of Supervisors.
The victuals served to 961 town and county paupers at Barnum Island for one year cost $5,587.03.
For the victuals served to the prisoners in the county jail for one year the county paid the Sheriff $29,153.13, a difference of $23,565.50.
The shoes, leather and findings supplied to the paupers at Barnum Island cost $829.76.
The shoes provided for the prisoners in the county jail cost $1,125.
The total sum expended for the support of the paupers at Barnum Island, for their clothing and shoes, and for salaries of officers, live stock, fertilizers and seeds, in fact, everything, was $18,789.43.
For the more bread and meat supplied to the prisoners in the county jail the county paid the Sheriff $29,153.13 — being $10,363.70 more than the total cost of the town and county poor.
It is no wonder the tax-payers are kicking.
It costs 85 cents a week to keep a prisoner. The county is paying $3 per week.
The number of prisoners in jail now are costing the county $1,140 a week. That is at the rate of $59,280 for the year.
Tax-payers cannot be blamed if they contemplate this with a shudder.
Long Island City's bonded debt is $2,767,000.
The bonded debt of the village of Flushing is $380,000.
Seeds, manure and fertilizers for the farm at Barnum Island cost $946.15. The produce sold from the farm fetched $1,529.21.
The superintendents expended more money for family relief in Jamaica than in any other town.
Even Long Island City, with its 35,000 population, falls behind Jamaica $538.
It cost over $2,000 last year for the services of jurors at coroners' inquests.
The stationery for District Attorney Noble's office last year cost the people more than for four years of District Attorney Fleming's term.
Mr. Noble's New York printer is charging the county 200 per cent more than the printers who did Mr. Fleming's work charged. The Supervisors should sit down very hard on this extortion.
It cost $23,953.05 to carry on the circuit and county courts last year.
The salaries paid out for the year amount to $29,550.
The "county detective" sinecure cost the county $2,274.71, instead of $1,800, as stated last week.
There is in the treasury to the credit of the macadam road commissioners of Jamaica the sum of $25,447.61.
For a New School Building
By an almost unanimous vote at a special school meeting Monday night, the people of Valley stream decided to erect a new public school building at a cost of $10,000. The building will be a frame structure.
As Everybody Sees It
The Island, Senator Childs' newspaper, says: "It is a gross outrage upon the tax-payers that an army of tramps are maintained in quite or nearly absolute idleness at our county jail at the expense of the public."
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
STRIKING THINGS GLEANED FROM THE SUPERVISORS' AUDIT.
Some Comparative Figures That Show Why Taxes are on the Increase — The Poorhouse vs. The County Jail — A Specimen of Extortion.
We direct the attention of tax-payers to some striking things that appear in the annual audit of the board of Supervisors.
The victuals served to 961 town and county paupers at Barnum Island for one year cost $5,587.03.
For the victuals served to the prisoners in the county jail for one year the county paid the Sheriff $29,153.13, a difference of $23,565.50.
The shoes, leather and findings supplied to the paupers at Barnum Island cost $829.76.
The shoes provided for the prisoners in the county jail cost $1,125.
The total sum expended for the support of the paupers at Barnum Island, for their clothing and shoes, and for salaries of officers, live stock, fertilizers and seeds, in fact, everything, was $18,789.43.
For the more bread and meat supplied to the prisoners in the county jail the county paid the Sheriff $29,153.13 — being $10,363.70 more than the total cost of the town and county poor.
It is no wonder the tax-payers are kicking.
It costs 85 cents a week to keep a prisoner. The county is paying $3 per week.
The number of prisoners in jail now are costing the county $1,140 a week. That is at the rate of $59,280 for the year.
Tax-payers cannot be blamed if they contemplate this with a shudder.
Long Island City's bonded debt is $2,767,000.
The bonded debt of the village of Flushing is $380,000.
Seeds, manure and fertilizers for the farm at Barnum Island cost $946.15. The produce sold from the farm fetched $1,529.21.
The superintendents expended more money for family relief in Jamaica than in any other town.
Even Long Island City, with its 35,000 population, falls behind Jamaica $538.
It cost over $2,000 last year for the services of jurors at coroners' inquests.
The stationery for District Attorney Noble's office last year cost the people more than for four years of District Attorney Fleming's term.
Mr. Noble's New York printer is charging the county 200 per cent more than the printers who did Mr. Fleming's work charged. The Supervisors should sit down very hard on this extortion.
It cost $23,953.05 to carry on the circuit and county courts last year.
The salaries paid out for the year amount to $29,550.
The "county detective" sinecure cost the county $2,274.71, instead of $1,800, as stated last week.
There is in the treasury to the credit of the macadam road commissioners of Jamaica the sum of $25,447.61.
For a New School Building
By an almost unanimous vote at a special school meeting Monday night, the people of Valley stream decided to erect a new public school building at a cost of $10,000. The building will be a frame structure.
As Everybody Sees It
The Island, Senator Childs' newspaper, says: "It is a gross outrage upon the tax-payers that an army of tramps are maintained in quite or nearly absolute idleness at our county jail at the expense of the public."
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
Fulton Street Land Values
New York, 1895
What the Town Hall Land is Likely to Cost.
The Commissioners appointed to appraise the value of property in the village of Jamaica, to be taken for Town Hall purposes, met at the Town Hall on Monday and concluded the taking of testimony.
Thomas Foley, who occupied the Denton property, considered the renting value $1,200 to $1,500 a year.
John H. Brinckerhoff said that a fair market value for the Denton property as it stands is $10,000.
Andrew Kammerer valued the Herzog property at $12,000.
Christopher Prinz valued the Herzog property at from $13,000 to $15,000.
Adolph Herzog reconstructed the building after the fire at a cost of $3,000. He paid $5,500 for the property 8 years ago. It is worth $15,000.
David L. Hardenbrook valued the building on the Herzog property at from $4,000 to $5,000.
The testimony was closed and counsel summed up for their respective clients. The awards will probably aggregate $30,000.
For Support of Flushing Hospital
E. N. W. Rossiter, Supervisor Pople, the Board of Trustees, J. H. Quinlan, John W. Weed, and a number of others are at the head of a petition calling on senator Childs and Assemblyman Fairbrother to introduce in the Legislature a bill authorizing the town of Flushing to raise by taxation yearly the sum of $5,000 for the support of Flushing Hospital. This institution has been maintained by voluntary contributions. The financial question has always been a serious one with the management, which is now tired of the struggle. The announcement is made that unless prompt financial assistance is rendered the hospital will be closed.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
What the Town Hall Land is Likely to Cost.
The Commissioners appointed to appraise the value of property in the village of Jamaica, to be taken for Town Hall purposes, met at the Town Hall on Monday and concluded the taking of testimony.
Thomas Foley, who occupied the Denton property, considered the renting value $1,200 to $1,500 a year.
John H. Brinckerhoff said that a fair market value for the Denton property as it stands is $10,000.
Andrew Kammerer valued the Herzog property at $12,000.
Christopher Prinz valued the Herzog property at from $13,000 to $15,000.
Adolph Herzog reconstructed the building after the fire at a cost of $3,000. He paid $5,500 for the property 8 years ago. It is worth $15,000.
David L. Hardenbrook valued the building on the Herzog property at from $4,000 to $5,000.
The testimony was closed and counsel summed up for their respective clients. The awards will probably aggregate $30,000.
For Support of Flushing Hospital
E. N. W. Rossiter, Supervisor Pople, the Board of Trustees, J. H. Quinlan, John W. Weed, and a number of others are at the head of a petition calling on senator Childs and Assemblyman Fairbrother to introduce in the Legislature a bill authorizing the town of Flushing to raise by taxation yearly the sum of $5,000 for the support of Flushing Hospital. This institution has been maintained by voluntary contributions. The financial question has always been a serious one with the management, which is now tired of the struggle. The announcement is made that unless prompt financial assistance is rendered the hospital will be closed.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
Two Decisions Against Knapp
New York, 1895
He Must Issue the Bonds of Long Island city.
Justice Gaynor on Saturday granted the application of John C. Sheehan for a peremptory mandamus to compel Treasurer Lucien Knapp, of Long Island city, to attest and deliver to the purchasers certain bonds issued and sold to raise money to pay for work done in the construction of trunk sewers by Mr. Sheehan. The agreement with the improvement commissioners was that Contractor Sheehan was to be paid in installments. When the first installment was due, the bonds were issued and some of them signed by the mayor and city clerk and sold. Treasurer Knapp refused to deliver them, however, and the present proceeding was brought.
Justice Gaynor also granted the application of James A. Stevenson for a peremptory mandamus to compel the city treasurer to sell him three $500 water ponds at not less than par and with accrued interest and to take in payment warrants 1,160, 1,186 and 1,204, issued by Mayor Sanford.
The mayor issued the warrants in payment for work done on the conduits in Long Island City by Stevenson and directed that the warrants be taken in payment for the water bonds. This Treasurer Knapp failed to do, whereupon Mr. Stevenson made his application.
Special Term of Court
A special term of the Supreme Court will be held at the Court House in Long Island City on Monday. Judge Pratt will preside. The calendar is as follows:
Brucel vs Straube, Croly vs O'Brien, Edmiston vs Gladding, Flower vs Claven, Goodale vs Goodale, Gleason vs Sanford, Hudson vs Van Haven, Hartman vs Hoppe, Haff vs Worth, Long Island railroad company vs Long Island City, Muhlenberg vs Muhlenberg, Morgan vs Morgan, Newell vs Pomeroy, Peterson vs Harris, Rauscher vs Schmid, Stevens vs Stevens, Thorseu vs Gatti, Terry vs Long Island City.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
He Must Issue the Bonds of Long Island city.
Justice Gaynor on Saturday granted the application of John C. Sheehan for a peremptory mandamus to compel Treasurer Lucien Knapp, of Long Island city, to attest and deliver to the purchasers certain bonds issued and sold to raise money to pay for work done in the construction of trunk sewers by Mr. Sheehan. The agreement with the improvement commissioners was that Contractor Sheehan was to be paid in installments. When the first installment was due, the bonds were issued and some of them signed by the mayor and city clerk and sold. Treasurer Knapp refused to deliver them, however, and the present proceeding was brought.
Justice Gaynor also granted the application of James A. Stevenson for a peremptory mandamus to compel the city treasurer to sell him three $500 water ponds at not less than par and with accrued interest and to take in payment warrants 1,160, 1,186 and 1,204, issued by Mayor Sanford.
The mayor issued the warrants in payment for work done on the conduits in Long Island City by Stevenson and directed that the warrants be taken in payment for the water bonds. This Treasurer Knapp failed to do, whereupon Mr. Stevenson made his application.
Special Term of Court
A special term of the Supreme Court will be held at the Court House in Long Island City on Monday. Judge Pratt will preside. The calendar is as follows:
Brucel vs Straube, Croly vs O'Brien, Edmiston vs Gladding, Flower vs Claven, Goodale vs Goodale, Gleason vs Sanford, Hudson vs Van Haven, Hartman vs Hoppe, Haff vs Worth, Long Island railroad company vs Long Island City, Muhlenberg vs Muhlenberg, Morgan vs Morgan, Newell vs Pomeroy, Peterson vs Harris, Rauscher vs Schmid, Stevens vs Stevens, Thorseu vs Gatti, Terry vs Long Island City.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
Mrs. Goodale Wants a Divorce
New York, 1895
Through her counsel, Lawyer Merrill, Mrs. Lillian E. Goodale, of Port Washington, has begun an action in the Supreme court against her husband, Howell P. Goodale, for an absolute divorce.
New Poor House Keeper
The overseers of the poor of Hempstead have removed the present keeper of the town poorhouse, William S. Combs, and have appointed Daniel S. Wilmarth of Valley Stream, a veteran of the late war. The salary was fixed at $600 and that of the matron at $125.
Leaky Mains Kill Many Plants
A leaking gas main killed thousands of dollars' worth of plants in the greenhouses of William H. Siebrecht in Long Island City. Among the palms destroyed were Phoenix and Canariensis, each twelve feet in height, importations from Belgium. Siebrecht estimates his damage at $5,000, and says that he has 1,500,000 bulbs in his cold storage house worth $5,000 more, which he believes are also damaged. The gas company is taking an inventory of Siebrecht's loss, and if an amicable settlement is not agreed upon, Siebrecht will sue for damages.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
Through her counsel, Lawyer Merrill, Mrs. Lillian E. Goodale, of Port Washington, has begun an action in the Supreme court against her husband, Howell P. Goodale, for an absolute divorce.
New Poor House Keeper
The overseers of the poor of Hempstead have removed the present keeper of the town poorhouse, William S. Combs, and have appointed Daniel S. Wilmarth of Valley Stream, a veteran of the late war. The salary was fixed at $600 and that of the matron at $125.
Leaky Mains Kill Many Plants
A leaking gas main killed thousands of dollars' worth of plants in the greenhouses of William H. Siebrecht in Long Island City. Among the palms destroyed were Phoenix and Canariensis, each twelve feet in height, importations from Belgium. Siebrecht estimates his damage at $5,000, and says that he has 1,500,000 bulbs in his cold storage house worth $5,000 more, which he believes are also damaged. The gas company is taking an inventory of Siebrecht's loss, and if an amicable settlement is not agreed upon, Siebrecht will sue for damages.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
Jumping On Boss Youngs
New York, 1895
He is Warned Against Displaying His Boss Platt Collar.
In an editorial in Wednesday's Brooklyn Times, a Republican newspaper, Boss Youngs is handled in the following caustic fashion:
"The Republicans of Queens county are beginning to ask themselves with some concern what is the reason of the superabundance of mention of the name of William J. Youngs in connection with Platt levees and Platt caucuses. There are Republicans in Queens county who are proud to wear the collar of Mr. Platt, but there are not enough of them to elect a chairman of the Republican County Committee, and Mr. Youngs would never have reached the position he holds, and from which he derives what of influence he possesses, if it had been supposed that he would give any aid or countenance to the attempt to make Mayor Strong's policy in the matter of appointments a party question."
"Mr. Youngs may gain a passing smile of favor from Mr. Platt by misrepresenting and betraying the Republicans of Queens in this matter, but nobody knows better than Mr. Youngs, from his own experience, how frail are any hopes built on the favor or the promises of Mr. Platt. Certainly the Queens county politician makes a very poor bargain who exchanges his chances of advancement at the hands of the Republicans of his own county for the passing blandishments of a would-be boss."
"Mr. Youngs is of age, and has a right to choose his own course. But he would do well to remember, and Messrs. Fairbrother and Vacheron would also do well to remember, that the Republicans of Queens county are very much interested in this matter, and that they will have no use in the future for any of their representatives who misuse the trust conferred upon them to throw the firebrand of factional discord into the Republican party."
Mandamus Applied For
Counselor Wallace has taken the necessary steps to compel the Commissioners of Charities and Corrections of Kings County to receive into the Penitentiary the tramps and vagrants committed thereto by the justices of the peace of Queens County. On Monday Counselor Wallace obtained from the Supreme Court an order directing the commissioners to show cause on Saturday next why a peremptory mandamus should not issue in favor of the authorities of Queens County.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
He is Warned Against Displaying His Boss Platt Collar.
In an editorial in Wednesday's Brooklyn Times, a Republican newspaper, Boss Youngs is handled in the following caustic fashion:
"The Republicans of Queens county are beginning to ask themselves with some concern what is the reason of the superabundance of mention of the name of William J. Youngs in connection with Platt levees and Platt caucuses. There are Republicans in Queens county who are proud to wear the collar of Mr. Platt, but there are not enough of them to elect a chairman of the Republican County Committee, and Mr. Youngs would never have reached the position he holds, and from which he derives what of influence he possesses, if it had been supposed that he would give any aid or countenance to the attempt to make Mayor Strong's policy in the matter of appointments a party question."
"Mr. Youngs may gain a passing smile of favor from Mr. Platt by misrepresenting and betraying the Republicans of Queens in this matter, but nobody knows better than Mr. Youngs, from his own experience, how frail are any hopes built on the favor or the promises of Mr. Platt. Certainly the Queens county politician makes a very poor bargain who exchanges his chances of advancement at the hands of the Republicans of his own county for the passing blandishments of a would-be boss."
"Mr. Youngs is of age, and has a right to choose his own course. But he would do well to remember, and Messrs. Fairbrother and Vacheron would also do well to remember, that the Republicans of Queens county are very much interested in this matter, and that they will have no use in the future for any of their representatives who misuse the trust conferred upon them to throw the firebrand of factional discord into the Republican party."
Mandamus Applied For
Counselor Wallace has taken the necessary steps to compel the Commissioners of Charities and Corrections of Kings County to receive into the Penitentiary the tramps and vagrants committed thereto by the justices of the peace of Queens County. On Monday Counselor Wallace obtained from the Supreme Court an order directing the commissioners to show cause on Saturday next why a peremptory mandamus should not issue in favor of the authorities of Queens County.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
May Modify The Plans
New York, 1895
BIDS FOR BUILDING THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL OPENED.
There Will Not be Money Enough for all Purposes and the Six Lowest Bidders May Have to Compete Again—$70,000 of the Bonds Still Unsold.
The board of education of the village of Jamaica held a meeting Friday evening and opened bids for the erection of the high school building on Hillside, Union and Hardenbrook avenues. Thirty bids were received, The lowest bidder was Frank Mapes & Son, of Brooklyn, who were the builders of the Jamaica Bank. The bids were as follows: Mapes & Son, $58,646; Carpenter & Woodruff, Long Island City, $65,225; J. H. L'Hommedieu, Great Neck, $75,329; Savage & Smith building company, Bridgeport, Conn., $61,215; A. W. Buritt company, New York, $68,504; John T. Woodruff, Long Island City, $61,912; Isaac Van Riper, Freeport, $70,687; Randal & Miller, Brooklyn, $70,187; L. W. Seaman & Son, Brooklyn, $63,000; Whitehead & Uris, Brooklyn, $68,500; George Hilderbrand, Brooklyn, $65,500; W. & T. Lawd, Brooklyn, $63,891; R. B. Furgerson, Brooklyn, $64,500; W. A. Kassner, Jamaica, $62,945; Valentine Bangert, Jamaica, $66,900; Peter Cleary, Brooklyn, $61,400; Thomas Styles, Jamaica, $62,700; H. W. Otis, Kingston, New York, $74,604; Peter W. Philips, New York, $69,593; T. Mahoney Sons, New York, $75,400; Charles Hoffman, Jamaica, $66,800; Henry Glazer, Jamaica, $69,000; Stephen M. Randal, Brooklyn, $59,250; Alexander Brower, Union Course, $70,125; H. Watson, New York, $74,000; Probst construction company, New York, $65,920; James O'Toole, New York, $71,755; James W. Thompson, Brooklyn, $71,000; John Darragh, New York, $81,231.
The bids, on motion of I. U. Hyatt, were referred to the building committee.
It is now rumored that the board propose to have the plans modified so that it can be erected at a cost less than that of the lowest bidder by substituting a tin for a slate roof, washed brick instead of hard brick, and making other alterations in the plans which will materially lessen the cost of the building. To do this, it is stated, that they propose to pick out five or six of the lowest bidders and ask them to figure on the modified plans.
There is no question but that the board have the right to reject all the bids, but it would be manifestly unfair to Mapes & Son to ask them to figure on modified plans after their figures for the work have been made public. If the board consider Mapes & Son's figures too high, they should readvertise for bids on new plans and let everybody come in.
The board of education have still $70,000 of the bonds in their hands. It is passing strange that the bonds will not sell, and it really looks as if some legal flaw had been found in them, but which is kept secret. Only a few weeks ago 4 per cent county bonds sold at 108.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
BIDS FOR BUILDING THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL OPENED.
There Will Not be Money Enough for all Purposes and the Six Lowest Bidders May Have to Compete Again—$70,000 of the Bonds Still Unsold.
The board of education of the village of Jamaica held a meeting Friday evening and opened bids for the erection of the high school building on Hillside, Union and Hardenbrook avenues. Thirty bids were received, The lowest bidder was Frank Mapes & Son, of Brooklyn, who were the builders of the Jamaica Bank. The bids were as follows: Mapes & Son, $58,646; Carpenter & Woodruff, Long Island City, $65,225; J. H. L'Hommedieu, Great Neck, $75,329; Savage & Smith building company, Bridgeport, Conn., $61,215; A. W. Buritt company, New York, $68,504; John T. Woodruff, Long Island City, $61,912; Isaac Van Riper, Freeport, $70,687; Randal & Miller, Brooklyn, $70,187; L. W. Seaman & Son, Brooklyn, $63,000; Whitehead & Uris, Brooklyn, $68,500; George Hilderbrand, Brooklyn, $65,500; W. & T. Lawd, Brooklyn, $63,891; R. B. Furgerson, Brooklyn, $64,500; W. A. Kassner, Jamaica, $62,945; Valentine Bangert, Jamaica, $66,900; Peter Cleary, Brooklyn, $61,400; Thomas Styles, Jamaica, $62,700; H. W. Otis, Kingston, New York, $74,604; Peter W. Philips, New York, $69,593; T. Mahoney Sons, New York, $75,400; Charles Hoffman, Jamaica, $66,800; Henry Glazer, Jamaica, $69,000; Stephen M. Randal, Brooklyn, $59,250; Alexander Brower, Union Course, $70,125; H. Watson, New York, $74,000; Probst construction company, New York, $65,920; James O'Toole, New York, $71,755; James W. Thompson, Brooklyn, $71,000; John Darragh, New York, $81,231.
The bids, on motion of I. U. Hyatt, were referred to the building committee.
It is now rumored that the board propose to have the plans modified so that it can be erected at a cost less than that of the lowest bidder by substituting a tin for a slate roof, washed brick instead of hard brick, and making other alterations in the plans which will materially lessen the cost of the building. To do this, it is stated, that they propose to pick out five or six of the lowest bidders and ask them to figure on the modified plans.
There is no question but that the board have the right to reject all the bids, but it would be manifestly unfair to Mapes & Son to ask them to figure on modified plans after their figures for the work have been made public. If the board consider Mapes & Son's figures too high, they should readvertise for bids on new plans and let everybody come in.
The board of education have still $70,000 of the bonds in their hands. It is passing strange that the bonds will not sell, and it really looks as if some legal flaw had been found in them, but which is kept secret. Only a few weeks ago 4 per cent county bonds sold at 108.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
Rockaway's New Postmaster
New York, 1895
John R. Murray, of Rockaway Beach, was on Wednesday appointed postmaster to succeed Michael Holland. There were a number of candidates for the place.
Clare Takes Rossiter's Place
School Commissioner Clare, of College Point, has been appointed by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Crooker, a trustee of the Jamaica Normal school to fill the place in the board made vacant by the resignation of E. V. W. Rossiter, of Flushing.
New Buildings at Flushing
The past year has been an exceptionally busy one in the way of building at Flushing. The records show that within twelve mouths fifty-two new buildings have been erected. The amount expended for improvements is about $300,000. This is nearly $100,000 more than was spent in 1893.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
John R. Murray, of Rockaway Beach, was on Wednesday appointed postmaster to succeed Michael Holland. There were a number of candidates for the place.
Clare Takes Rossiter's Place
School Commissioner Clare, of College Point, has been appointed by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Crooker, a trustee of the Jamaica Normal school to fill the place in the board made vacant by the resignation of E. V. W. Rossiter, of Flushing.
New Buildings at Flushing
The past year has been an exceptionally busy one in the way of building at Flushing. The records show that within twelve mouths fifty-two new buildings have been erected. The amount expended for improvements is about $300,000. This is nearly $100,000 more than was spent in 1893.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
Could Not Get in the Poorhouse
New York, 1895
Mrs. Julia Shay, of Port Jefferson, was refused admittance to the almshouse at Yaphank on Wednesday. Just as the woman was being taken in it was discovered that she was worth at least $1,500. Supt. Baker refused to admit her unless she paid her board, and the woman went away. She carried $350 in a bag.
Mr. Vielhauer Has Disappeared
Ferdinand Vielhauer, a collector for the Mutual brewing company of College Point, has left town. An examination of his accounts revealed the fact that he is short $600.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
Mrs. Julia Shay, of Port Jefferson, was refused admittance to the almshouse at Yaphank on Wednesday. Just as the woman was being taken in it was discovered that she was worth at least $1,500. Supt. Baker refused to admit her unless she paid her board, and the woman went away. She carried $350 in a bag.
Mr. Vielhauer Has Disappeared
Ferdinand Vielhauer, a collector for the Mutual brewing company of College Point, has left town. An examination of his accounts revealed the fact that he is short $600.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
Held Up
New York, 1895
HELD UP
The Tax Arrears Commission Bill.
A PATRONAGE GRAB
Vacheron and Fairbrother Want to Increase
THE COMMISSION TO FIVE.
What was Originally a Good Bill is Now to be Turned to Use to Fleece the Tax-Payers.
BOSS YOUNGS' FINE HAND.
"Republicans Must Get Fat While They Can."
READ, YOU TAX-PAYERS.
Senator Childs is Holding the Bill in Committee to Hear from the Supervisors—The Newtown Creek Tunnel Bill, Another Republican Job to Plunder the People, Likely to Pass—Senator Childs Passed the Bill to Prevent the Strong's Causeway Robbery, but Vacheron and Fairbrother are Holding it Up in the Assembly in the Interest of the Brooklyn City Railroad—Burial Tax Bill May be Withdrawn—New County Road Bill On Third Reading—Local Bills Introduced.
(Special Correspondence of the Farmer.)
ALBANY, Feb. 21.
A discreditable condition of things exists in the Assembly in relation to the Senate bill to create a commission to clear up the tax arrears of Queens County. The bill has the approval of the home board of Supervisors on its merits, but it is said here that there is a disagreement as to the persons who shall be commissioners. Senator Childs introduced the bill and had it referred to the Judiciary Committee. The committee, it is understood, will report it favorably when Senator Childs asks for their action. Mr. Childs thinks it is a good bill, but at any rate, he would give it his support out of respect for the action of the board of Supervisors. He is waiting for the board to advise him of their wishes as to the commissioners, and then he will pass the bill through the Senate.
Mr. Vacheron and Mr. Fairbrother are waiting for the bill to reach the Assembly. They are said to have made up their minds to swell the number of commissioners from three to five, so as to make places for their friends, the purpose being, it is said, to have Mr. Vacheron appointed counsel to the commission, and Mr. Fairbrother appointed chief clerk. If the bill is thus amended in Assembly, it will have to go back to the Senate for concurrence, and Senator Childs might then feel like killing the bill as a matter of economy, for he would hardly be justified in imposing a tax of $7,500 a year on the people for the services of five commissioners, and perhaps $4,000 more annually for counsel fees and clerical help.
There can be no possible justification for creating a commission of five to do this simple work. The arrears bureau in the city of Brooklyn is conducted by a single head, and the work there relates to property valued at millions, while in Queens County the extent of the apparent arrears is about $500,000, and the actual arrears are said not to exceed $225,000, for the reason that a very large percentage of the arrears is fictitious, growing out of errors in the assessment rolls, and covering property that has no existence. On the plan proposed by Messrs. Vacheron and Fairbrother, about every dollar of arrears collected would be consumed by the expenses of the commission, for they are to have the right to sue and be sued, and as they are to sell the fee of the property to recover the tax, it is easy to see that the county would soon be overwhelmed with litigation, and whether the commission collect much little of the arrears, say not enough annually to pay expenses, the contingent fund of the county is made available for the expenses. There is no limit to the time the commissioners may remain in office.
A late dispatch to THE FARMER from Albany says:
"Vacheron is riding a wild horse. He will [make] every effort to kill the tax arrears bill unless he is allowed to name two of the commissioners."
Senator Childs has passed the bill to prevent the building of a road and bridge in Flushing, known as Strong's Causeway, at the expense of Queens County, and for the almost sole benefit of the Brooklyn City railroad company. This is the bill that the Supervisors approved. It is in the Assembly now, and is opposed by Mr. Vacheron and Mr. Fairbrother, who seem to have become special agents of the interested railroad company.
I can advise you, with a reasonable degree of safety, that the Newtown Creek tunnel bill will be amended to name the commissioners, and that it will pass in spite of Senator Childs. Two big contractors and a gas company and railroad company are backing the bill, and the influence of their money cannot easily be overcome. Senator Childs, however, still hopes to succeed, and to that end he relies on Governor Morton vetoing the bill. There is less reason for passing it now than there was last year, when Governor Flower vetoed the bill.
Senator Childs will have to withdraw his bill to impose a tax of one dollar on each body brought into Queens County from New York or Brooklyn for burial. The Newtown board of health is to submit a substitute bill providing for levying a tax on cemeteries. It is not likely to meet with any sympathy. All of the large cemetery corporations are in a combine and they can defeat any bill that comes up here.
These local bills have been introduced:
By Mr, Vacheron—Providing for the application and distribution of foreign fire insurance premium receipts in Long Island City.
By Mr. Fairbrother—For the raising of money to support the hospital and dispensary in the town of Flushing.
A bill has passed the Assembly authorizing the city of Brooklyn to acquire ownership of the Brooklyn and Jamaica plank road within the limits of Kings county and to expend $50,000 for its improvement. This is the wretched highway that runs to Jamaica.
Senator Childs has introduced a bill to regulate and protect the cultivation of shell fish.
The amendment to the banking law, introduced by Mr. Childs, has passed the Senate.
The new county road bill, introduced by Senator Childs, is in the order of third reading.
The bill introduced by Senator Childs respecting bridges on county lines has been reported favorably.
Mr. Campbell introduced in the Assembly a bill amending the general law so as to enable Kings and Queens counties to raise the money to build a bridge over Newtown creek at Hunter's Point. It will also enable the building of bridges over any streams in the state that are county boundaries.
The representatives from Brooklyn are somewhat alarmed over Mr. Higbie's bill to prevent Brooklyn from going over into Suffolk for a water supply and incidentally to prevent the taking of any more streams in Queens.
The bill provides that a board of supervisors in any county of the state that does not contain an incorporated city may decide by a majority vote that certain streams and ponds in the county are necessary for the supply of pure and wholesome water to the people of the county. Then the supervisors may cause a certificate to that effect to be recorded with the county clerk of that county, the certificate to contain a proper description of the stream or pond.
The real point of the bill is found in the third section which provides that "whenever such certificate had been duly recorded it shall not be lawful for any person, corporation or municipality to enter into or upon such ponds and streams, or upon the land adjacent thereto and take water therefrom, for the purpose of supplying water to any city or county other than to the citizens of the county wherein such certificate is recorded, except upon the written consent of a majority of the Supervisors certifying that the said ponds or streams are no longer necessary for the purpose for which they have been set apart."
If this act should become a law it would pretty effectually shut off any attempt on the part of Brooklyn to extend its water supply system over Suffolk county.
The bill to appropriate $900,000 for the improvement of the canals passed the Assembly by a vote of 82 to 31.
The bill to prohibit women from wearing big hats in theatres was beaten in the Assembly. Mr. Vacheron made a speech against it.
There is a bill before the internal affairs committee of the Assembly providing for the election annually in each town of a Supervisor and Town Clerk. It may not pass this year.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
HELD UP
The Tax Arrears Commission Bill.
A PATRONAGE GRAB
Vacheron and Fairbrother Want to Increase
THE COMMISSION TO FIVE.
What was Originally a Good Bill is Now to be Turned to Use to Fleece the Tax-Payers.
BOSS YOUNGS' FINE HAND.
"Republicans Must Get Fat While They Can."
READ, YOU TAX-PAYERS.
Senator Childs is Holding the Bill in Committee to Hear from the Supervisors—The Newtown Creek Tunnel Bill, Another Republican Job to Plunder the People, Likely to Pass—Senator Childs Passed the Bill to Prevent the Strong's Causeway Robbery, but Vacheron and Fairbrother are Holding it Up in the Assembly in the Interest of the Brooklyn City Railroad—Burial Tax Bill May be Withdrawn—New County Road Bill On Third Reading—Local Bills Introduced.
(Special Correspondence of the Farmer.)
ALBANY, Feb. 21.
A discreditable condition of things exists in the Assembly in relation to the Senate bill to create a commission to clear up the tax arrears of Queens County. The bill has the approval of the home board of Supervisors on its merits, but it is said here that there is a disagreement as to the persons who shall be commissioners. Senator Childs introduced the bill and had it referred to the Judiciary Committee. The committee, it is understood, will report it favorably when Senator Childs asks for their action. Mr. Childs thinks it is a good bill, but at any rate, he would give it his support out of respect for the action of the board of Supervisors. He is waiting for the board to advise him of their wishes as to the commissioners, and then he will pass the bill through the Senate.
Mr. Vacheron and Mr. Fairbrother are waiting for the bill to reach the Assembly. They are said to have made up their minds to swell the number of commissioners from three to five, so as to make places for their friends, the purpose being, it is said, to have Mr. Vacheron appointed counsel to the commission, and Mr. Fairbrother appointed chief clerk. If the bill is thus amended in Assembly, it will have to go back to the Senate for concurrence, and Senator Childs might then feel like killing the bill as a matter of economy, for he would hardly be justified in imposing a tax of $7,500 a year on the people for the services of five commissioners, and perhaps $4,000 more annually for counsel fees and clerical help.
There can be no possible justification for creating a commission of five to do this simple work. The arrears bureau in the city of Brooklyn is conducted by a single head, and the work there relates to property valued at millions, while in Queens County the extent of the apparent arrears is about $500,000, and the actual arrears are said not to exceed $225,000, for the reason that a very large percentage of the arrears is fictitious, growing out of errors in the assessment rolls, and covering property that has no existence. On the plan proposed by Messrs. Vacheron and Fairbrother, about every dollar of arrears collected would be consumed by the expenses of the commission, for they are to have the right to sue and be sued, and as they are to sell the fee of the property to recover the tax, it is easy to see that the county would soon be overwhelmed with litigation, and whether the commission collect much little of the arrears, say not enough annually to pay expenses, the contingent fund of the county is made available for the expenses. There is no limit to the time the commissioners may remain in office.
A late dispatch to THE FARMER from Albany says:
"Vacheron is riding a wild horse. He will [make] every effort to kill the tax arrears bill unless he is allowed to name two of the commissioners."
Senator Childs has passed the bill to prevent the building of a road and bridge in Flushing, known as Strong's Causeway, at the expense of Queens County, and for the almost sole benefit of the Brooklyn City railroad company. This is the bill that the Supervisors approved. It is in the Assembly now, and is opposed by Mr. Vacheron and Mr. Fairbrother, who seem to have become special agents of the interested railroad company.
I can advise you, with a reasonable degree of safety, that the Newtown Creek tunnel bill will be amended to name the commissioners, and that it will pass in spite of Senator Childs. Two big contractors and a gas company and railroad company are backing the bill, and the influence of their money cannot easily be overcome. Senator Childs, however, still hopes to succeed, and to that end he relies on Governor Morton vetoing the bill. There is less reason for passing it now than there was last year, when Governor Flower vetoed the bill.
Senator Childs will have to withdraw his bill to impose a tax of one dollar on each body brought into Queens County from New York or Brooklyn for burial. The Newtown board of health is to submit a substitute bill providing for levying a tax on cemeteries. It is not likely to meet with any sympathy. All of the large cemetery corporations are in a combine and they can defeat any bill that comes up here.
These local bills have been introduced:
By Mr, Vacheron—Providing for the application and distribution of foreign fire insurance premium receipts in Long Island City.
By Mr. Fairbrother—For the raising of money to support the hospital and dispensary in the town of Flushing.
A bill has passed the Assembly authorizing the city of Brooklyn to acquire ownership of the Brooklyn and Jamaica plank road within the limits of Kings county and to expend $50,000 for its improvement. This is the wretched highway that runs to Jamaica.
Senator Childs has introduced a bill to regulate and protect the cultivation of shell fish.
The amendment to the banking law, introduced by Mr. Childs, has passed the Senate.
The new county road bill, introduced by Senator Childs, is in the order of third reading.
The bill introduced by Senator Childs respecting bridges on county lines has been reported favorably.
Mr. Campbell introduced in the Assembly a bill amending the general law so as to enable Kings and Queens counties to raise the money to build a bridge over Newtown creek at Hunter's Point. It will also enable the building of bridges over any streams in the state that are county boundaries.
The representatives from Brooklyn are somewhat alarmed over Mr. Higbie's bill to prevent Brooklyn from going over into Suffolk for a water supply and incidentally to prevent the taking of any more streams in Queens.
The bill provides that a board of supervisors in any county of the state that does not contain an incorporated city may decide by a majority vote that certain streams and ponds in the county are necessary for the supply of pure and wholesome water to the people of the county. Then the supervisors may cause a certificate to that effect to be recorded with the county clerk of that county, the certificate to contain a proper description of the stream or pond.
The real point of the bill is found in the third section which provides that "whenever such certificate had been duly recorded it shall not be lawful for any person, corporation or municipality to enter into or upon such ponds and streams, or upon the land adjacent thereto and take water therefrom, for the purpose of supplying water to any city or county other than to the citizens of the county wherein such certificate is recorded, except upon the written consent of a majority of the Supervisors certifying that the said ponds or streams are no longer necessary for the purpose for which they have been set apart."
If this act should become a law it would pretty effectually shut off any attempt on the part of Brooklyn to extend its water supply system over Suffolk county.
The bill to appropriate $900,000 for the improvement of the canals passed the Assembly by a vote of 82 to 31.
The bill to prohibit women from wearing big hats in theatres was beaten in the Assembly. Mr. Vacheron made a speech against it.
There is a bill before the internal affairs committee of the Assembly providing for the election annually in each town of a Supervisor and Town Clerk. It may not pass this year.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
The Demand for Higher Salaries
New York, 1895
Judge Garretson has submitted to the board of Supervisors a draft of an act which increases the salary of the County Judge from $4,000 to $7,500, and the salary of the Surrogate from $5,000 to $6,000, and about which there is some misapprehension. The Roslyn News permitted a correspondent to argue against the increase of salaries as if the County Judge and Surrogate now in office would profit by the increase. They would not. If a law is passed making any increase at all, it will not take effect until 1899, when a new County Judge and a new Surrogate will be installed in office. There is no selfishness in the bill drafted by Judge Garretson.
Judge Garretson's reason for proposing this increase of salaries is that the successors of himself and Judge Weller will be barred from practising law, and the public should make up to them all or a proportion of the loss they will sustain. Whether this policy of the law is wise or unwise, it is the law and must be respected. We do not think it wise in its application to the whole state. In the majority of counties the Judge and the Surrogate are not actually employed with the public business for more than two days in the week, taking it the year through, and for the law to force them into idleness, and make the people pay for their idleness, is not healthy. In Queens county, which is the ninth in population, the law will not work out any public good.
It is commonly supposed that high salaries will place abler men on the bench; that lawyers of ability will seek the bench as much for the profit as for the honor. Experience and common sense show this to be a fallacy. There are lawyers who would covet the honor more than the salary. And again there are lawyers who would throw honor to the dogs and plunge in after the salary merely. If merit were sure to win, the salary should be ample. But every intelligent person knows that merit has little to do with it, for it is the political convention that gives us the candidates, and they are likely to be good or bad, according as jobbery and bribery shall determine, or good and bad relatively. The records of the conventions, both Democratic and Republican, held in this county of late years, give the people no reason to hope that the ability and purity of the bench will count for much in the deliberations of nominating conventions. The vulgar and incompetent, but rich lawyer, would easily distance the polished and able, but poor lawyer. The high salary would induce jobbery and bribery, for the low minded creature would see a way to square accounts financially. We used to see very decent men filling the office of Sheriff when it paid but a few thousand dollars a year. We do not see that any more. The office goes by auction, and $20,000 to $30,000 is the price. The same corrupt state of affairs might control the disposition of the judicial offices.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 4.
Judge Garretson has submitted to the board of Supervisors a draft of an act which increases the salary of the County Judge from $4,000 to $7,500, and the salary of the Surrogate from $5,000 to $6,000, and about which there is some misapprehension. The Roslyn News permitted a correspondent to argue against the increase of salaries as if the County Judge and Surrogate now in office would profit by the increase. They would not. If a law is passed making any increase at all, it will not take effect until 1899, when a new County Judge and a new Surrogate will be installed in office. There is no selfishness in the bill drafted by Judge Garretson.
Judge Garretson's reason for proposing this increase of salaries is that the successors of himself and Judge Weller will be barred from practising law, and the public should make up to them all or a proportion of the loss they will sustain. Whether this policy of the law is wise or unwise, it is the law and must be respected. We do not think it wise in its application to the whole state. In the majority of counties the Judge and the Surrogate are not actually employed with the public business for more than two days in the week, taking it the year through, and for the law to force them into idleness, and make the people pay for their idleness, is not healthy. In Queens county, which is the ninth in population, the law will not work out any public good.
It is commonly supposed that high salaries will place abler men on the bench; that lawyers of ability will seek the bench as much for the profit as for the honor. Experience and common sense show this to be a fallacy. There are lawyers who would covet the honor more than the salary. And again there are lawyers who would throw honor to the dogs and plunge in after the salary merely. If merit were sure to win, the salary should be ample. But every intelligent person knows that merit has little to do with it, for it is the political convention that gives us the candidates, and they are likely to be good or bad, according as jobbery and bribery shall determine, or good and bad relatively. The records of the conventions, both Democratic and Republican, held in this county of late years, give the people no reason to hope that the ability and purity of the bench will count for much in the deliberations of nominating conventions. The vulgar and incompetent, but rich lawyer, would easily distance the polished and able, but poor lawyer. The high salary would induce jobbery and bribery, for the low minded creature would see a way to square accounts financially. We used to see very decent men filling the office of Sheriff when it paid but a few thousand dollars a year. We do not see that any more. The office goes by auction, and $20,000 to $30,000 is the price. The same corrupt state of affairs might control the disposition of the judicial offices.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 4.
Editorials – Moral Glory
New York, 1895
The Catholic clergymen of New York have covered themselves with moral glory. They met to consider the question now so much discussed of having saloons open during certain hours on Sunday — the hours when religious services are not being held. A unanimous vote was given against open Sunday saloons. It could not have been otherwise with the declarations of the third plenary council of Baltimore standing as their religious guide. Perhaps the Rev. Mr. Zimmer of Far Rockaway, who so ardently advocated a compromise with the liquor shops in his town, will find food for reflection in this action of the New York clergy.
Some gentlemen in the west end of the county want to build a ship canal from Newtown creek to Flushing bay. It is an enterprise worthy of the best efforts, but these gentlemen are badly handicapped at the outset. They will ask the legislature to make an appropriation of $250,000 for the work, but the state will not be likely to do so, for the reason that the legislature last year granted a charter to a company that proposes to build the canal with private capital.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 4.
The Catholic clergymen of New York have covered themselves with moral glory. They met to consider the question now so much discussed of having saloons open during certain hours on Sunday — the hours when religious services are not being held. A unanimous vote was given against open Sunday saloons. It could not have been otherwise with the declarations of the third plenary council of Baltimore standing as their religious guide. Perhaps the Rev. Mr. Zimmer of Far Rockaway, who so ardently advocated a compromise with the liquor shops in his town, will find food for reflection in this action of the New York clergy.
Some gentlemen in the west end of the county want to build a ship canal from Newtown creek to Flushing bay. It is an enterprise worthy of the best efforts, but these gentlemen are badly handicapped at the outset. They will ask the legislature to make an appropriation of $250,000 for the work, but the state will not be likely to do so, for the reason that the legislature last year granted a charter to a company that proposes to build the canal with private capital.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 4.
Will the Supervisors Abolish this Sinecure?
New York, 1895
Last year the Supervisors appropriated $1,800 for the extraordinary expenses of the District Attorney's office. Nearly, if not the whole of this money was paid to a man dubbed "County Detective." His bills were never seen by the board of Supervisors, and, of course, were not audited. The money was paid out on the "say so" of District Attorney Noble.
The fund was created in the time of District Attorney Fleming for emergent purposes. If a crime were committed requiring the instant employment of constables and detectives, this fund was drawn upon to equip them with money for traveling expenses in the pursuit of criminals. There were numerous heinous crimes committed during Mr. Fleming's administration, notably the murder of the Maybees, and the murder of a woman at Glen Dale, but he did not use $1,800 a year, nor the half of it. There have been no notable crimes committed during Mr. Noble's first year in office, but, nevertheless, the money disappeared, and, as we have said, without the warrant of the board of Supervisors, which the law says must be had.
The methods of Mr. Fleming and Mr. Noble differ. Mr. Fleming employed detectives and constables only when they were necessary. Mr. Noble employs a detective all the year round, but what he does for his money no one knows, not even the Supervisors, who by law are required to know. The Supervisors have not authorized his appointment, and the drafts he makes on the treasury are not legal.
A detective with ability could be made very useful in this county. If the man who figures in that capacity has any ability, he has not put it in evidence. The probabilities are much against his having the necessary ability, as he was formerly a mere clerk to Mayor Gleason, and without detective training. If the position is to be a sinecure, this man is as much entitled to it as anybody, but an officer that is costing $1,800 a year should render the public good service. An efficient man could do a great deal to prevent the prize fighting that is disgracing the county constantly, and in bringing these ruffians to justice. He could be of service in running down horse thieves, and recovering stolen property. During the struggle of the people of Flushing to rid the town of thieves and gamblers, what was the "County Detective" doing? Nothing. The people had to hire detectives, and they had to hire lawyers, too, for the District Attorney did nothing. Like master, like Man.
One thing is positive: The man who holds this sinecure draws $5 a day and his expenses from the county treasury, work or play. The best information we can get is that he does clerical work in the District Attorney's office, runs errands, and occasionally serves a warrant or a subpoena. He is paid three times as much as would be allowed to a constable for like services, and the constable has to wait a year for his money, while the "detective" may touch the button to the county cash drawer on the first day of each month, without audit or warrant. Even the Superintendents of the Poor, who are salaried officers by statute, do not enjoy that enriching privilege.
It is the plain duty of the Supervisors to abolish this sinecure.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 4.
Last year the Supervisors appropriated $1,800 for the extraordinary expenses of the District Attorney's office. Nearly, if not the whole of this money was paid to a man dubbed "County Detective." His bills were never seen by the board of Supervisors, and, of course, were not audited. The money was paid out on the "say so" of District Attorney Noble.
The fund was created in the time of District Attorney Fleming for emergent purposes. If a crime were committed requiring the instant employment of constables and detectives, this fund was drawn upon to equip them with money for traveling expenses in the pursuit of criminals. There were numerous heinous crimes committed during Mr. Fleming's administration, notably the murder of the Maybees, and the murder of a woman at Glen Dale, but he did not use $1,800 a year, nor the half of it. There have been no notable crimes committed during Mr. Noble's first year in office, but, nevertheless, the money disappeared, and, as we have said, without the warrant of the board of Supervisors, which the law says must be had.
The methods of Mr. Fleming and Mr. Noble differ. Mr. Fleming employed detectives and constables only when they were necessary. Mr. Noble employs a detective all the year round, but what he does for his money no one knows, not even the Supervisors, who by law are required to know. The Supervisors have not authorized his appointment, and the drafts he makes on the treasury are not legal.
A detective with ability could be made very useful in this county. If the man who figures in that capacity has any ability, he has not put it in evidence. The probabilities are much against his having the necessary ability, as he was formerly a mere clerk to Mayor Gleason, and without detective training. If the position is to be a sinecure, this man is as much entitled to it as anybody, but an officer that is costing $1,800 a year should render the public good service. An efficient man could do a great deal to prevent the prize fighting that is disgracing the county constantly, and in bringing these ruffians to justice. He could be of service in running down horse thieves, and recovering stolen property. During the struggle of the people of Flushing to rid the town of thieves and gamblers, what was the "County Detective" doing? Nothing. The people had to hire detectives, and they had to hire lawyers, too, for the District Attorney did nothing. Like master, like Man.
One thing is positive: The man who holds this sinecure draws $5 a day and his expenses from the county treasury, work or play. The best information we can get is that he does clerical work in the District Attorney's office, runs errands, and occasionally serves a warrant or a subpoena. He is paid three times as much as would be allowed to a constable for like services, and the constable has to wait a year for his money, while the "detective" may touch the button to the county cash drawer on the first day of each month, without audit or warrant. Even the Superintendents of the Poor, who are salaried officers by statute, do not enjoy that enriching privilege.
It is the plain duty of the Supervisors to abolish this sinecure.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 4.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Hard Times for Oyster Planters
New York, 1895
It has been estimated that owing to the depression in the oyster trade there are along the Great South Bay at least 1,000 idle men. The winter has been a bad one in many lines of industrial pursuits.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
It has been estimated that owing to the depression in the oyster trade there are along the Great South Bay at least 1,000 idle men. The winter has been a bad one in many lines of industrial pursuits.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
Hempstead to Be Reincorporated
New York, 1895
The special election held at Hempstead on Tuesday for the purpose of deciding whether the village should be reincorporated under the laws of 1870 was decided in favor of the proposition. Under the old charter the village trustees were powerless to make improvements. The new incorporation gives them the power.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
The special election held at Hempstead on Tuesday for the purpose of deciding whether the village should be reincorporated under the laws of 1870 was decided in favor of the proposition. Under the old charter the village trustees were powerless to make improvements. The new incorporation gives them the power.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
Edward Dowling Honored
New York, 1895
Edward Dowling of Long Island City has been elected President of the Lincoln Club for the fifth time. Mr. Dowling is a straightforward, honorable man, and the club is to be congratulated on having him at its head.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
Edward Dowling of Long Island City has been elected President of the Lincoln Club for the fifth time. Mr. Dowling is a straightforward, honorable man, and the club is to be congratulated on having him at its head.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
Farmers' Institute at Jamaica
New York, 1895
A farmers' and market gardeners' institute will be held in the Town Hall, Jamaica, Wednesday and Thursday, February 27th and 28th. The list of local speakers is as follows: Address of welcome, John O'Donnell; "Forcing Vegetables Under Glass," J. Milton Bergen; "Elements of Success in Market Gardening," John E. Backus; "Farm Gardening," George W. Hallack; "Early Field Tomatoes," T. F. D. Baker; "What Agricultural Experiment Stations have Done, Can Do, and Cannot Do," F. A. Sirrine.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
A farmers' and market gardeners' institute will be held in the Town Hall, Jamaica, Wednesday and Thursday, February 27th and 28th. The list of local speakers is as follows: Address of welcome, John O'Donnell; "Forcing Vegetables Under Glass," J. Milton Bergen; "Elements of Success in Market Gardening," John E. Backus; "Farm Gardening," George W. Hallack; "Early Field Tomatoes," T. F. D. Baker; "What Agricultural Experiment Stations have Done, Can Do, and Cannot Do," F. A. Sirrine.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
The Woman's League
New York, 1895
The second meeting of those interested in the erection of a women's building was held at Union Hall on Thursday afternoon. A large number were present. A constitution was discussed and several new committees were formed. It was decided to call the organization the "Women's League," and the yearly dues were placed at one dollar. A communication was read from Messrs. Hardenbrook & Harmer, stating clearly their proposition as to the Lyceum, The offer of these gentlemen is most generous and met with approval.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
The second meeting of those interested in the erection of a women's building was held at Union Hall on Thursday afternoon. A large number were present. A constitution was discussed and several new committees were formed. It was decided to call the organization the "Women's League," and the yearly dues were placed at one dollar. A communication was read from Messrs. Hardenbrook & Harmer, stating clearly their proposition as to the Lyceum, The offer of these gentlemen is most generous and met with approval.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
Town Hall Land Commission
New York, 1895
More Testimony Given as to the Value of the Property.
The commissioners to appraise the value of land to be taken for Town Hall purposes at Jamaica, held their second meeting on Wednesday. Counselor William W. Gillen appeared for Thomas Foley, lessee of the Denton property. James F. Archer valued the Everitt property at $15,000. The stable building outside of the property he valued at $7,500. The market value of property on Fulton street near the Town Hall was about $10,000. The Everitt property that the town proposes to take was, without the buildings, worth $7,500.
William E. Everitt, recalled, said that when he gave his testimony at the first meeting he only included the cost of the new stable. It cost $5,000. The town had offered $10,000 for the Everitt property and it was refused.
George E. Tilly testified that the Everitt property and the right of way pertinent to the Durland property was worth $9,000; without the right of way, $8,500. John H. Brinckerhoff thought that the Everitt property, without the buildings, was worth from $1,000 to $1,500 per lot.
Testimony was closed as to the Everitt property.
George Maure testified that the Denton property was worth $11,000.
Counselor Monfort introduced the lease held by Thomas Foley of the Denton property. Counsel claimed that the town must condemn any rights that the lessee held under the lease, and it should not be taken out of the fee.
Commissioner Sprague — "I suppose that we can do nothing here but make awards for property.
Counselor Gillen — "We propose to show that Foley's lease is worth more now than when we took it."
David L. Hardenbrook valued the Denton property at $10,000.
John H. Brinckerhoff testified that he held a mortgage for $5,648.50 on the Denton property as guardian for Mrs. Denton's children. The mortgage covered other property than the Fulton street piece.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
More Testimony Given as to the Value of the Property.
The commissioners to appraise the value of land to be taken for Town Hall purposes at Jamaica, held their second meeting on Wednesday. Counselor William W. Gillen appeared for Thomas Foley, lessee of the Denton property. James F. Archer valued the Everitt property at $15,000. The stable building outside of the property he valued at $7,500. The market value of property on Fulton street near the Town Hall was about $10,000. The Everitt property that the town proposes to take was, without the buildings, worth $7,500.
William E. Everitt, recalled, said that when he gave his testimony at the first meeting he only included the cost of the new stable. It cost $5,000. The town had offered $10,000 for the Everitt property and it was refused.
George E. Tilly testified that the Everitt property and the right of way pertinent to the Durland property was worth $9,000; without the right of way, $8,500. John H. Brinckerhoff thought that the Everitt property, without the buildings, was worth from $1,000 to $1,500 per lot.
Testimony was closed as to the Everitt property.
George Maure testified that the Denton property was worth $11,000.
Counselor Monfort introduced the lease held by Thomas Foley of the Denton property. Counsel claimed that the town must condemn any rights that the lessee held under the lease, and it should not be taken out of the fee.
Commissioner Sprague — "I suppose that we can do nothing here but make awards for property.
Counselor Gillen — "We propose to show that Foley's lease is worth more now than when we took it."
David L. Hardenbrook valued the Denton property at $10,000.
John H. Brinckerhoff testified that he held a mortgage for $5,648.50 on the Denton property as guardian for Mrs. Denton's children. The mortgage covered other property than the Fulton street piece.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
Meeting of the Board of Health
New York, 1895
The town board of health held their regular monthly meeting at the Town Hall on Monday. Supervisor Everitt presided. Justice Lott was absent. Dr. T. J. Flynn, health officer, reported two cases of diphtheria, one case of typhoid pneumonia, and one case of scarlet fever, all at Woodhaven; one case of scarlet fever at Springfield, and one case of diphtheria at Queens.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
The town board of health held their regular monthly meeting at the Town Hall on Monday. Supervisor Everitt presided. Justice Lott was absent. Dr. T. J. Flynn, health officer, reported two cases of diphtheria, one case of typhoid pneumonia, and one case of scarlet fever, all at Woodhaven; one case of scarlet fever at Springfield, and one case of diphtheria at Queens.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
The Highway Commissioners
New York, 1895
The Jamaica highway commissioners met at the Town Hall on Tuesday. Commissioner Wolff presided. On motion of Commissioner Decker, the new road at Springfield running it front of the school house was named Higbie avenue, and made a town road.
The commissioners reported that a number of roads were still impassable by reason of the snow banks, and that gangs of men were at work in each road district opening the roads.
The bill of James F. McLaughlin for $75 for legal services in drawing the contract between the Long Island electric railway company and the town and drawing amended contract was ordered paid.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
The Jamaica highway commissioners met at the Town Hall on Tuesday. Commissioner Wolff presided. On motion of Commissioner Decker, the new road at Springfield running it front of the school house was named Higbie avenue, and made a town road.
The commissioners reported that a number of roads were still impassable by reason of the snow banks, and that gangs of men were at work in each road district opening the roads.
The bill of James F. McLaughlin for $75 for legal services in drawing the contract between the Long Island electric railway company and the town and drawing amended contract was ordered paid.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 15, 1895, p. 12.
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